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This season’s buzziest shoe style? Flats! From basic black flats to polished penny loafers, quietly chic footwear is dominating not only our fall shopping carts, but the street style scene too. With fashion month officially in full swing, the showcase of fanciful flats sported outside the many shows, parties, and events cannot (and should not) be ignored. The fashion crowd is pairing their embellished Mary Janes, mesh flats, and even flip-flops with a healthy mix of wardrobe essentials and hero buys—think Zimmermann’s denim maxiskirt, Gucci’s Horsebit handbag, and a pair of silver-foil trousers from Isabel Marant. Below, see how to style flats for fall, according to the forever-stylish street style scene.
Street Style’s Top 10 Flats to Shop Now:
- The Minimalist Mary Jane: Vibi Venezia velvet Mary Jane flats, $110
- The Embellished Flat: Le Monde Beryl Mary Jane studded ballerina shoes, $595
- The Metallic Flat: Aeyde Uma metallic Mary Jane flats, $295
- The Best Black Ballet Flat: Everlane Day ballet flats, $145
- The Little Red Ballet Flat: Mansur Gavriel Dream ballerinas, $395
- The Smoking Loafer: Khaite Alessio glossed-leather loafers, $1,250
- The Mesh Flat: The Row Sock ballet flats, $690
- The Penny Loafer: G.H. Bass Whitney loafers, $175
- The Fashion Flip-Flop: Mango leather sandals, $80
- The Transitional Sandal: Birkenstock Cannes leather slingback sandals, $250
Back to the best black ballet flats: during NYFW, one showgoer styled her pair from Everlane with Isabel Marant’s aforementioned metallic trousers for a twisted take on the classics. Equally as tried and true are the minimalist Mary Janes from Vibi Venezia, which one street styler wore with an oversized button-up from Cos and Proenza Schouler White Label’s leather midiskirt. Crystal-embellished flats continue to rank highest amongst fashion’s chicest insiders, specifically Le Monde Beryl’s studded style. Per Vogue Mexico and Latin America’s head of content, Karla Martinez de Salas, wear yours with Cos’ striped tee and a denim maxiskirt from Zimmermann to achieve front-row status no matter where you go.
As for the fashion crowd’s favorite shoe for low-key polish? Loafers! Whether it’s the two-tone style from G.H. Bass or white penny loafers from Khaite. Then there are those footwear styles that err more on the trendier side, like mesh flats from The Row, little red ballet flats from Mansur Gavriel, fashionable flip-flops, and pairs of transitional sandals that can be worn well into fall. Below is a how-to guide on styling your flats for fall—according to the street style scene, of course.
The Minimalist Mary Jane With a Crisp Button-Up Shirt
This fall, the more minimalist the merrier. Case in point: this street styler’s Vibi Venezia little black Mary Janes. Follow suit and wear yours with Cos’ oversized button-up and Proenza Schouler White Label’s pleated leather midiskirt.
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The Embellished Flat With a Denim Maxiskirt
On the streets of NYFW, Vogue Mexico and Latin America’s head of content, Karla Martinez de Salas, stepped out in a pair of embellished flats from Le Monde Beryl, making a case for subtle shine everywhere. To go along with them, she styled her fancy flats with Cos’ striped Breton tee and a Zimmermann denim maxiskirt.
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The Metallic Flat With a Timeless Trench Coat
Metallic footwear is in this fall—in a big way. During London Fashion Week, this fashion darling styled Aeyde’s metallic Mary Janes with a timeless trench coat from Mango—a staple synonymous with the London look. Other chic outfit additions include Guest in Residence’s baby blue polo and The Frankie Shop’s black leather midiskirt.
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The Best Black Ballet Flat With a Silver-Foil Trouser
The eternally classic black ballet flat is one of fall’s trendiest It items, worn best with wardrobe essentials. Just take this street styler, for example. During NYFW, she stepped out in a pair from Everlane, which she styled with silver-foil trousers from Isabel Marant and a crisp white button-up.
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The Little Red Flat With a Basic Black Jean
Statement red clothing and accessories are surefire ways to stand out this fall. And the best way to do so comes courtesy of Mansur Gavriel’s cherry red ballet flats. Wear the pop of color with a pair of Agolde black jeans and The Row’s Park Tote.
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The White Smoking Loafer With a Cinched-Waist Blazer
Bright white loafers were a hit during the spring season—and the momentum is not dying down for fall. Like this showgoer, wear Khaite’s glossy Alessio style with a cinched-waist blazer from Proenza Schouler and High Sport’s cropped black pants. To match, carry Khaite’s shoulder bag in ivory.
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The Mesh Flat With a Tiny Tank
Another flat fad we can’t get enough of this season? Mesh flats. Like fashion girl Leandra Medine, wear yours from The Row with Leset’s timeless white tank and black jeans from Khaite. Gucci’s hero Horsebit handbag is another must-buy this fall.
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The Two-Tone Penny Loafer With a Baggy Jean
For low-key polish and a look that screams chic, find these two-tone penny loafers from G.H. Bass. Styling-wise, take a note from this showgoer and wear them with a pair of baggy jeans from Frame and a sleek shirt from Acne Studios.
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The Fashion Flip-Flop With a Double-Duty Blazer
Thanks to The Row, the fashion flip-flop has officially reached front-row status. Like LSD, wear yours with Mango’s double-duty blazer and a pair of tailored trousers from The Frankie Shop. Sling Savette’s minimalist handbag over your shoulder to complete the look.
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The Transitional Sandal With an It Bag
According to this model off-duty, your summer sandals deserve a longer shelf life. Just take these bucked Birkenstocks, for example. Worn with Vince’s sleek suit vest and Loewe’s Squeeze bag, this outfit formula transcends seasons seamlessly.