Let’s talk fall footwear! When I think of fall shoes, I immediately think of booties and riding boots, but good ole flats are also a necessity during the fall! Plus, it may be too warm of riding boots for many of us, especially during early fall. Today I’m partnering with Nordstrom to share some reallyyyyyyyy good flats that I’m excited to share with you!
These are 4 types of flats that will round out your shoe wardrobe, and they are great for this transition from summer to fall and into fall! A couple of them are extremely comfortable too, so read on!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and normally 6/8 or S/M in clothes, 8.5 to 9 in shoes. All sizes are listed below in “Shop the Look” sections.
1. BALLET FLATS
First off, the standard flat! I’d recommend having a neutral pair of flats in any wardrobe because, when you get the right color for your wardrobe, neutral colored flats can be the go-to shoes you wear when you don’t know what other shoes to wear. I can’t even keep track of how many times people have emailed me asking what color/kind of shoes to wear with such and such outfit, and I’ve just answered, “A tan ballet flat would work well!” So easy!
The pair I’m wearing above is by Sam Edelman, and HOLY COW, THEY ARE COMFORTABLE. I tried a different pair of Sam Edelman flats last year (the Francis) and was pretty underwhelmed. But these here? Totally different story!
I can only speak for the nude leather (not the suede ones), but these are fantastic. They are pricey compared to the $17 Target flats I used to buy, but I really feel like you’re getting what you pay for, which is not always the case with expensive shoes. These have a cushioned footbed that’s really nice on your soles. The leather upper is sooo soft and flexible too. No breaking in needed! Overall, they just feel so good on your feet! Plus, they’re really versatile, will work with a lot of outfits, and can be worn in casual outfits or to the office.
They come in 18 colors(!!!) and there are suede and leather options HERE. Again, I can’t speak for the comfort of suede versions, but this nude leather is buttery soft. If you’re looking for a pair of versatile flats that are classy, classic, and allow you to be on your feet all day (teachers, I’m looking at you!), definitely give these a try!
I’m wearing size 8.5. Find them all HERE.
Shop for the Look:
Skirt: J.Crew Factory (similar)
Shoes: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 8.5)
OTHER NEUTRAL FLAT OPTIONS:
2. ANKLE STRAP FLATS
Both the color and the ankle strap make these a fun twist on a classic flat. I got these shoes from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and have been loving them more and more the longer I have them! This reddish orange rust color goes with so much more than you’d think and is a great way to make an outfit pop!
In addition to the color, I also really like the strap around the ankle. I’ve seen several shoes with ankle straps this season and think it’s a really cute addition that provides more character than a standard ballet flat. Not all ankle straps work well with my rounder calves and skinny ankles–they sometimes cut off my leg line. However, I’ve found a number of shoes with ankle straps that I love, and usually the width of the strap and where it hits my leg make the difference. Not all ankle straps are equal in that regard. There are several more flats with ankle straps in the widget below!
I’m wearing these in size 9. Find them in 4 colors HERE.
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size M; nearly exact but shorter version))
Cardigan: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size XS)
Shoes: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 9)
OTHER FLATS WITH ANKLE STRAPS:
3. LOW PROFILE SNEAKERS
White slip-on sneakers are a closet staple for me. LOVE ‘EM! I wear them with jeans, comfy t-shirt dresses, and shorts. I’ve heard people say they have a hard time making sneakers look chic, especially with dresses and shorts, and I think it’s the low profile that does the trick. These are some of my most-worn shoes during early fall and spring, and even a lot of summer!
I have an old pair of white sneakers that I love, but they are cheap, cracking, and will need to be replaced soon. I’m soooo glad to have found the pair I’m wearing above which will be the replacement when my current pair finally dies. There are so many things I love about these!
First, they’re super comfortable. I feel like if sneakers are useless if they aren’t comfortable, but I thought I’d mention it anyway. I honestly didn’t think I could find a replacement pair that was more comfortable than my old white slip-on sneakers, but I was pleasantly surprised by these. The footbed has a memory foam cushion. The upper is leather, so overall they feel sturdy and substantial but flexible. There is also a tiny bit of sheepskin UGG lining at the heel, which is a nice touch.
Second, I loooove the quilted texture. I usually prefer white slip-on sneakers to have texture so that they don’t look as preppy or as nautical. (Nothing wrong with that–just not my style! My current pair has a perforated texture.) Most pairs of white slip-ons I’ve seen don’t have texture, so I’m extremely happy that these do–and that they’re comfy!
They run a tad narrow, but this is coming from someone who often finds shoes a little narrow. However, the narrowness doesn’t bother me because the leather upper is soft and flexible.
I wear these in 8.5. Find them HERE! See ways I’ve worn white slip-on sneakers HERE. Lastly, if you’re wondering what socks I wear with these sneakers, I wear THESE.
Shop for the Look:
Sweater: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size S)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact)
Shoes: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 8.5)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
OTHER LOW PROFILE SNEAKERS:
4. LEOPARD PRINT FLATS
When I bought my first pair of leopard print flats, I was unsure of how much I’d use them. Little did I know they’d become a closet staple for me. They breathe life into every outfit of solids, but they also make for some easy pattern mixing with a striped or gingham top!
I made the switch from a very dark pair of leopard flats to these lighter leopard flats a few years ago and have since been asked about similar lighter pairs. The pair I’m wearing above is no longer available, but I FINALLY found a great pair HERE. I absolutely love the print on those! They are sophisticated and versatile, and not too light or too dark!
As far as comfort, they are…fine. Not amazing, but not uncomfortable either. They’re very much like my current pair: The upper is flimsy, but for that reason are actually easier to wear since they offer some flexibility. I would insert a shoe insole for some cushion since these don’t have any. Again, they’re not uncomfortable nor do they rub my feet in any way, but they just don’t wow me like the Sam Edelman pair or white sneakers above do. However, they are also half the cost of those other shoes, so there’s that. The print is really the selling point–it’s hard to find an affordable pair with such a great print!
For sizing, I felt the 8.5 was too narrow, but the 9’s were a too long and my heel kept slipping out. However, with a thin shoe insole the 9s fit perfectly. See them HERE. See my outfits with leopard flats HERE.
Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size XS)
Shoes: Nordstrom (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Necklace: J.Crew Factory (similar)
OTHER ANIMAL PRINT FLATS:
Those are four of my must-have flats for the fall!
Would any of these be on your list?
Huge thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!
