Hop on the Hottest Shoe Trend: Learn How to Style Flat Shoes

I’m sharing everything you need to know about elevating and styling flat shoes. Follow along to learn how to style this shoe trend while keeping slow fashion in mind. 

A low vamp shoe sits lower on the foot, meaning that more skin is showing and there’s less of a visual line break. A higher vamp shoe hits higher on the top of the foot, like an oxford or an ankle boot. 

2. Ballerina flat

A ballerina flat is probably the most classic and long lasting flat in terms of style. If you pair the ballerina flats with a simple trouser, it’s nice to balance out the simplicity with something sexy or interesting on top. 

This ballerina flat looks great with this cigarette silhouette as they show off the ankle.

It’s giving a classic, Audrey Hepburn silhouette without feeling overly basic because of the tension between the denim, the sweetness of the ballerina and the sexiness of the cardigan.

Here I’m wearing a straighter leg pair of jeans that hits below the ankle bone. These flats look so good thanks to the lower vamp. 

If you want to style these flats in a more current way, then throw on a wide leg, relaxed trouser.

To balance out the extra volume, either show a bit of skin or wear something fitted on top.

3. A pointed toe

The next element that I look for in flats is a pointed toe. This shape helps elongate and gives a sleek, structured look that mimics a heel.

My preference is a pointed flat with a low vamp, which combines the elongating effect with the extra showing of skin. 

Pointed toe flats look amazing with wider leg denim, trousers and maxi dresses because they offset all of the volume:

Notice how the pointed toe flats look completely different from the classic ballerina. The pointed toe has more visual structure. This juxtaposition is interesting plus it feels sleek and chic.

I also like pointed toe flats with a mini skirt because they work with the sexiness without trying too hard.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve also worn heels with a mini, but that’s for very specific occasions.

We’re already seeing so much skin so it feels more laid back and refined to pair a mini with flats.  

4. How to wear loafers and Oxfords

What about other cool types of shoes like Oxfords and loafers with higher vamps and softer, rounder toes? They are no less flattering, but they have a different vibe–a little bit scholarly, preppy and menswear-inspired.

When choosing shoes like this, I look for a low heel plus an interesting texture or shine. This adds definition to your outfit and makes it feel more elevated. 

I love wearing these while showing a bit more skin on top. Try wearing them with cropped denim:

If you don’t have cropped denim and want to shop your closet, cuff a pair of jeans for a similar look: 

These look great with straight leg pants because they balance out the volume of the bulkier shoe. The slight heel adds a tad of femininity. 

I also love these loafers styled with a mini. Here I’m showing a lot of leg and on top I’m wearing a boxier sweater with more volume, all balancing out the weight of the heavy footwear. 

5. Overall shoe profile

The final aspect to pay attention to is the overall profile of the shoe. For example, the loafer is a heftier profile, versus these patent, pointed toe flats which are more delicate.

Paired with straight leg, black, vintage Levi’s, they feel overpowered. Whereas, when paired with the cropped, light denim, the flats hold their own and feel more harmonious. 

To recap, the keys to keep in mind are the vamp of the shoe, toe shape, texture, whether there’s a slight heel and the shoe profile and how it works with the proportions of your body and within your outfit. 

Flat shoe trend

I hope you learned a few useful tips that will help you style the flat shoe trend. Let me know in the comments what outfit you’re going to wear with flats.

Next up, check out these 12 fabulous work, weekend and evening outfit ideas.