After April showers come cute shoes for spring! And while some folks are all about the flatforms, platforms, and strappy heels, I’m taking a more relaxed approach to this season’s footwear. This spring, I’ll be giving my heels a rest for a fresher and flatter shoe silhouette. Here are some of the flats I’m thinking about and how to wear them in the coming months.
First up, loafers. Really these are all-year-round shoes, but for spring, trade-in your standard brown, black, and navy loafs for either a lighter, pastel shade or a bright pop-of-color version. In white, G.H. Bass has their weejun loafer, while Sam Edelman has a penny loafer in pistachio. Traditionally, loafers are seen more as workwear, but I’d recommend pairing them with more casual pieces, like jeans and a floral blouse or a linen shift. Polished footwear with your weekend apparel will elevate your overall look and give you more style options for your loafers.
If you are already a fan of loafers and also a fan of slippers, consider adding a pair of sleek mules to your warm-weather shoe wardrobe. This slide-on is a mix of the more conventional loafer with the easy feel of house shoes. Steve Madden’s Kandi slip-on mule is the epitome of the loafer-slipper mash-up with a rounded toe, padded footbed, and metal detail. It does the work of a loafer but gives your heels some much-needed air after a winter in boots. Definitely wear these to the office when the temperatures start to rise. If you’re not so much into a more formal look but still want to give mules a go, check out Lucky Brand’s Byanic mule. This has a slightly pointed almond toe but woven instead of the standard leather vamp for a bohemian style, perfect for sunnier days. Shake things up by wearing either pair with a tailored jumpsuit or romper. That’s right; I said romper; with an easy slip-on shoe, you’ll have the time to squirm your way into that notorious one-piece.
Maybe you like the idea of a mule, what with it being a more open-air shoe that doesn’t need a pedicure here just yet, but maybe you are also hesitant since, like me, you are kind of a klutz. Well, then there is the slingback flat. Whether in a solid color or a pattern, a slingback has the feel of an easy shoe, the sleekness of a dressy shoe, and the support of a practical shoe. Naturalizer’s 27 Edit Avrie slingback comes in black leather or orchid suede and boasts their signature contour+ fit system to sculpt perfectly to your foot for all-day wearability. I’m loving the orchid version and can see wearing these shoes with a culotte and knit top combo. Or you can go full Audrey Hepburn ala Breakfast at Tiffany’s with a Macy’s Karaa slingback flats in black and a little black dress to match.
Last but not least are stylish sneakers. Almost as versatile as a loafer, brightly colored kicks can be worn with everything from joggers to midi-dresses. You can’t go wrong with a classic like New Balance’s 327 Lifestyle sneakers. With a 70’s-esque design, in an array of colors, and functional features like flared midsoles and rubber heels, these sneakers look as good in the gym as they do at brunch. Depending on your workplace dress code, you could even wear a clean, non-scuffed pair to work with loose trousers and a button-up. If you’re not so much into a thicker sole sneaker, check out old-school Converse. Their Chuck Taylor’s come in white, chalk, black, paint splatter, and lemon, to name a few iterations of these vintage-inspired sneakers. They look great with jeans, a t-shirt, and a denim or leather jacket ala The Outsiders, or wear them with a summer dress and wrap sweater for a fresh take on a feminine look.
Given that comfort is of utmost importance these days with a focus on relaxed fashion, it’s no surprise that flat shoes are overtaking heels as the stylish footwear of choice. Of course, there will always be a time and place for heels, but as we roll into May, why not trade in those pumps, wedges, and stacked heels for a simple pair of easygoing flats?
