When the weather starts to turn, I know so many of us are thinking about sandal season and cute shoes we can bring out from the wintry depths of our closets to enjoy the sunshine. However, I don’t think my feet are sandal-ready at the moment, plus it’s been a bit chilly, but I’m still looking to freshen up my footwear and put away my winter boots. Here’s a rundown of fun flat shoes (not sandals) for spring.
Yes, I’m putting cold-weather boots away, but that doesn’t mean boots are out altogether. A seasonally appropriate option, such as half-boots, like Steve Madden’s Dunster boot in chestnut suede or tan leather, gives rustic vibes to a casual springtime look. For something with a bit more edge, check out Frye & Co’s Chesnee Bootie in black from DSW featuring moto-inspired buckle detail. Counterbalance the toughness of this type of boot with stark white and icy blue pieces for a chic, yet cool look.
If one of your favorite rainy spring day activities is watching old movies, or you’re just feeling all things French, then a pair of red Mary Janes, like Kelly & Katie’s Tajah Mary Jane Flat at DSW or DV Dolce Vita’s Woven Mary Jane Ballet Flat from Macy’s, will fill up your style cup. Red flats are synonymous with French style, especially when worn with capri pants and a crisp white button-down, which may not fit everyone’s fancy. However, red flats with a red matching lip will brighten up any outfit this season.
New to the scene are glove flats, which, full disclosure, I don’t own a pair and am slightly hesitant about. These are just standard flats with a higher vamp, almost like, as the name implies, a glove for the foot, but without individual toe slots, so maybe they are more accurately described as “mitten” flats. All that being said, Old Navy is selling a version they call V-Cut Ballet Flats, and I can see a black pair bringing some polish to a barrel jean and high-necked blouse look. If you’ve already had some exposure to glove flats and are looking to upgrade or get more shades, there’s Everlane’s The Day Glove in navy, pale pink, or birch green. In general, avoid wide-legged pants with this shoe, as it feels too delicate for that much volume.
Next up, another shoe I’m personally not too crazy about, mules. Fans of mules will say they give the illusion of a ballet flat with the ease of a slipper. I say, I feel like I’m gripping the sole with my toes the whole day to not slip out of it. If your toe-grip strength is up for it, I can see how mules appeal, especially here in spring, when your toenails may not be ready for exposure, but you want to free up some of your foot. The Aerosoles Amara Mule at DSW looks promising for staying in place, thanks to its foam insole and lightweight cushioning. My personal taste gravitates toward a loafer-style mule like Quince’s Italian Leather Horsebit Loafer Mule. Wear with khakis and a striped shirt for a preppy, circa-90’s outfit.
And speaking of loafers, ruched loafers are back in style! For spring, a pair like Loft’s Versa Leather Loafers in ivory grounds a floral floaty frock. You can also swap black patent loafers for a lighter, ruched pair for office outfits this season. If you’re looking to make a statement, then check out Mayberry’s Elise Elegant Leather Loafers featuring a purple kilted front and a leopard-print vamp. Vamp, indeed, these loafers are not for the faint of heart. Wear with jeans and an oversized blazer for a casual, but far from dull, Friday workplace look.
Lastly, our good buddy sneakers. This season’s trendy pair is lower-profile sneakers with white striped detailing. You can’t go wrong with a classic like the Adidas Grand Court Lo Sneaker, which complements jeans and joggers with its ubiquitous 3-stripe design. For something a bit more colorful, there’s Reebok’s Ultra Lo Sneaker in red and pink. Both pairs are available from DSW and will add sporty flair to any spring look.
These are just a few fun shoe ideas to consider as we slowly step into spring, since we’re not quite ready for sandal season.
