6 Easy Fall Outfits Everyone Will Wear With Flats
Flats are having a renaissance of sorts lately. In many ways, they have replaced heels and are winning out as the "cool girl” shoe of the moment, but that momentum is only growing as we head into fall. Alaïa Mary Janes continue to sell out the moment they are restocked, ballerina flats are constantly being reinvented with new design details, and sleek, polished flats are taking off in a major way. In short, there is no slowing down in sight.
So, how will fashion insiders style the shoes once we hit fall? Ahead, see some transitional flat shoe outfits to wear as we head into the upcoming season. From the ways we’re already seeing Prada’s floral-embellished flats styled to the way we will see the "wrong-shoe theory” play out this fall, these are the flat shoe outfits to inspire your new-season wardrobe. Shop each of the looks here.
Embellished Flats With a Mini Skirt
Prada's flower-adorned flats were one of the buzziest shoes at fashion month and we're already seeing fashion insiders replicate looks from the runway with mini skirts, knits, and blazers. You can guarantee to see this outfit formula take over this fall.
The "Wrong Shoe"
Stylist Allison Bornstein went viral this summer for her "wrong-shoe theory", which comes down to opting for a pair of shoes that seem mismatched to your outfit and go against your first styling instincts. How will be see that play out for fall? I'm betting on loafers with dresses as spotted on Kendall Jenner.
More Is More
Quiet luxury has all but taken over 2023. If you've grown fatigued by the pared-back fashion, reach for statement-making prints paired with embellished flats like Who What Wear associate editor, Yusra Siddiqui.
Just Add Alaïa Flats
Alaïa Mary Jane flats are the viral shoe taking over in 2023 that have been nearly impossible to track down. The styling opportunities are endless but work perfectly with a simple jeans and blazer look. Word to the wise: Add them to your cart immediately if you find them available in your size.
Go For Mesh
Transition mesh flats to fall by reaching for maxi skirts and tailored blazers for a look that can transition from the office to dinners or events. Look for flats from brands including The Row and Dear Frances.
Finished With Polished Flats
Perhaps this editor's favorite flats: Polished styles. Spotted in the collections of brands including Chanel and Saint Laurent, we're seeing them designed with everything from metal hardware to sweet bows, so you can tap into whichever version fits into your personal sense of style. Simply add jeans and a knit top.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
I Just Saved $360 by Purchasing These New H&M Flats Instead of the Designer Pair I Originally Wanted
Talk about a win.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Spotted in Midtown NYC: The Blazer Trend Elegant Dressers Will Wear With Jeans This Spring
I feel strongly about this.
By Allyson Payer
-
10 Who What Wear Editors, 64 Spring Buys—Inside Our Seasonal Mood Boards
Everything inspiring our wardrobes this season.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Anti–Skinny Jeans Are Still Ruling in 2025—Finally, 15 Fresh Ways to Wear Them
Stealing these looks this season.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Spotted on the Streets of L.A.: The Chicest Shoe Trend to Wear With Black Trousers
Sorry, sneakers—it's not your time.
By Eliza Huber
-
I'm Calling It: These Celeb-Backed Shoe Styles Are Going to Be Everywhere This Spring
Get ready.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
From Prada to COS—Here's Everything I Packed and Wore for Milan Fashion Week
A full breakdown.
By Eliza Huber
-
I Already Have an Elevated Closet, But If I Were to Start Over, I'd Go for These 5 Staples
Effortless outfit ideas ahead.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes