The busy girl's guide to every style of flat shoes and what to pair them with

Ballerina Flats

1/19

Definition: A light, flat shoe that usually has a round toe and an open instep, resembling those worn by ballet dancers.

Style tip: These timeless classics are a must-have in every wardrobe, as they make for the perfect day-to-night shoe. We recommend splurging on 2 pairs in black and nude as they’ll never go out of style.

Photo: ASOS

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF DRESS

Mary Janes

2/19

Definition: A flat shoe with a strap over the instep.  

Style tip: Oozing all sorts of vintage schoolgirl vibes, Mary Janes can be tricky to style. We suggest opting for a pair of solid leather ones in quirky colours, and style with distressed boyfriend jeans or denim shirt dresses.

Photo: Drmartin

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S EASY GUIDE TO HOROLOGY – BECOME A TIMEPIECE EXPERT IN UNDER 5 MINUTES

Plimsolls

3/19

Definition: Initially developed as beachwear in the 1830s, plimsolls are a type of athletic shoe with a canvas upper and rubber sole. They have come a long way and in the recent years, have been re-designed for the high street and designer markets.

Style tip: These are a great way to add a mild touch of atheleisure to your outfit without having to wearing sneakers. They are also incredibly versatile, and can go with almost everything. From pony hair to leather to traditional canvas, we especially love plimsolls for vacations as they don’t take up much space in your luggage and look super stylish.

Photo: ASOS

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S EASY GUIDE TO HOROLOGY – BECOME A TIMEPIECE EXPERT IN UNDER 5 MINUTES

T-Bar Flats

4/19

Definition: Flats with a ‘T’ shaped strap that crosses the tops of your feet, wrapping around the ankle.

Style tip: Nothing dresses up an outfit more than a pair of pointed-toe T-Bar flats. Opt for a pair with studs (think the Valentino Rock Studs) teamed with a snugly fitted dress for the ultimate day-to-night look. They also go great with cuffed pants, midi skirts and flowy summer dresses.

Photo: Nordstrom

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S EASY GUIDE TO HOROLOGY – BECOME A TIMEPIECE EXPERT IN UNDER 5 MINUTES

Loafers

5/19

Definition: These shoes feature a tongue that covers half the instep and extends to the toe cap. They can be completely flat or have a low heel, and has no lacing or fastening system.  

Style tip: These office-appropriate, borrowed-from-the-boys style of shoe is perfect for those days the last thing you want to do is wear heels! The slightly masculine shape goes perfectly with cigarette pants, skinny jeans or shirt-dresses. If they are patent or leather, be sure to polish regularly to remove smudges and scratches.

Photo: Net-a-porter

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF HAT AND HOW TO WORK THEM INTO YOUR OOTD

Oxfords

6/19

Definition: A classic, lace-up shoe that typically has a rounded toe cap and are characterised by eyelets for shoelaces. The heel height can range from flat to mid-high.

Style tip: Another perfect-for-the-office shoe, the oxfords are now readily available in all sorts of quirky styles, from electric blue suede to patent silver. We highly recommend experimenting with more fun designs instead of sticking with tradition black or brown (although there’s nothing wrong with that either).

Photo: Net-a-porter

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF DRESS

Lace up

7/19

Definition: Think of it as a crossover between ballerina flats and gladiator sandals. Lace up sandals can be either open or closed-toe, and fasten to your feet by lacing up a length of string around your ankles.   

Style tip: If you are on the petite side, note that the added material around your ankles can cause your legs to look even shorter, so opt for a pair that is close to your skin tone. More intricate designs can easily take you from boardroom to bar, where simpler styles are best left for the weekend or vacations.  

Photo: Revolve Clothing

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF DRESS

Jellies

8/19

Definition: Semi-transparent flats that are made of rubber or plastic.

Style tip: This super casual style is best left for summer vacations at the beach. Pair with swimsuits or casual summer dresses. The nature of the material can cause your feet to er, not smell as good as they should, so consider spritzing deodorant if you’re wearing them for prolonged periods.

Photo: Jellybeans

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S EASY GUIDE TO HOROLOGY – BECOME A TIMEPIECE EXPERT IN UNDER 5 MINUTES

Sneakers

9/19

Definition: Lace up shoes available in all sorts of materials from leather to canvas. They typically have a rounded toe and rubber sole.

Style tip: We can all thank the rise of atheleisure for making sneakers super fashionable. We suggest having several pairs to suit different occasions: a pair of good leather ones for more formal settings like casual Fridays at the office or even your wedding, and sporty variants (Flyknits, for example) to channel that Kendall Jenner off-duty vibe on weekends.

Photo: Net-a-porter

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF HAT AND HOW TO WORK THEM INTO YOUR OOTD

Sandals

10/19

Definition: A light, open-toe and back shoe with straps that attach the sole to the foot.

Style tip: Perfect for summer months (or year long tropical climates), sandals go with basically anything, from shorts to skirts, dresses to rompers and even jeans. There are many high-street variants that come embellished with large crystals and lean toward the chunkier side with thicker soles – we love those with cuffed distressed jeans or trapeze dresses.

Photo: Net-a-porter

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF DRESS

Gladiator Sandals

11/19

Definition: An open type of footwear where the sole is held to wearer’s foot by several straps. They are often closed heeled, and are inspired by the footwear of the Roman gladiators.  

Style tip: The perfect mix of edge and comfort, gladiator sandals are our go-to choice for festivals, beach holidays, weekend brunches and casual Fridays. Pair with skinny jeans, full skirted dresses or peg-legged pants. Don’t forget your pedicure!

Photo: Net-a-porter

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF HAT AND HOW TO WORK THEM INTO YOUR OOTD

Peep toe

12/19

Definition: Think of these as ballerina flats but with the toe cap cut out. They are available in all sorts of styles and can feature adornments like ribbons or rhinestones.

Style tip: If you are looking for a shoe to show off your pedicure, this is it. Peep toe flats are super comfortable and go with practically everything, from full skirted dresses to skinny jeans.

Photo: Nordstrom

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF HAT AND HOW TO WORK THEM INTO YOUR OOTD

Espadrilles

13/19

Definition: Light canvas or cotton shoes featuring a plaited, fibre sole. You’ll find this style in a variety of forms, from slip ons, sandals to heels.

Style tip: This super casual but summer-chic shoe is our favourite choice for brunch or picnics in the park. We love pairing our espadrilles with floaty, summer dresses or wide-legged linen pants.

Photo: Revolve Clothing

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF DRESS

Deck shoes

14/19

Definition: Lightweight, flexible and comfortable with a sturdy, non-slip sole, this style of shoes were originally intended to be worn on boat decks. They usually feature side lacing around the topline.

Style tip: Channel those summer-on-the-Riviera vibes and pair your deck shoes with all things striped. For a more feminine touch, pair with a full skirt and cropped top, and don’t forget the sunhat. Alternatively, opt for a pair of white pants paired with a blue blazer.

Photo: ASOS

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S EASY GUIDE TO HOROLOGY – BECOME A TIMEPIECE EXPERT IN UNDER 5 MINUTES

Mules

15/19

Definition: A style of shoe that has no back or constraints around the foot’s heel and are worn simply by sliding your foot in.  

Style tip: Mules made a major comeback over the last couple of years, and are excellent for both casual and more formal settings. With so many designs available, we suggest having several styles (plain, with adornments and patterned) to suit a variety of occasions.  

Photo: Nordstrom

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S EASY GUIDE TO HOROLOGY – BECOME A TIMEPIECE EXPERT IN UNDER 5 MINUTES

Brogues

16/19

Definition: Low-heeled lace-up shoes that are traditionally characterized by multiple pieces of leather uppers sewn together. They typically feature decorative perforations around the edges of each leather piece, and usually have a rounded toe.  

Style tip: Show off your brogues by pairing them with a pair of cuffed pants that end just above the ankle, or go for style juxtaposition by styling them with a dress with a fuller skirt. New brogues can be hard to break in at first due to the stiff leather, so rub some Vaseline on the back to prevent blisters.  

Photo: Net-a-porter

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF DRESS

Monk

17/19

Definition: A style of shoe with no lacing and fastens by a buckle or one or two straps. They are usually pointy-toed and can be completely flat or low-heeled.

Style tip: Super smart and somewhat masculine, monk shoes are a great alternative to brogues or oxfords as they are easy to put on. Pair with skinny cigarette pants, skinny jeans or even a shirt dress.  

Photo: ASOS

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF HAT AND HOW TO WORK THEM INTO YOUR OOTD

Buckle Strap Sandals

18/19

Definition: Shoes featuring a suede or leather upper with an open toe and 2-3 buckle-adjustable straps – think Birkenstocks.

Style tip: This summer must-have is perfect for warmer climates, and they are so comfortable that they are essential for any vacations that require walking. Pair with light chiffon dresses and shorts for your next Bali getaway, or with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans (rolled up to your ankles) for an edgy off-duty vibe.

Photo: ASOS

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF HAT AND HOW TO WORK THEM INTO YOUR OOTD

Moccasins

19/19

Definition: Comfortable, flat shoes with rounded toes that are traditionally adorned with tassels or fringe. They are usually made of leather or suede.  

Style tip: More casual than formal, we recommend styling moccasins with skinny or slim fit jeans, and turning up the hems to emphasise the shoe. Complete your outfit with a blazer for a touch of smartness.

Photo: Nordstrom

 

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERY STYLE OF DRESS