Miranda Kerr in black ballet flats (left); Dolce Vita Cap Toe Smoking Slippers (top right); Cordoba Andalusian Riding Boots (bottom right)

It’s Julie Bortnick again of the fashion and lifestyle blog, from prosecco to plaid, and I’m here to talk to you all about what’s going on in the shoe department for fall. No, flats aren’t new by any means, but there are new (and very much improved) styles of flat shoes and boots that Roz and I absolutely love. From ballet flats to oxfords to smoking slippers to boots and moccasins, flats are just as fabulous as heels right now. Let me explain why.

Starting with the ever-so-trendy smoking slipper/loafer, women of all ages are turning to this style for their everyday shoe, and turning it into a nighttime option, as well. Depending on the color and fabrication, you can, without a doubt, take this shoe from a meeting to martinis.

Elaine Turner Blake Taupe Glitz Tuxedo Loafer (left); Jimmy Choo Wheel Studded Smoking Slipper (right)

The classic ballet flat is one of those year round styles that takes up the majority of the shoe space in my closet. I wear them with everything. Pairing a smooth leather ballet flat with jeans and a tee works just as well as wearing a patent leather pair with a fall dress and blazer.

Elaine Turner Paige Metallic Cheetah Ballet (left); Jimmy Choo Whirl Tortoise-Print Ballerina (right)

Oxfords are tailored and fun to pair with anything from colored jeans and a button down to a skirt and blouse combo. They have been around for a while, and they aren’t going anywhere. Suede oxfords are catching my eye at the moment in tans and greys as outfit completers to the Borrow From The Boys/Menswear trend.

Dolce Vita Mini Suede Oxfords

Now that the weather is (hopefully) turning to lower digits, boots are ready to be worn. Flat riding boots are incredibly chic and perfectly wearable with almost anything in your wardrobe. Wearing these boots over leggings, tights, jeans, with a dress or skirt, everything goes.  Booties with a rugged feel are a great flat alternative right now with jeans or skirts and with or without tights.

Neiman Marcus Lanvin Two-Tone Harness Riding Boot (left); Image Courtesy of Shopaholic-in-Oxfords.blogspot.com (right)

I’m thrilled that flats are everywhere these days because as much as I love my heels, there is nothing like being so extremely comfortable throughout the day and night. You can find any print, pattern, color, and fabric in flats at every single price point. If you’re on the hunt for new shoes for the season, my suggestion is pick up a smoking slipper and a flat boot/bootie for the newest look out there. Keeping it flat for Fall is a great way to add style AND comfort to your wardrobe.

Tags: Flats, Shoes

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 18th, 2012 at 9:45 am by Roz Pactor and is filed under Fashion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.