Every once in a while, I meet a client who loves her booties in fall and winter. And loves her sandals and wedges in the summer. But she basically has nothing else (outside of workout sneakers and a dressy heel or two). So, she’s missing an entire category of shoes – flats! And more often than once in a while, I’ll work with a client who has neglected her flats wardrobe in general. And has just one pair of black flats in the back of her closet (that have seen better days).
But, here’s the thing – you need shoes that fill the gap between bootie weather and sandal season. Because you need something to wear to the office (when sandals aren’t allowed). You need closed-toe styles that make skirts and dresses feel more casual. You need choices that are a bit more stable than flip flops. And you need something to grab when you’re several weeks past your last pedicure.
So, here are 5 different flat shoes that I suggest to my clients in the spring. And within each category, you can find options that align with your individual style and lifestyle.
NOTE: If you’re reading this in the fall, you didn’t click through to the wrong article. Because the same shoes that transition you from spring to summer also transition you from summer to fall.
SNEAKERS YOU DON’T WORKOUT IN
I know this may sound like a no-brainer. But it’s easy to get stuck in a workout sneakers rut. You grab the same sneakers that you exercise in when you’re running errands. And picking up the kids from school. And meeting friends for coffee. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But when you’ve put effort into your casual outfit, you want something that feels more intentional. And actually finishes off your outfit, rather than detracts from it. Click here for 7 pulled together spring/summer casual outfits.
The first sneaker I’ll recommend to clients is a simple white sneaker, because it goes with so many things. Wear it with cropped jeans. And wide leg pants. And shorts. And cute skirts (with your denim jacket). It’s basically the ‘I don’t know what super casual shoe to wear’ shoe. And you can stick with white, or you can go for something else - depending on your wardrobe and your style.
Sneakers (left to right) by: Ecco, Veja, Common Projects, Adidas, Converse
SLIP-ON SNEAKERS
This may feel redundant to the ‘sneakers you don’t workout in’ category. But when I have a client who is in sneakers most every day - for working from home and non-stop mom’ing – I’ll typically expand her sneaker wardrobe beyond one pair of white lace-ups. And that’s where slip-on sneakers come in. They’re an easy grab and go style. And they’re a bit more removed from their workout sneaker cousins.
I’ll often point clients to a metallic slip-on sneaker as a go-with-anything neutral (read this to find out why I love metallics). But again – you can pick colors and details that feel right for you.
Slip-on sneakers (left to right) by: Ugg, Vionic, Birdies, Sofft, Vans
SLIDES
Slides are a shoe that I’ll specifically ask my clients about. They’re a great option that’s one step closer to a sandal, but doesn’t feel as overtly ‘summer’. But some people are good with backless shoes, and some aren’t. So if you’re into them, keep reading. And if not, skip to the next category.
My favorite slide for the warmer months is jute or raffia or anything of a similar texture (second from the left in the photo). It’s the perfect warm weather neutral. And there are many other options, too – like loafer styles or leather or fabric. Whatever you choose, slides have a nonchalant ease that I just love.
Slides (left to right) by: Gucci, Sam Edelman, Jon Josef, Madewell, Birdies
LOAFERS
Loafers have been trending since last fall - and with good reason. When a ballet flat feels too girly (and sneakers aren’t dressed up enough), loafers are the perfect choice. They’re a traditionally masculine shape. So, I love them either leaning into a more boyish look - or doing the exact opposite, with something more feminine.
And when it’s colder, socks with other flats may feel weird. But cute socks with loafers and jeans is a really fun style moment. If you’re not convinced of the impact of deliberate accessory choices, check out this article.
Loafers (left to right) by: Sarto by Franco Sarto, Gucci, Franco Sarto, Vionic, Donald Pliner
POINT TOE FLATS
When my clients already have flats, they’re typically ballet flats – which are a great option. But when you want to dress up more, point toe flats add that little extra touch. And especially if you’re not into heels anymore, I suggest a point toe as the dressiest version of a flat.
And (as with all the other styles) you can find an option that works perfectly for you. There are point toe flats that borrow from a loafer silhouette. There are point toe sling back flats, if you want to show a little skin. And there are point toes that are more or less pointy, depending on your preference.
Point toe flats (left to right) by: Linea Paolo, Linea Paolo, Sarto by Franco Sarto, Vince Camuto, Beautiisoles
BONUS TIP: If you’re someone who heads straight into sandal season, try sandals that are a noticeable step above flip flops. Flip flops are fine for poolside – but actual sandals (or wedges) that are made of leather or suede (and not rubber) will enhance your outfit. And you can find styles that are more supportive than flip flops (and much kinder to your feet).
Which of these spring shoes do you already have in your closet? Let me know in the comments. And if you’re looking for other things I recommend to my clients in spring, check out this article.
If we’re not already friends on social media, let’s fix that! Follow me here on Instagram for regular style advice, behind-the-scenes working with clients and an actionable style tip every Sunday in my stories.
And click here to sign up for Style Mail – my twice monthly email with the style strategies I share with my own clients. And when you sign up, you get my free guide to what may be keeping you from feeling pulled together (based on what my clients were missing from their closets).