The world is always changing, and so too are the fashion elite's attitude towards flat shoes. Once upon a time, no editor worth her salt would dare sit front row at a show in trainers. That's certainly changed. Those Stan Smiths have their own sartorial gravity on par with any mile-high shoe style. Not only does a pair of natty mules or luxe leather sneakers dial down a megawatt dress or relax a smart outfit, they ooze a level of personal confidence. You don't need to tower over your natural height or tiptoe over cobbles to look chic. Done right, flat shoes heighten an outfit's cool just as much as any heel.
Scroll down for 13 elevated, chic looks you must try on your day off from stilettos.
On Natia Bukia: Lako Bukia dress; Stella McCartney purse; Céline sunglasses.
Style Notes: Teaming box-fresh trainers with tulle creates the ultimate high-low approach to dressing. So next time you're wondering when on earth you'll get wear out of that dress that you can't resist buying, just think all the time.
On Lucy Williams: Loewe loafers (£350); Coach leather jacket (£995).
Style Notes: Espadrilles needn't always equal strappy sandals. Think outside of the box, and look to closed-toe styles in sandy colours for an unexpected addition to jeans and flowing skirts.
Style Notes: The weekend means you can reach out for your shredded and tatty denim that wouldn't be appro. for the office. Bring out your urban boho girl with leather biker accessories, shorts and a relaxed semi-tucked shirt. Those chunky, flat ankle boots are indeed for all seasons.
Related: The Best Shoes to Wear With Skinny Jeans This Summer
On Soraya Bakhtiar: Céline sunglasses; Reem Alkanhal top; Boyy bag; jeans; Gucci Jordaan Leather Loafer (£490).
Style Notes: An asymmetric shirt and jeans can look preppy unless you keep it cool with a pair of loafers, with Gucci being your natural go-to label here.
On Sylvia Haghjoo: Sandro trench; Paul Andrew flats (£365).
Style Notes: If you want to shy away from making a flat shoe style statement, or invest in a pair that goes with absolutely everything, then a flesh-coloured pair are worth every penny.
Style Notes: Offset a glamorous blow-dry with stomping military boots for an effortlessly sexy twist.
On Nina Suess: Dior So Real Sunglasses (£302); Adidas Stan Smith Trainers (£70).
Style Notes: No garm is too chic for a pair of trainers, so pile on the statement accessories, Pandora charms and faux-fur trimmings.
Style Notes: Never underestimate the power of smart staples to elevate your otherwise-relaxed shoe game. Veronika Heilbrunner loves these worn-in white boots, but her chic suiting readdresses the balance perfectly.
Related: The Best Colour Shoes to Wear With Every Outfit
Style Notes: Every girl needs a pair of metallic brogues.
Style Notes: Channelling Gwen Stefani circa '95 is always a good idea. Dig out those creepers, your deepest red lipstick and slip into your trusty denim jacket for a '90s revival.
On May Berthelot: New Look coat (£35); Ame Moi bag (£423), New Look trainers (£23).
Style Notes: No one can accuse you of being scruffy in sneaks if your look is perfectly put together. Dressing matchy-matchy in heels looks try hard, but in velvet pumps, the effect is more playful.
Style Notes: Flatform aficionados will fully appreciate the art of successfully wearing an espadrille in the city. Make like Candela Novembre, and wear yours with an elevated dress to strut between events with different dress codes.
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