When summer’s warmth settles in, it’s time to trade in boots and heels for comfortable flat shoes. With an array of styles and hues to choose from, including loafers, mules, sandals, and ballet flats, there’s a perfect pair for everyone. While styling flats can sometimes be a challenge, the question remains: what are some outfit combinations that make them look great? Can you wear flats with a dressy ensemble or pair them with flared jeans?
In this article, we’ll delve into these questions and more, providing expert guidance on how to create stylish outfits featuring flat shoes. For additional tips and tricks, be sure to check out our FAQ section at the end of this piece.
What to Wear with Flats
Discover how to elevate your wardrobe with expert dress-up ideas and insightful information on various types of flats. This article provides valuable guidance on creating harmonious silhouettes by matching shoes, making the process a breeze. Moreover, you’ll learn transformative tips to revamp your flat shoe wear from ordinary to extraordinary, resulting in a preppy and timeless look.
↓ 28- Pink Dress, Jacket, and Headband
The charm of this outfit is undeniable! While a fleece jacket may not be the best choice for hot summer days, it’s easy to substitute it with a light cardigan or go au naturel. This versatile look is ideal for making memories on a summer vacation, exploring a new city, visiting a museum, or sharing a sweet treat with your significant other.
What really makes this outfit stand out are the chunky headband and heart-shaped sunglasses – the perfect accessories to elevate this semi-casual summer ensemble.
↓ 27- Floral Jumpsuit and Slingback Mules
This stunning outfit is perfect for a variety of occasions. Not only does it provide ultimate comfort with its wide-legged jumpsuit design, but it also exudes sophistication with the addition of a stylish bag and a pair of sleek slingback mules. The overall look is both chic and effortless, making it ideal for any event where you want to feel confident and put-together.
↓ 26- Lace Up Sandals with Short Shorts
Emulating Savannah LaBrant’s chic mommy style, you can effortlessly pull off a stylish outfit by pairing black thong sandals with thin straps tied around your ankles. The combination of a high-neck tee and blue denim stripey shorts creates a relaxed yet fashionable look. To elevate the overall ensemble, add an embellished ethnic belt that adds a touch of elegance. For more inspiration on how to style floral shorts, explore our comprehensive guide: 40 Ways to Style Floral Shorts.
↓ 25- Gladiator Sandals and Kimono
Elevate your outfit by pairing funky kimonos printed in leaf patterns with a crisp white knotted cotton shirt, cuffed denim shorts and bold black gladiator heels. To add a finishing touch, consider accessorizing with a statement choker or chunky bracelet that complements the overall aesthetic.
↓ 24- French Riviera Style
Embracing the essence of French Riviera chic means embracing simplicity and elegance, where every outfit exudes effortless sophistication. Take this peplum-style tee with white stripes on blue as an example, paired with a hot pink sling bag that matches perfectly with pink ballet flats. This understated yet stylish combination is just one way to wear a shirt dress in 27 different ways.
↓ 23- Cute Jacket and White Jeans
To elevate the classic combination of white ripped denim jeans and a white tank top, consider pairing them with a military green jacket featuring silver sequins for a stylish touch. The addition of a vibrant red belt will create a striking contrast, while ballerina flat pumps by Los Blanco will add a touch of understated sophistication to complete your look.
↓ 22- White Beach Dress
In her signature style, Barcelona-based blogger Mayka Jiménez de Aranoa showcases an effortlessly chic ensemble that perfectly balances modern and retro elements. The centerpiece of the outfit is a crisp white dress, cinched at the waist with a stylish belt that can be knotted in a classic bow or left loose for a more relaxed vibe. Paired with the dress are a sling bag featuring a vintage-inspired design and black flat shoes from Carina.
As white hues often evoke a sense of summer freshness, this look is perfect inspiration for creating a glamorous and angelic aesthetic during the warmer months.
↓ 21- Beach or Boating Outfit
For those seeking the ultimate beach look, consider pairing a delicate net-embellished chiffon top with flowy white lace shorts. To complete the ensemble, add a touch of sophistication with sleek white gladiator sandals – a favorite among fashion connoisseurs and style enthusiasts alike.
↓ 20- Chic Travel Attire
As the sun shines brightly during the summer months, it’s the perfect time to express yourself through fashion. A stylish outfit can be achieved by pairing a Tommy Hilfiger tee with cropped black denim jeans and a camel-colored coat-style piece. The look is elevated by adding metallic copper loafers for a touch of sophistication. With inspiration from these 30 School/College Outfits for Girls in Summer, you’ll be ready to take on the warm weather in style.
↓ 19- Denim on Denim for Girl’s Day
Step into the sunshine with effortless style! A combination of Gucci’s iconic black leather loafers and a chic double denim outfit is a winning formula for any young girl to rock during the warm mid-summer months. Adding a statement piece like a Gucci chain strap sling bag takes this look to new heights, perfect for a fun-filled day out with friends or family. This versatile ensemble is sure to impress!
↓ 18- Dressy Lunch Date Look
Pairing an off-white full-sleeved button-down shirt with a vintage camel-colored skirt creates a unique and stylish outfit. The addition of Aldo’s metallic silver bow slides adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out these 20 ideas on how to wear skirts for work.
↓ 17- Boho Style Mini Dress
Imagine pairing a striking red dress featuring bold white stripes and eye-catching dangling earrings with Aldo’s radiant gold slides, reminiscent of a summer’s day spent lounging with friends. The effortless combination is perfect for soaking up the sun’s warm rays in style.
↓ 16- Casual Summer Look with Slides
Mariya’s effortless style showcases a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, combining a crisp white T-shirt with text and high-waist denim shorts. The addition of leopard print slides elevates this casual look to a new level of sophistication. For more inspiration, check out these 16 cute outfits that pair perfectly with gladiator heels or sandals for the season.
↓ 15- How to Wear Flats and Still Get Visual Length
When it comes to styling flat shoes, one often overlooked benefit is that they can create the illusion of lengthening our bodies. To avoid looking stumpy, try pairing your flats with jeans that cut off just above or at the ankle. This visual trick can instantly elongate your silhouette. Alternatively, opt for shoes with thicker soles to add a bit of height without sacrificing comfort.
For a chic and effortless look, pair a statement abstract print top with a pastel-hued coat and casual jeans – perfect for a girl’s day out. When it comes to casual street style, glittery slip-ons can bring a touch of glamour and sophistication, making them suitable for ladies of all shapes and sizes.
↓ 14- With Long Summer Dress
When the sun shines bright and the temperature is just right, a flowy long summer dress with a flared silhouette can be a fantastic choice for semi-formal events or even more formal gatherings when you want to trade in your high heels for something more comfortable. The subtle flair of the dress creates a lovely balance, making it an excellent option for those looking to add some elegance without sacrificing comfort.
To complete the look, consider pairing the dress with a pair of pearl or bead-embellished sandals that add a touch of sophistication and whimsy. For further inspiration, explore 20 Ways to Dress Like a French Girl.
↓ 13- With Metallic Dress Shoes
The allure of metallic shoes is undeniable, with their sleek and sophisticated appeal. Among the most eye-catching are Oxford metallic shoes, which can be effortlessly paired with a soft pastel-hued sweater, light gray or charcoal-colored tops, as well as casual denim skirts, shorts, or cropped jeans for a chic and modern look.
↓ 12- Casual Street Style
Looking for a fashionably relaxed look that’s perfect for a casual outing or street style? One way to achieve this is by pairing chic white oxfords with crisp white straight pants, a Balmain t-shirt, and finishing the outfit off with a sleek black blazer. This combination strikes a great balance between formal and informal, resulting in a stylish yet approachable ensemble that’s sure to turn heads.
And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our comprehensive list of Dubai street style fashion ideas.
↓ 11- Off-Shoulder Tops with Gladiator Sandals
There’s an undeniable allure to off-the-shoulder tops that seems to captivate us all. To elevate this wardrobe staple, pair it with sleek, high-fashion staples like plain black or white shoes and a statement-making velvet cord necklace for added sophistication.
↓ 10- Floral Kimono and Slip-Ons
Elevate the classic combination of flat shoes and floral prints by mixing and matching statement pieces from different brands. For instance, pair Zara’s embellished sandals with ripped cropped jeans from the same brand, and add a touch of sophistication with Villas Milla’s floral cardigan. Don’t forget to complete the look with a trendy sling bag. Meanwhile, discover 25 ways to style a floral blouse for endless inspiration.
↓ 9- Cute Jeans and Slingbacks
Elevate your style by combining a classic black T-shirt with a pair of stylish light-wash jeans for a chic semi-casual outfit. Add a playful touch with a polka dot headband and complete the look with trendy round sunglasses and zebra stripe slingbacks.
↓ 8- Retro Look with Slip-Ons
Embrace the effortless charm of a retro-style dress, featuring bell sleeves and delicate off-white lace trim. Pair it with maroon velvety slides for a look that’s both whimsical and sophisticated, transforming any petite woman into a radiant beauty. For more inspiration on what to wear at home during the summer months, explore our curated list of 33 stylish ideas.
↓ 7- Patterned Greens for Stylish Summer Looks
To channel the stylish vibes of Martha Hunt and Emily Ratajkowski, consider combining bold pieces for a fashion-forward look. Start by pairing a bishop-sleeved green jumpsuit or a long green shrug over a crisp white v-neck cotton top, then add some edge with high-waisted jean shorts. Complete the outfit with understated yet chic black slides or leather flat sandals that exude artsy sophistication.
↓ 6- Kendall Jenner Inspired Look
Pair an oversized top with bold, contrasting stripes – such as red and blue – and a unique zipper detail like a turtle neckline. For a chic summer look, team it with high-waisted blue striped shorts and finish the outfit with white sneakers that make a statement. This eclectic combination is sure to turn heads this season.
↓ 5- Travelling Attire with Sandals
Pairing a sleek black playsuit with a crisp white tank top creates a stylish ensemble that’s perfect for semi-casual events. To elevate the look, add simple black slides and a stunning metallic gold bag adorned with a long chain strap. What we love about this outfit is its understated yet sophisticated flair, making it suitable for a range of occasions without veering too far into flashy or underwhelming territory.
↓ 4- Teenage Fashionista Outfit
While traditional notions of style might dictate that certain combinations are off-limits, the fashion-forward teenage girl knows no bounds. Case in point: pairing leather white loafers with a crisp white pleated dress shirt and a patterned straight short skirt is a game-changing combination. The contrast between textures and patterns creates a look that’s both edgy and elegant.
For more inspiration on how to rock summer style, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide, ’20 Outfit Ideas For Teen Girls In Summer’.
↓ 3- Semi-Casual Work Attire
For working women, neutral shades such as flat black or white can be paired with flat belted pants and a crisp, full-sleeved shirt in a subtle color palette. Alternatively, pastel hues can add a touch of elegance to formal attire. When it comes to summer office wear for women, there are numerous options to choose from. Some of the best include…
↓ 2- African Lady Flat Shoe Style
Just as Rihanna effortlessly pulls off a stylish ensemble, many African women can replicate her vibe by combining military-cuffed pants with a cozy woolen sweater, a lightweight printed blouse, and brown leather flip-flop sandals. This semi-grunge look is perfect for a fun-filled summer day.
↓ 1- Casual Tank Top Dress
Transform your summer style with ease by combining a simple yet chic tank top dress with brown or leather sandals. This effortless ensemble works beautifully for both beach days and vacations, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about what to wear. Simply add your usual hair and makeup touches to complete the look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do you dress up in flats?
While heels may be the go-to choice for dressing up, there’s no reason why flats can’t be just as stylish. To elevate your look, focus on dressier flat options such as sleek mules, metallic slip-ons, satin or suede loafers, and ankle-strap shoes. Steer clear of flip-flops, sandals, and other casual footwear that may detract from a polished appearance.
Instead, opt for gold, silver, black, blue, or red flats that feature unique detailing like diamante, studs, flowers, or sequins to add visual interest to your outfit.
Q. Can you wear flats with flare jeans?
For a stylish look when pairing flare jeans with shoes, consider opting for a pair with a slight heel. A bunched hem can create an unflattering silhouette and detract from your overall appearance. Alternatively, if you prefer flats, choose a style that hits just below the ankle or above to create a more balanced look.
Q. Are you supposed to wear socks with flats?
While it’s not uncommon to pair socks with casual footwear like Converse or sneakers, when it comes to flat shoes such as loafers, moccasins, or sandals, it’s generally best to keep them unsleeved. This stylish approach allows the simplicity and elegance of the footwear to shine through without distraction from unnecessary embellishments.
Q. Can you wear flats with a dress?
Flats can effortlessly complement a wide range of dresses, from flowy summer numbers to more structured styles. Whether you’re opting for a loose-fitting maxi dress or a trendy mini, flats offer a versatile way to tone down an outfit that might otherwise be too dressed-up. During the warmer months, they’re particularly useful for creating a relaxed, summery vibe – perfect for shedding the formalities of heels, sneakers, and boots.
