The Shoes That are Working Overtime in My Closet
and how to style them
If I had to distill my style into a few words, I’d say it’s a dance between masculine and feminine. Classic with a twist. Minimal, yet modern. Unfussy, but always considered.
Day-to-day, the foundation of my outfit skews a bit boyish—jeans, a tee, a structured blazer or borrowed-from-the-boys jacket—especially specially if I’m running around Paris. Most of the time I need something that I can pound pavement in, but still feel polished wearing.
To bring a touch of contrast to my, more relaxed, look, I often reach for accessories that feel more refined. Most notably—a feminine flat.
Ideally with an almond, softly pointed, or squared-off toe. Bonus points if there’s a hint of a heel—something you can actually walk in, of course.
Below, a bevy of options I’d consider the ideal “feminine flat”, plus a few ways to wear them. A mix of pieces I own and love, along with a few I’d be tempted by if I were in the market.
P.S. While Mary Janes and ballet flats certainly fall under this umbrella, this particular round-up leans minimalist—no bows, straps, or frills in sight
xx, Sarah
Loro Piana Rebecca Flat
Aside from a pair of flats I picked up in Florence years ago, these are my most worn. So much so that I’ve contemplated getting them in black as well. They just check all of the boxes for me—baby block heel, modern vamp, almond-shaped toe, made to last, comfortable.
The exterior is 100% calfskin, while the interior is lined with a soft, suede-like material that reduces friction and makes them that much more comfortable. Tbh, I wasn’t thrilled about the synthetic lining, but in this case, it adds to the durability and longevity of the shoe without the need for the usual suede upkeep.
Pro tip - if you find yourself in Europe, they are ~$100 cheaper + the VAT tax back.
Similar vibe for less - Marc Fisher Gunner flat
Co Pointed Toe Ballerina
Very similar to the Rebecca flats, but at a (slightly) more digestible price point. They’re simple yet sophisticated—the kind of flats that elevate any outfit without ever feeling fussy.
They’re also a great option if you’ve been hunting for the white Rebecca flats and coming up empty handed.
Also in the white almond toe flat category - Gianvito Rossi Amelia
Bottega Veneta Almond Toe
I’ve had several French women compliment me on these. In a similar vein to the Rebecca flats, but with a more modern touch. In my experience the leather is softer than the Rebecca—and little less durable—but easier to break in. These aren’t in store anymore (these are the same, just woven with the brands intrecciato technique), but there are lots on eBay and Vestiare Collective.
Cos Square Toe flats
A recent purchase, with zero regrets (also available in white). The square toe lends itself to a roomier toe box and the leather isn’t super stiff—both essential for a good walking flat. I also love the heel height, just enough for a little lift, but still very walkable.
Le Monde Beryl Luna
(You’ve probably spotted a trend at this point lol.)
These definitely lean more slipper than shoe in the way the upper hugs your foot, but the sole is sturdy enough for some pavement-pounding—especially if you add topy. The leather is incredibly soft (not stiff in the slightest), and the same goes for the suede options.
Tons of other colors here.
Similar vibe for less - Dolce Vita Braidy
Aeyde Betty
In contrast, the Betty has that polished, just-structured-enough look. I’d imagine they are surprisingly soft and wearable right out of the box (most Aeyde shoes are). The gently pointed toe and elongated vamp adds a bit of edge, while the barely-there heel keeps them casual and walkable.
More sizes and colors here.
Manolo Blahnik BB 10
I’m pretty sure Manolo Blahnik proceeded The Row with this kind of style, the BB 10’s remind me of The Claudette. They are a pure classic—elegant, refined, and timeless in that effortless Manolo way.
If you have long toes and aren’t a fan of toe-cleavage, then I would not play here. Instead I would opt for a style with a vamp that comes up higher on the foot.
Toteme T-Strap
I’ve always loved the t-strap flat and am glad they are still hanging around. They feel like a modern nod to something vintage—delicate, but intentional. The squared-off toe and slim straps give it a modern touch, while still feeling feminine and a little unexpected.
Gianvito Rossi Robbie
The most aggressively pointed toe of the bunch, but from a brand known for creating comfortable shoes. They’re sleek and sculptural, with just enough edge to make them interesting. The angular vamp and sharp toe give it a modern, architectural feel, without sacrificing it’s elegant vibe.
Similar vibe for less - Aeyde Cassy (more sizes and colors here)
Loulou de Saison Barsi
I was not impressed with the first assortment of Loulou shoes, but after seeing these in store the other day, perhaps they’ve turned a corner. They have that effortlessly cool, slightly undone vibe. The shape is relaxed, but refined with a toe box that isn’t painfully pointed. The leather also felt soft, but not delicate.
Also available in red and white.
Jamie Haller Mule
I have yet to come across a pair of Jamie Haller shoes that aren’t insanely comfortable and I’m sure these are no different. Part mule, part flat, with a beautiful shape. The higher vamp, baby block heel and gently pointed toe box give them a more modern and feminine feel.
Honorable Mention
Naturalizer 27 Edit Carla
I’m not a big fan on the heel tab, but I love everything else about these. Give the brand, I would venture to guess these are insanely comfortable.
In a similar vein, and with a few more color options. I’ve been wanting to try Essen for a while!
Morjas Ballet Flat
They’re not technically out yet, but a pair to have on your radar. I was able to get a sneak peak at them and can confirm, they are perfect. The toe is more round, but the shape of the vamp is more pointed creating the illusion of a longer toe box.
How to Style Them for Everyday
An elevated flat is one of my favorite ways to make a pair of jeans feel more polished and an easy way to look polished without trying to hard.
Sometimes I can feel too boyish and short when I pair loafers with shorts, especially ones with a longer inseam. A flat adds a more feminine touch to shorts without adding a heel.
10 Items I’ll Always Have in My Closet
When I was in college I had “going out” clothes and gym clothes - no in-between. When I entered corporate America, “things I wore to work” got added to the mix, but that was it. I bought what caught my eye, experimented with different styles and silhouettes, and filled as needed.
xx, Sarah
The dreamiest collection
Love all these options! It's also perfect timing because my pointed Coach flats that are very old are starting to unravel and I'll need a replacement sooner than later.