Flats are back!

When it comes to an evening out or a special occasion, most women opt for heels rather than flats because they feel more dressy, more feminine and more sexy. But, this year it's all about the flat. 

You will be spoilt for choice with colour, pattern and embellishment from animal print to patent to sparkly. For those who don't like to play it safe when it comes to fashion, you will find some fabulous statement looks. The trick is choosing the right style of flat for you and for your wardrobe.

Loafers (inc. slipper style)

Wear with

Long and cropped trousers, culottes, some skirts. Heavy loafers with winter skirts only.  For spring and summer choose bright or pastel colours which look more feminine. 

Tips

They work best with tailored clothing and suits but the lighter pastel colours can be worn with summer skirts. Patent and two-tone looks give them a current edge. The high front can make the leg look shorter so be careful if you have short legs - keep your tights and shoes the same colour. A good work staple.

Round toe ballerinas

Wear with

Long and cropped trousers, jeans, skirts, dresses or shorts - pretty much everything.

Tips

There are some gorgeous pumps out there so invest in them whilst you can! The low front makes shorter legs look longer. If you choose a patterned or embellished pair, make them the statement in your outfit and keep your skirt or trousers simple. These are really a summer shoe and not sturdy enough for cold weather or wearing 24/7.

Pointed ballerinas

Wear with

Best with skirts to show them off fully but also long or cropped trousers. Not ideal with skinny jeans; the skinny leg and elongated foot are not a flattering look.

Tips

Considered the 'grown-up ballerina', it offers a more elegant look for going out (perhaps because it feels like a flat version of the pointed court which is still considered to be the sexiest heel). Toe cleavage and cut-away sides are also a bit vampish and feminine. As with the round toe ballerinas, consider the colour, pattern or embellishment when you put your look together. Not good for large feet as they will make them look larger. Take care with the pointed Mary Jane as the T-bar can look as though it is 'chopping' your leg at the ankle.

Slingbacks

Wear with

Trousers, jeans, all length of skirts and culottes.

Tips

These are also a good choice for a night out, especially in metallic, patent or a statement design. The pointed styles are dressier. Again, the low front helps elongate the leg. Best with bare legs - tights don't really work with a flat slingback in the same way they do with a kitten heel slingback, so make sure your heels are in good shape! For those who still like a bit of heel, you could graduate to a low kitten heel.

Any flats with ankle straps, T-bar or gladiators

Wear with

Trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses. Bare legs only

Tips

These look splendid on long-legged models but on shorter legs they will 'chop' them at the ankle. The short-legged should wear them with above the knee skirts and dresses as more leg on show will make the leg look longer. This is the time to keep up your heel maintenance and pedicures.

Sports pump

Wear with

Best with jeans and casual wear. However, current decorative and statement styles are being worn with skirts and dresses too, just make sure you keep them in good condition and create the right look for you.

Tips

Most styles are high front whether slip-on skater or lace-up. Choose a good colour or make a statement rather than choosing something conservative. Themes to look out for this season are various colours, pony skin, floral and metallic. Not for work (unless permitted in your organisation).