Flats are back and my feet are thankful. Ballet flats, loafers, and flat slingbacks are must-have footwear for the fall season. I’m going to glaze right over the Birkenstock Boston Clog because even though I acknowledge that it has a big presence and has made its comeback, I personally cannot get behind them. So yes, they are trending. Yes, they might be comfortable. But no, I am not going to list them for my must-haves because I personally wouldn’t get them for myself.
If you bought yourself Chanel cap toe ballet flats many years ago, congratulations – they are having a moment (though some may argue, they are classics so don’t need a trending moment). I’ve included some alternatives as well as some other flat options that I am currently obsessed with and that will be great closet staples.
Explore the ten best classic ballet flats for the fall below. And if you’re looking for classic designer sandals for the summer, I’ve got you covered here as well.
Chanel Ballet Flats
These are the all-time classic closet staple. Chanel’s cap toe ballet flats are an investment that will last you through the years. They match with everything and elevate any outfit. You can wear these with leggings and an oversized sweater and look effortlessly chic. Or you can pair these back with a knitted midi dress for a dinner out. They are pricey but they are worth it.
Gucci Brixton Loafers
Another closet staple, the Gucci Brixton loafers are an essential piece found in the closets of influencers, fashion editors, and style enthusiasts. It’s one of the house of Gucci’s most iconic shoes. It’s never really gone out of style, in a sense, but now with the resurgence of loafers it’s the perfect time to make sure these are back in your rotation. The Brixtons are great because of the collapsible heel so you can wear them both as a classic loafer but also into a more casual slipper silhouette, similar to the Princetown slides.
The Row Suede Ballet Flats
The Row does an amazing job with understated elegance. The suede ballet flats are just that – understated yet somehow slightly unexpected with its angular square toe and low cut vamps. The brown suede also has a subtle black piping for a subtle contrast. These are perfect to wear with brown suiting. (Tailored vests and modern suits are another fall trend – some favorites linked here.) They are also great with jeans and a crewneck.
Shop The Row Suede Ballet Flats
Khaite Carlisle Suede Loafers
Khaite is another brand that does effortless elegance really well. All of their pieces always seem to have just the right amount of timelessness and mix of modern cuts/silhouettes. The Carlisle loafers in coffee suede is a modern take on the penny loafer is refined and feminine. I love mixing and matching black and brown – I’d wear these with black wide-legged cropped pants and a black turtleneck with gold statement earrings.
Shop Khaite Carlisle Suede Loafers
Aeyde Rae in Creamy Nappa
If you’re not already familiar with Aeyde, get familiar. They are a footwear brand designed in Berlin and handmade in Italy. The designs are understated and classic and the quality is amazing. They are my most worn flats – I swear by them. The leather is soft and so comfortable, and requires no wearing in. The Rae is a simple pointed-toe flat slingback (very Prada-esque) that is great for the in between weather when it’s no longer appropriate to wear sandals but is warm enough not to wear fully covered shoes.
Shop the Aeyde Rae in Creamy Nappa
Aeyde Uma in Black Nappa
I could list out so many more shoes from Aeyde but I’ll let this be the last one for this post. Check out the rest of their assortment – it’s a great price point, high quality, and the best designs. (The Betty flats are my go-to’s.) But here, the Uma is a Mary Jane silhouette with a square toe and is also a strong closet staple. It’s currently “Back Soon” and I have been patiently waiting for it to come back in stock at the beginning of October. It’s the perfect example of femininity and timeless design in a flat shoe. Wear these with jeans, a pleated midi skirt and chunky knit, or with tailored pants and a tee.
Loeffler Randall Leonie Ochre Ballet Flats
The Leonie flat from Loeffler Randall is made of Italian velvet with a subtle bow detailing and an elastic bridge strap. This is a fun way to update the ballet flat. It also comes in so many other colors on the Loeffler Randall website but the velvet is a personal favorite. It’s the perfect fall colorway and the velvet adds texture and modernity to the ballet flat. Match this back with a flowy midi dress or dress it down with straight leg jeans and an oversized button down.
Shop Loeffler Randall Leonie Ochre Ballet Flat
ESSEN the Foundation Flat in Black Shearling
First, let me start out by saying that ESSEN was founded by the loveliest woman, Marre, who balances timeless designs and sustainability efforts effortlessly. The brand is all about producing essential designs and reducing waste through small batches and on-deman production. Marre’s commitment to transparency and giving back make supporting this brand even easier. The Foundation Flat is a capsule wardrobe essential. They are cozy, comfortable, and can be worn both as house slippers or out and about. Note: these are exclusively made-to-order so be mindful of the lead time.
Shop ESSEN the Foundation Flat in Black Shearling
Repetto Flora Ballerinas
Repetto has a history rooted in the making of ballerina flats. The quality and craftsmanship speak for itself and the designs are timelessly chic. Chanel flats are an investment piece but they do come at a high price tag so if that isn’t in your budget – the ballerinas from Repetto are subtle, evoke the same aesthetic, and will last you season after season. The black calfskin leather and patent leather cap toe add a touch of refinement and elegance to your outfit. Wear it with your all black outfit or pair it back with a satin midi skirt and oversized striped sweater.
Mansur Gavriel Walker Loafers
The Walker loafers from Mansur Gavriel have a vintage aesthetic to them. The piped seam creates a soft pleat around the toe of the shoe. It has a somewhat masculine vibe but done in a refined way. With the popularity of loafers this season, this is a fun way to play into the trend if you aren’t as into the chunky loafer look that is so popular.