Tips For Wearing Flats

As we bid farewell to 2016, I am resharing photos and including more in-depth information about style. Today I am sharing a few of the times I wore flats.

Let’s talk about getting dressed up first. Looks similar to the one below can be worn to most special events during mild weather. This style of pant looks great with flats that show the top of your foot.

While having lunch with friends, I wore Vince Camuto flats (above) with slim-fitting Lisette ankle pants and a jacket from ShopMyFairLady.com

When I dress down to do something like going to the Farmer’s Market, I wear pieces such as these from J.Jill, shown in the photos above and below. Loose-fitting, soft, comfortable tops and pants are ideal for wearing while you are relaxing at home. Covered Perfectly now has leisure suits for just that purpose.

Bumping into things in my bare feet is very painful, so I do not walk around barefoot even while I am at home. I wear slip-on canvas shoes or the type of sneakers shown above while relaxing at home. I never wear my athletic style running/walking shoes for any purpose other than exercising, as shown below. Athletic shoes are too bulky and unattractive for casual wear or even with the currently trendy athleisure wear.

A sleek pair of canvas, animal print, or metallic slip-on shoes looks appropriate and comfortable. I am wearing a black pair from Rockport in the photo below.

If your pants bunch on the top of your shoes, it always looks messy and makes you appear more substantial than you are. Wearing athletic shoes with baggy jeans that puddle over the top of them wins the prize for the most unattractive look for anyone (male or female).

The pant leg width determines where the hem should end. Cropped pants should stop at the same spot as your best skirt length (never at the fullest part of your calves). Skinny jeans or slim-fitting ankle pants should be hemmed to the ankle’s top (slim part). Straight leg pants should be hemmed to the bottom of your ankle. Fuller leg pants such as palazzos, flares, and bootcut should almost cover your shoes and be hemmed to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the ground.

I get up and get dressed every day. When I don’t have a long list of things I have to do, I wear something comfortable but smart looking with flat sandals or shoes. I can grab my bag and put on a necklace or scarf, and be out the door in two minutes. The top above is from Covered Perfectly. It takes casual comfort up a notch, and it is long enough to be worn with leggings or jeans. The flat sandals are by DV Dolce Vita a couple of years ago. When I wear sandals, they always have straps to hold them on my foot as I move.

If I am running errands around town, I might wear the look above. The chambray shirt is old from Chico’s. The flats are by Marc Fisher. He is an American designer who makes very good looking women’s shoes. These were named Susan, and they are a pewter/silver color, so you know I had to have them. Notice that when I wear flats, they are never too cushy looking. I always search for a slender silhouette with a pointed or almond-shaped toe, making the legs look longer. Since my legs are short, I still want that lengthening effect. If the weather is mild, I wear flats without socks or with Sheec Socks that do not show.

For a casual family gathering at my sister’s home, I wore white pants with a Covered Perfectly top and flat sandals with a strap that goes around the heel. That low-slung hip belt is old from Chico’s. Wearing a belt in this way with a tunic and flats helps break my body into thirds instead of half. Visually dividing your body in half makes you look shorter and wider.

The only time I ever wear flip-flop style shoes is on pedicure day. I dress in loose, comfortable clothes and the appropriate flip-flops by OkaBe. I take a shower a few hours before my visit, but I shave my legs the day before, which gives any small nicks a chance to heal a little. I skip perfume on the day I visit any service provider or doctor’s office. They may not enjoy my fragrance as much as I do.

This pair of over the knee boots by Vince Camuto is very appropriate since they are flat, and wear them with long tunics and leggings. Here’s a good tip, tuck your pants into your socks before pulling your boots on over them.

The cute flats above worn with black jeans are by Circa Joan & David via Saks Off 5th. I have this same style with white detail on the top, shown below. When I find a style that appeals to me, I often buy every color.

 

The very comfortable neutral flats above are by Halogen via Nordstrom. They are great to wear with khaki or white pants.

The black loafers above are by BCBGeneration. Something more substantial was necessary to balance with the heavier, warmer jacket. The weather determines if I am going to wear socks with flats. Being comfortable and warm are my first considerations. Lace-up brogues and Chelsea boots are also favorite cold weather flats to wear with socks and more casual looks. I am wearing Chelsea boots with warm socks in the photo below.

 

This type of flat with a cap toe can be dressed up or down.

58 Comments
  1. Love these flat heel looks as I am trying to graduate to lower heels. You are so lovely in each photo. I have really enjoyed your blog and look forward to 2017!

  2. Thank you so much for this post. I have foot issues and my days of high heels are over. I love the different examples you’ve shown and have many of them. Merry Christmas to you!

  3. Great post for those of us who can’t wear heels!!! Looking forward to some after Christmas shoe shopping!

  4. I do love the outfits you wear, the real dressy one’s to the more casual one’s. but the thing about all of your outfits, the one thing that really makes the whole effect so elegant is the strappy high heeled shoes you wear. they are spectacular!! I love the way they add a million bucks to the whole look.

  5. Thank you Susan for proving to me that flats can be stylish. Have a very Merry Christmas! Looking forward to your blog in 2017.

  6. Oh my goodness! Just what I needed. Thank you so very much for this wonderful information.
    Have fun and and be blessed throughout this holiday season and have the love of Christ in your life and heart throughout the coming years.

    DarylJean

  7. Susan, I was fortunate enough to find your Blog earlier this year and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your fashion sense and honesty about what really looks good on those of us over 60! I am a former Tennessee girl (now in Florida) and your style is the epitome of Southern Class! I wish I lived in a cooler climate so I could duplicate some of your looks, but the general style advice you give is always helpful to remind me that I should continue to dress to suit my personality and body type, even if those around me have given in to the “I’m retired and I don’t care” look. I wanted you to know before the year ends that I appreciate the time and effort you put into giving excellent tips and inspiration. I also am very nostalgic about some of the places you visit, as my husband and I have had many of the same adventures. Keep up the great work!

  8. Great looks, Susan! Do you have any tips on keeping bra/camisole straps from eeking their way over and showing when wearing boat neck tops? If the fabric is lightweight or a stretchy knit, there often isn’t enough depth in the seam allowance to place a safety pin. Is there some other little gadget that does the trick? Thanks and Merry Christmas!

    1. This particular top isn’t a problem, but I know what you mean. I wear nude and black bras only. With dark colors, I wear the black one. If the strap shows a little, the black is not as obvious.

  9. I am so glad you shared that you have purchased two pairs of a great shoe. Now that I have more comfort requirements – can’t wear heels – don’t want an orthopedic shoe look – etc. – I think two pairs is what we must do to have the right shoes on hand.

    I enjoy reading your posts very much. Thank you.

    Merry Christmas.
    Jan Hill, Chicago

  10. I wish you and Mr. Mickey a very happy holiday season. Thank you for your wonderful blog which is always inspirational, informative and delightful. All the best wishes for 2017!

  11. I just had the best laugh! We must have been twins who were separated at birth. I agree with you 110% that wearing athletic shoes, other than when exercising, is the WORST look for anyone. I am a school teacher and always tell my students that if they ever see me out-and-about and I am wearing sneakers, they are to call 911 because I have obviously lost my mind (they think it’s hilarious). I am going to show my husband your blog today since you mention that bulky pants and sneakers are unattractive on both men and women (something I tell him often)…I want him to see that I’m not alone out there. Love, love, love your blog. I might venture into a pair of flats this year just to try it out (I’m 4’11”, so I tend to look child-like in an outfit unless I have heels on).

  12. Love all of your tips and suggestions….love the pants inside your sock tip before putting on boots! Great! Thanks so much!!! Merry Christmas to you, and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and FUN New Year to you and Mr Mickey!!! I live in East Tennessee so greatly enjoy your “travel” post as well to places in the surrounding area! Thanks for that too….

  13. I love your blog. It is always full of great tips and you always look so classy. I am finding as I get older, I can’t wear heels anymore so these are great tips!!!

  14. Susan you do such a good job of putting it together. I admire your determination and you seem to never falter or stop trying to make it better. Please keep up the great work, it means alot to us.

  15. Merry Christmas to you also. I love your post today since I’m well over 60 and wear flats most of the time now. I’m so happy I found your web site a few month’s ago. Thanks and Happy New Year.

  16. Thank you Susan for this fabulous post. I love to see your stylist looks wearing flats. As a 59 year old who only wears heels on rare outings I prefer to see these inspirational outfits as many of my outfits would look great if I put heels on, but that just isn’t real life anymore. It’s great to see we can still be super stylish in flats.

  17. Thank you Susan. This is helpful since I almost always wear flats. Do you use a bronzer on your feet/legs? I’m looking for one that doesn’t wear off on sheets, furniture, or shoes especially. Merry Christmas!

  18. You show wearing flats you can still be polished looking. Thank you for tips and Merry Christmas to you and Mr. Mickey.

  19. I am new to your site, Susan, but I have learned so many great tips and enjoyed viewing your outfit selections. Merry Christmas. Can’t wait to see what the New Year brings!

  20. Merry Christmas to you and yours. I have enjoyed your blog so much, keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing more in the New Year.

  21. Susan,
    In the picture where you are wearing the OkaB flip flops for pedicure day, could you tell us about the black top you are wearing please. It is very flattering on you.
    Merry Christmas!
    Pat

  22. Susan, I have enjoyed your blog so much this year. The fact that you also turned 60 this year makes me feel connected to what you have to say. Its nice to see that women of any age can look great, without being over the top.

    Thanks and have a Merry Christmas!

  23. This is my favorite post you’ve ever done and I LOVE all your posts. This has such great information. Thanks for all you do and how you inspire each of us to look just a little bit better than we did yesterday.

  24. You sure know a great shoe when you see one! I’ve been working on my flat shoe wardrobe gradually over the last year & always like to see what you have chosen. Big thank you for all the helpful blogs! Merry Christmas to you & Mr Mickey, may your Christmas be merry & bright!

  25. I love your shoes! Unfortunately because of a neuroma I have to wear flats with a wider toe box. It can be hard to find stylish choices!

  26. Thank you so much for your inspiration. I love seeing how you accessorize your outfits. I wish you a very Happy New Year!!

  27. Susan,

    I have so enjoyed reading your blog over the last two years. Yours as the first fashion blog I followed and you remain my favorite. I especially like this post because I have bad knees and can seldom wear a heel over two inches and then not for long. So flats are my preference and at 5’11” it works for me visually.

    When I first read about your dietary changes I thought “Good for her but it’s not for me.” But I’ve been doing a lot of reading and research regarding food and health while trying to recover from breast cancer, and my thoughts have changed. I had my husband watch the documentary “Forks over Knives”. We are now doing a 28 day Plant based challenge. I had been slowly dropping animal products but it is much easier with him on board as he is my sous chef and my 14 year old is much more willing to try things when we both show enthusiasm. I read “Eat to Live” also but since neither my spouse or I have significant weight issues we eat a bit more whole grains and nuts than Dr Fuerlman prefers. I do really like his policy that “salad is the main course”. I also like the u tube video series ” The chef and the dietitian” for ideas.

    I wish you health and happiness in the new year.

  28. You look very nice in flats. I am buying more flats these days and wearing them too. Not yet ready to throw away the heels but not buying anymore.

  29. Your judgment “athletic shoes are too bulky and unattractive” surely hit me in a spot best left untouched.
    After extensive spinal surgery at 50, I had to give away all my beloved heels and even my casual low heel flats. I am forever left with one choice, my “bulky and unattractive” athletic shoes.

  30. I’ve seen a bunch of “tips for wearing heels” pages, I even wrote one recently, but this was the first I saw on “tips for wearing flats”. I enjoyed it very much, thank you for posting!

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.