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(We Got To Have It)

Of All The Flats Out There Right Now, TZR Editors Keep Coming Back To These Pairs

You’ll want them all.

by Kelsey Stewart

Oct. 1, 2023

Fall flat trends

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It’s not often that an of-the-moment style receives approval from fashion girls across the board. Low-rise jeans? Good luck getting more than half of your group message to give the controversial trend a thumbs up. Fiery red pieces are arguably more widely accepted, particularly amongst adventurous dressers, yet still aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. There is, however, one sought-after look it seems the style crowd is collectively aligned on in fall 2023: flats. (Bad news for your heels, but great news for your feet!) Comfortable and cute, the silhouette has all the makings of an everyday shoe, whether for the office or a casual weekend bopping around the neighborhood.

Team TZR, for one, is jazzed about all the chic styles on the market, and our picks touch on every major trend this season. First, you’ll see below that many team members are jumping on the ballet flat train. Some of the iterations we’re particularly drawn to right now? Repetto’s satin style and Reformation’s leather look. Mary Janes silhouettes, like Weejuns’ unique loafer version, are also a top choice for TZR editors this autumn (and, of course, we’re already envisioning the shoes teamed with a pair of bright tights or pastel socks).

Ahead, explore (and shop) more of our editors’ favorite fall flats.

The Loafer in Olive Suede

The Loafer in Olive Suede

“When it comes to certain pieces like a crew neck sweater, corduroy trousers, or loafers, I prefer to shop in the men's department. But the latter has been more difficult to source as the fit is never right, and it's not something I could alter like clothing. I tend to gravitate towards masculine styles, so when I discovered Jamie Haller's collection of tightly curated shoes, I knew I found ‘the one.’ The worn-in quality of the olive green suede and the Italian men's-inspired design are what I look for when it comes to the perfect loafer. It's hard to choose just one, and right now I have my eyes on a pair in golden mustard.” — Kathy Lee, editor-in-chief, TZR

Faro

“I love Shop Pêche's affordable and cute shoes, so I recently purchased a few different styles from the brand including its Faro flats. Although I went with the yellow colorway, which feels more summery, I can easily see myself dressing up this olive green style for autumn with browns and navy hues. Best of all, the flats are so comfortable that they don't require breaking in (and won't leave your heels or toes with blisters).” — Marina Liao, senior fashion news editor, TZR

Interlocking CC Logo Leather Ballet Flats

“I have a pair of 15-year-old cap-toe Chanel ballet flats that sort of weave in and out of rotation depending on which way the trend tides turn — and right now, they feel just right for the fashion zeigiest again. There’s tons of similar vintage pairs available secondhand (which ironically don’t cost that much less on the resale than I paid in 2008. Ah, inflation!), although I love this butter yellow and white option in particular should the size work for you.” - Alison Syrett, deputy fashion editor, TZR

Square-Toe V-Cut Flats

Square-Toe V-Cut Flats

“Maybe blame it on the enduring influence of The Wizard of Oz, but I'm forever drawn to ruby red flats. This pair is a nice everyday take as it features a thick ribbed fabric and chic square toe that works with a variety of outfits, from jeans and breezy midi skirts to more elevated dresses and formal trousers. And the vibrant hue adds the perfect pop of color to an otherwise plain or neutral outfit. I have a feeling these stylish shoes will be getting a lot of wear in the coming months.” — Angela Melero, executive editor, TZR

Bethany Ballet Flat

Bethany Ballet Flat

“I bought these flats a few weeks ago, and I think I've worn them almost every day since. Not only are they still comfortable after walking 10-15K steps some days, but I have yet to get a single blister. I've loved styling these for a variety of occasions, from a New York Fashion Week show to Sunday grocery shopping. For the fall, I plan on pairing them with some different colored tights — I'm thinking bright red or pistachio green.” — Maggie Haddad, senior social media strategist, TZR

Aurora

“A crisp white shoe — be it flats or heels — is my secret to elevating any ensemble. Koio's chic white ballet flats are a pair that should be in every stylish woman's wardrobe. They are made of the most buttery soft leather and are *actually* comfortable to wear for long days or nights. The slightly squared toe and thin black strap also offer a modernized and elevated take on the trend.” — Rebecca Iloulian, director of newsletter revenue and marketing, BDG

Winona Penny Loafers

Winona Penny Loafers

“I have a pair of black chunky loafers I wear at least once a week, so I’m confident a brown style, like this elevated look from J.Crew, will get just as much mileage. For fall, I see myself styling the shoes with wide-leg jeans or printed trousers (perhaps a fun animal pattern?). Then, to push the outfit a step further, I’ll opt for fun colorful socks.” — Kelsey Stewart, associate fashion editor, TZR

Weejuns Mary Jane Moc Toe Loafer

Weejuns Mary Jane Moc Toe Loafer

“As someone who's been wearing Mary Janes way before they were dubbed the shoe of 2023, I'm a fan of the style's versatility. Depending on the shape and colorway and how they're styled, the shoes can lean preppy, Parisian, or even a little punk. I recently purchased these G.H. Bass Mary Jane loafers because I like that though they're traditionally preppy, they'll add edge to the right outfit – especially when worn with a pair of red or light blue socks. Plus, I didn't own a pair of flat Mary Janes.” — Erin Lukas, deputy beauty editor, TZR

Gianna Ballerinas

Gianna Ballerinas

“Though I am the furthest thing from a ballerina, I am so into the aesthetics around dance — the corset braids and other balletcore moments this Fashion Week were a dream come true. The same goes for these soft, satin flats that truly look like the real deal at a distance. They're dainty and lightweight but still feature a comfortable rubber sole and plenty of color options. Now, I just need to round out my tights collection.” — Amanda Ross, beauty editor, TZR

Whitney Loafer

“Growing up, I watched my mom style her Bass penny loafers with jeans and sweatshirts come fall. As an adult, the Weejuns have become my go-to pair of flats when the seasons change. This black style with contrasting brown trim would be a welcomed addition to my closet, and like my mom, I’d pair them with denim (pants or skirt) and a vintage sweatshirt.” — Jessica Fields, beauty writer, TZR