Flats for fall: The shoes to slip into if your heels are staying home

Looking for fashionable shoes you can wear out — and perhaps for a return to the office — but not quite ready to go back to wearing heels on a regular basis? You're far from alone in wanting trendy-but-comfortable footwear right now. Designers like Vivienne Westwood and Elie Saab might have shown sky-high platforms and precarious stilettos on the Fall 2021 runways, but IRL many retailers are showcasing stylish flats with plenty of work-life appeal. 

Here, 11 pairs of shoes to wear everywhere this fall.

If you lived in kitten heels, consider ballet flats

Sleek and exceedingly easy to walk in, ballet flats are a wear-all-day shoe. The newest styles are made with soft, luxe leathers and are available in a veritable rainbow of hues. 

Designed in Montreal and made in Montecatini Terme, Italy, these leather ballet flats feature a very on-trend square toe. 

Prato, $190, Maguire 

Available in sizes 5 to 13, these chic ballet flats are by Vancouver-based designer Silvana Rivadeneira. 

PS-20909 Slipper, $455, Parque

These minimalist Italian-leather flats are designed to "mold to the shape of your foot" with time. 

The Italian Leather Day Glove, $168, Everlane

If you lived in pumps, consider statement loafers

Love the bulkiness of block-heel pumps? Consider a pair of lug-sole loafers. Leather and vegan leather penny loafers with extra-thick soles will experience a resurgence this fall.

A chunky lug sole updates this classic penny loafer from Aldo.

Bigstrut, $85, Aldo

These shoes feature an insole that's made from recycled mattresses.

Clueless, $54.99, Call It Spring

Available in both classic black and a photogenic "woodrose" colour, these leather loafers come with a bold but also lightweight lug sole. 

Modtray Women's Moc-Toe Penny Loafer, $240, Ecco

If you lived in platforms, consider dressy mules 

Looking for elegant flats that work with suiting and evening wear? A pointed-toe mule with a narrow silhouette and decorative strap might just be the ticket, at least until hosiery is required. 

These croc-embossed faux leather mules can go from work to evening plans with ease.

Schutz Anuva Point Toe Mules, $68.88 (on sale from $98.40), Shopbop

Dressy flats are underrated. These embellished mules could take you right through the holiday season in style, even if you're just hanging out at home. 

Silent D Embellished Velvet Mules, $120, Anthropologie 

If you lived in booties, consider the updated Chelsea boot

Chelsea boots are always in fashion, and this season, many brands are offering fun updates to the classic silhouette.  

These fitted above-the-ankle boots would look great worn with slightly cropped knit pants or tucked into straight-leg jeans. 

Long leather Chelsea boot, $189, Simons

Poppy Barley is a Certified B Corporation based in Edmonton, offering fun, sustainably-made accessories like these spotted boots. 

The Downtown Chelsea Boot, $358, Poppy Barley

This sporty take on the Chelsea boot from Montreal's Want Les Essentiels label is ideal for running errands around town.

Evers Mid Women's Leather Runner, $450, Want Les Essentiels

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.