Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you're buying one for the first time or replacing one you've worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

We've talked a lot about flats over the years, but I don't think we've ever done a major roundup of the most comfortable ballet flats for work. So readers, let's hear it — which are your favorites?

What are your favorite ways to break in a new pair of flats, or make them more comfortable for your feet? (As someone with narrow heels I'm always adding these heel pads.) 

{related: how to look professional in flats—all the time}

Although rounded toes have come really far for work, I still think the best flat for work is one that has a bit of a point to it, in a durable leather, preferably with a rubber sole or rubber heel for comfort and grip. I know some people hate the look of patent leather flats, but I don't mind them, particularly in a tumbled patent leather or a color other than black, like a nice gray. 

We've rounded up some of the bestselling, highest rated styles below — which brands and styles are your favorite?

Pictured at very top, clockwise: black / red / silver / beige & black / beige scalloped

{related: what to look for in interview flats}

The Hall of Famers for Comfortable Flats

Some of our favorite comfortable flats for work as of 2024 include M.M.LaFleur, AGL, and French Sole. On the more affordable side, check out Rothy's, Sam Edelman, and Rockport. We've also rounded up the best loafers for work, and our favorite sneakers for work outfits!

The Best Investment Ballet Flats

If you want to make an investment in flats, these are some of the most classic options. AGL and Ferragamo are reader favorites for comfort, while Chloé, Chanel and Valentino are all recognizable status symbols.

The Best Foldable Flats for Women

These are great for commuting, as well as lightweight options for business travel!

A Closer Look at Classic Ballet Flats for Work

The Best Washable Ballet Flat: Rothy's

If you're hunting for a washable or foldable flat, readers LOVE Rothy's. (They also make a pointy-toe version and a square-toe version!) They're often available in tons of fun colors and prints, and they're super lightweight — great if you want a flat you can throw in your tote bag.

Rothy's flats are available in sizes 5-13 for $129.

(Psst: looking for a referral code for $20 off your first purchase? Try this one.)

The Best Budget Ballet Flat: Sam Edelman

Felicia has been a top-rated bestseller for years, and Sam Edelman keeps coming out with more and more colors, prints, and materials. (They even come in kids' sizes now!)

I like the affordable price point ($100), the rave reviews for comfort, the extended sizes (wide widths and sizes 4-13), and the many, many color options. You can find it at Zappos, Nordstrom, Amazon, and a ton of other retailers.

The Best Upgrade Pick: French Sole

French Sole's ballet flats have long been on any list of the most comfortable ballet flats, and they have the 88 five-star reviews at Zappos to back that claim up.

I like the quilted leather, the slightly pointed cap toe, and the adjustable cords at the front. Reviewers note that this one runs large; it's available in sizes 6-11 in basic colors at Zappos and Nordstrom. (Whoa, and Amazon has a ton of colors!)

The Best Ballet Flat for Standing All Day: AGL Attilio Giusti Leombruni

People looooove their AGL flats. Readers have been swearing by them for years, and when we talked about fashion for doctors, my hospitalist friend specifically recommended AGL flats for being able to walk for miles.

They're definitely more of a splurge, but if you watch for Nordstrom's Triple Points days or Anniversary Sale you can often score some great deals. Nordstrom often has MANY colors available in their popular cap toe style, all priced between $298-$335.

July 2024 Update: The biggest sale of the year — the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — starts July 15! (Unfamiliar with the NAS? Check out this page for more info on why it's the best sale of the year.) Sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of all the major workwear sales, or check out our roundup of the latest sales on workwear!

The Best IYKYK Ballet Flat: Ferragamo

You can't talk about comfortable ballet flats and not mention Ferragamo's legendary Varina — it just won't quit, and every season brings new colors and prints and more rave reviews. Nordstrom currently has a ton of colors priced $525-$780. Note that you can also get the shoe at Shopbop (particularly keep an eye out for their sales!), Zappos, Bloomingdale's and elsewhere.

Some Of Our Latest Favorite Trendy Ballet Flats

These are some of our latest favorite ballet flats -= which are yours? Also, note that there are a few mini trends afoot: mary jane flats and metallic silver flats!

Aeyde

Cap-toe details on ballet flats are nothing new, and yet this flat from Aeyde feels fresh because of the square toe and unusual shape of the cap toe. It feels really modern but classic!

The flat is $295, available at Nordstrom and NET-A-PORTER, as well as other department stores.

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Most Comfortable Ballet Flats, For Work and Beyond! appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you're buying one for the first time or replacing one you've worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

Almost since this blog was born, we've done roundups of nude-for-you heels — beige heels, brown heels, pink heels and more. But I don't think we've ever done a roundup of nude flats — so I thought we'd do one today.

Ladies, do you wear nude-for-you flats as often as you wear nude-for-you heels? Which outfits are your favorite to pair with nude-for-you flats? Any favorite brands of flats, either for comfort or the perfect match to your skin?

{related: cute flats for the office}

Our General Favorite Flats for Work

First up, some of our “Workwear Hall of Fame” styles — these are the best sellers and classics that have been around for years:

Some of our favorite comfortable flats for work as of 2024 include M.M.LaFleur, AGL, and French Sole. On the more affordable side, check out Rothy's, Sam Edelman, and Rockport. We've also rounded up the best loafers for work, and our favorite sneakers for work outfits!

Our Latest Favorite Nude Flats For All Skin Tones

Looking for comfortable flats with a variety of skin-tone options? As of 2024, take a look at Rothy's, Ferragamo, M.M.LaFleur, and AGL; brands like Naturalizer and Rebecca Allen specialize in having many skin tone options.

Why You Might Want to Wear Nude Flats to Work

The theory is thus: the closer to your exact skin tone you can get with any shoe, the more elongating and flattering a look it can be with sheer hose or bare legs.

(Here’s our last guide on when and how to wear pantyhose if you need a refresher!)

In addition to being a leg-lengthening look, they're a great neutral and can pair with pretty much any outfit because, in theory, you are matching your skin, not anything you're wearing.

One important note, though: you can buy a “nude” flat that isn't YOUR nude — it's totally fine. Wear what you want!

In fact, as we noted in our post on the best nude heels for every skin tone, there are a few rules that you may want to be wary of:

• Know your office — we've focused our roundup on closed-toe shoes, as that's what appropriate at most offices, but some may allow sandals. Trust your own comfort level with shoes that show more skin, such as d'Orsay flats that show your instep, or shoes that bare toe cleavage. (Maybe that's a topic for another post — I'm curious if anyone is still scandalized by toe cleavage.)
• Similarly, know your office with regard to whether bare legs are appropriate — depending on how conservative your office is, I might assume that pantyhose is still appropriate for “big meetings” or, say, court appearances, and you may want to keep a pair in your desk just in case. (In our last roundup of pantyhose for work, Oroblu, Wolford, and DKNY were among our favorites.)

What to Look For in Nude Flats If You Don't Want to Look Barefoot

A number of readers have noted a big pitfall with nude flats, which is that — as you're walking down the hallway — you may look as if you're barefoot. If this impression would bother you, keep an eye out for nude flats that have darker details.

For example, animal prints often have different colors of beige and brown that can match a variety of different skin tones and give a leg-lengthening look — but because there are always contrasting colors with your skintone, it won't look as if you're barefoot.

Another way to do this is to look for nude flats with a darker captoe, such as the Rothy's pictured below.

How to Wear Nude Flats with Work Outfits

I think these are a particularly great look to pair with office skirts and work dresses — your legs will look a mile long, and the neutral color won't detract from the rest of your outfit. (They're also great shoes to keep at your office because they go with everything!)

A Closer Look at Some Great Nude Flats for Work

Rothy's

Rothy's have been a reader favorite for a loooong time, and they often have a bunch of “nude-for-me” colors in various shades of ivory, beige, tan, and more. (They often have an animal print, too, which can be a fun way to wear nude(ish) heels.)

As of September 2023, they offer “camel captoe” (pictured), a darker “portobello,” a lighter “ecru,” and a very light beige “moonlight tweed;” the shoes are available in sizes 5-13.

The brand also offers square toe flats, round toe flats, three kinds of loafers, and boots.

MM.LaFleur

These M.M.LaFleur flats have been another reader favorite for a while, although at a higher price point ($245). The shoe has come in a variety of colors over the years, but always in several neutral shades.

Rebecca Allen

There are a number of brands that specialize in making nude-for-you heels — I was poking through Nordstrom's Black-Owned Business section recently and was delighted to find just such a brand: Rebecca Allen.

This pointy-toed, patent flat looks great for everyday wear. For some reason, I think it would be a particularly great flat to wear with a dress, since it's got such a sleek look.

The brand offers four colors of “nude” in sizes 6–11 for $150. If this flat isn't your jam, the brand also makes sandals and heels in the same color spectrum.

Sarah Flint

These pale pink flats are a bit on the lighter side, but I can't get over how cute they are — I love the bow on the toe.

The flats are available in three colors for $495, available in US sizes 4-13.

The post The Hunt: Nude Flats for All Skin Tones appeared first on Corporette.com.

What should you look for in interview flats? When, if ever, must you wear heels to an interview? Which are the most stylish kinds of flats for interviews? Reader L wonders:

I'm starting law school in August, and I've heard that heels (3-4″) are a MUST for interviewing and working at a law firm. However, I am a 6′ tall female. I never wear heels, since when I do, I tend to tower over everyone. Would it be appropriate to wear a nice pair of flats in my case?

Great question! We've talked about how to look professional in flats all the time, how to wear heels (if you're used to flats), and whether flats are professional enough for court.

As far as shoe questions go, this is important, so even though we've talked about it a lot, I want to stress it again: you don't need to wear heels to look professional. 

{related: check out our entire Guide to Women's Interview Attire!}

There are a number of reasons why you wouldn't want to wear heels — from feeling too tall (although hey, I say rock it out if you have the height!), to having foot injuries or issues, to just I-don't-wanna-itis.

What to Look For in Interview Flats

A few things that I would note about wearing flats for big events like interviews:

{related: the rules for interview shoes}

a) There are many, many, MANY professional options for flats — and there are many that look like bedroom slippers, sneakers, or other casual shoes. Unless you have ethical objections, look for leather and suede options over faux leather or fabric (and keep your shoes well maintained!), and if you want a sleeker look, consider a slightly pointed toe.

b) Be confident when you wear them. Don't feel like you have to apologize for your flats or explain them away on an interview. Any time any of your clothes or accessories distract you (or an interviewer), you lose.

{related: how to look professional in flats—all the time}

{related: cute flats for the office}

Readers, which are your favorite professional flats? Do you think any styles of flats look more professional than others?  Do you agree with my advice that you CAN interview in flats, even if you're 6′ tall?

The Best Kinds of Interview Flats

Reader-Favorite Polished but Comfortable Flats

We often include good looking, professional flats in our “Coffee Break” posts — but these are some of the reader's favorite flats that have stood the test of time. These would be my first purchases if I were looking…

Some of our favorite comfortable flats for work as of 2024 include M.M.LaFleur, AGL, and French Sole. On the more affordable side, check out Rothy's, Sam Edelman, and Rockport. We've also rounded up the best loafers for work, and our favorite sneakers for work outfits!

Investment Ballet Flats

If you want to make an investment in flats, these are some of the most classic options. AGL and Ferragamo are reader favorites for comfort, while Chloé, Chanel and Valentino are all recognizable status symbols.

Comfortable Low Heels for Work

If you're willing to consider a heel but feel like it must be low, or a “comfort shoe,” we've got you covered…

These are some of our favorite comfortable low heels for work as of 2024… also check out CK Calvin Klein, Trotters, Sam Edelman, and Sarah Flint!

Picture below via Stencil.

The post What to Look For in Interview Flats appeared first on Corporette.com.

2018 Update: We still stand by this advice on how to wear flats in winter — you may want to check our more recent discussion on cute flats for the office for more updated brand and style options.

In cold weather, what are the best ways to wear flats to work? With socks? Tights? Reader E wonders how to wear flats in winter…

Could you recommend some ways to style flats for the winter? In years past I have worn skirts and opaque tights with pumps or booties in cold weather (I don't live in a particularly cold climate), but earlier this year I decided to give up on heels altogether because of some foot problems I've been having. I'm happy with my flats for summer looks, but ballet flats just look so odd with tights to me. I'm hoping for some better style ideas! What flat shoes work best for winter looks? Thanks!

Great question, Reader E — and even though it still feels kind of warm outside, the cold will be upon us in no time. (Winter is coming!)

We've talked about wearing flats all the time, as well as interviewing in flats, but not in a while. Obviously you can just wear flats where you would have worn pumps, but if you can't walk in flats with tights (I can't!), or if you feel like something is off with the silhouette, then we need to dive a bit deeper.

Some of our favorite comfortable flats for work as of 2024 include M.M.LaFleur, AGL, and French Sole. On the more affordable side, check out Rothy's, Sam Edelman, and Rockport. We've also rounded up the best loafers for work, and our favorite sneakers for work outfits!

I'm curious to hear what readers think, but here are some of my thoughts:

Know your best silhouettes, both based on your own body type as well as your clothes. On my own body type (curvy), I think some silhouettes inherently look better with a bit of a heel — for example, a pencil skirt or a sheath dress — but on others they look great with flats. This is partly trial and error on your part; go with your comfort level. Notice which styles are flattering when you wear the flats and clothes you already have, and then make adjustments to your wardrobe from there.

Know the appropriate hem lengths. If your pants are hemmed for heels right now, you may have to get them hemmed again for flats — even with flats you don't want anything dragging on the ground, because your pants will suffer.

Reconsider the bare-feet-in-flats look. We've talked about what you can't wear in winter, and it's also important to “know your office” and your region well. In New York City, wearing flats with bare feet would only work up until November or so at the absolute latest — walking, even just to or from the subway with exposed feet and ankles, just isn't doable… and there are a million other cute options.

Stylish strappy flats can be hard to find! As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also, in general, check J.Crew and Valentino (on the pricier side, obviously). Nordstrom also has a surprisingly large selection!

For flats with tights and a skirt: Look for strappy flats (unless I am the only weirdo who can't walk in flats in tights — some nice current options pictured below), short booties, calf-high booties, knee-high boots (but know your office), and over-the-knee boots (but really know your office). Some points:

Hunting for black knee-high boots? Here are some of our long-standing favorites as of 2024 (pictured below). HEELED knee-high boots are starting to trend again, also — some of the best looking options include these from J.Crew, Everlane, Veronica Beard and Stuart Weitzman (not pictured).

Try to match your tights to your shoes if possible (but see our old thoughts on what tights to wear with navy).

If possible look for booties with a slight dip in the front, which is usually a million times more flattering, even with tights.  (…and I can't for the life of me find an example that is totally flat. These 2″ heeled booties from comfort brand Mephisto might be a help to you, though; this low Eileen Fisher bootie with cutouts also looks cute….)

For flats with socks: This comes back to the bare-feet-in-winter conundrum, but for milder temperatures, note that it's becoming more acceptable to keep your ankles exposed by wearing low, hidden socks with your booties. Another trend: wearing slouch socks with booties. Of the two I tend to think the first look is sleeker than the second, but common sense obviously has to play a part here.

For really cold weather when bare ankles would just look silly, try fleece tights, which have been hugely popular with readers recently, perhaps for just this reason. They offer a great middle ground because your legs are warm, you look like you have common sense, and you can still wear your flats and be comfortable. Another great look (also trendy): flared trousers. Note that a slight point to your boot or flat (at least) tends to look best with flared trousers, and know where the hem should fall. (It should graze the top of the vamp, leaving about 1/2″ of your flat heel showing in the back.)

Try commuting in different shoes. It's 100% acceptable to commute in different flats; after all, slush, snow, road salt, and rain can damage your shoes (and not feel so great on your feet — or tights, yuck — either). Rainboots, snowboots… it's all acceptable (but see our older posts on colors, as well as when to change out of your commuting boots). The trick is twofold: for commuting shoes you want to get a functional look that, even if it's a bit uglier than what you normally wear, could actually fly in your office if push came to shove (so skip the Minnie Mouse rainboots, for eample). The second trick is to make it look as if your final office look COULD have been worn outside — you never want to look like you're dressing for a Miami summer when it's a Northeast winter.

For those of you looking for strappy flats to wear with tights, here are some of our latest favorite options…

Stylish strappy flats can be hard to find! As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also, in general, check J.Crew and Valentino (on the pricier side, obviously). Nordstrom also has a surprisingly large selection!

Oxfords and loafers are both options as well — here are some of our latest favorites:

As of 2024, some of our favorite loafers for work are from Sam Edelman, Everlane, and Madewell. If you want something more classic, readers love Sperry and Ferragamo; if you want comfort, Vionic and Dr. Scholl's both have options. Meanwhile, if you want something a bit more feminine or slouchy, the Tory Burch loafers are all really highly rated at Nordstrom (especially this “ballet loafer“)!

Readers, what are your thoughts — what are your best tips on how to wear flats in winter? What are your favorite flats to wear this winter, and which silhouettes do you like to wear them with the best?

The post How to Wear Flats in Winter appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sales of note for 7.19.24

• Nordstrom – The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to everybody! Here are all of our picks, and here are reader favorites.
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, extra 50% off markdowns + 20% off everything!
• Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% off everything, take an extra 20% off your purchase
• Eloquii – 50% off select styles
• Everlane – Up to 70% off
• J.Crew – End of Season Sale, extra 50% off sale styles
• J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Madewell – End of season sale, up to 70% off with code.
• M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide. (Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is the biggest sitewide discount I've ever seen…)
• Rothy's – Lots of great finds in the “final few” section
• Talbots – Semi-annual red door sale, extra 40% off markdowns

Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

• Is there a mantra or slogan that will help me combat imposter syndrome?
• AITA for not moving to the middle seat to be closer to my husband on a recent flight?
• What are your latest favorite nonfiction books for fans of Mary Beard?
• I'm so annoyed by people who look at their smart watches instead of paying attention to our conversation…
• Let's have a secrets thread…
• I need tips on managing employees in BigLaw who have to leave for daycare pickup…
• I'm thinking of leaning out to spend more time with my family – how can I find the perfect job for that?

The post Coffee Break – Lola Flats appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sales of note for 7.19.24

• Nordstrom – The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to everybody! Here are all of our picks, and here are reader favorites.
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, extra 50% off markdowns + 20% off everything!
• Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% off everything, take an extra 20% off your purchase
• Eloquii – 50% off select styles
• Everlane – Up to 70% off
• J.Crew – End of Season Sale, extra 50% off sale styles
• J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Madewell – End of season sale, up to 70% off with code.
• M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide. (Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is the biggest sitewide discount I've ever seen…)
• Rothy's – Lots of great finds in the “final few” section
• Talbots – Semi-annual red door sale, extra 40% off markdowns

Some of our latest posts here at Corporette…

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

• Is there a mantra or slogan that will help me combat imposter syndrome?
• AITA for not moving to the middle seat to be closer to my husband on a recent flight?
• What are your latest favorite nonfiction books for fans of Mary Beard?
• I'm so annoyed by people who look at their smart watches instead of paying attention to our conversation…
• Let's have a secrets thread…
• I need tips on managing employees in BigLaw who have to leave for daycare pickup…
• I'm thinking of leaning out to spend more time with my family – how can I find the perfect job for that?

The post Thursday’s TPS Report: Patent Leather Blucher appeared first on Corporette.com.