Ask Homeroom: Where Can I Find Stylish Flat Shoes (That Aren’t Sneakers or Ballet Flats)?

In Homeroom’s latest column for Broadsheet, founders Sophie Barker and Annie Carroll put their best (dressed) feet forward with a selection of flats we can count on for comfort, fashion and variety. They have style tips for showing off crystal-embellished slippers, chrome flat mules or cream padded slides. Plus, no shade on sneaker freaks and ballet-flat wearers. These shoes complement your go-to flats, with a little more pizazz.

Hey Homeroom, I’m looking for a pair of comfortable but stylish flat shoes that aren’t sneakers or ballet flats. What are my options? – Stiletto Sidestepper

Dear Stiletto Sidestepper,

You’re in luck! Australian labels are currently making a strong case for burning our heels and we’re happy to see it. We’ve searched high and low to bring you the definitive, curated and categorised list of the best non-sneaker-or-ballet-flat options to buy right now.

Fashion’s current love affair with loafers shows no signs of abating, and for good reason: a well-made pair offers supreme comfort and a compelling foil for the more feminine elements of your ensemble. There are a few silhouette options. You can go classic and streamlined with DOF’s high gloss pair or Assembly Label’s almond-toed beauties. Or opt for a chunkier sole like Bassike’s tasselled pair, or Nelson Made’s Italian leather numbers. Our pick is this espresso brown suede option. Extra points for wearing them with cotton ankle socks, or be inspired by Emily Nolan and don a silk scrunchie around one ankle.

The key to a good slide is in the fit and materiality. Look for leather or vegan leather to take this style out of the cabana and into the streets. And while you might think to wear slides strictly as part of a “holiday” uniform, they work beautifully poking out from under a tailored trouser too. We’re big fans of a padded slide, so DOF’s high gloss cream pair is high on our list. And, we don’t want to stereotype, but we think Alpha 60’s tonal top-stitched black pair might be a Melburnian’s dream summer shoe.

The flat mule is defined by its closed toe and slide-on silhouette. Pair with a maxi skirt and oversized tee, or a loosely tailored suit for the nine to five. Those who tend towards the classics will like a pointed or almond toe – both Essen’s silver pair and Studio Amelia’s cowboy-inspired style will see you through myriad occasions. A square toe isn’t for everyone, but Tony Bianco’s chrome ode to the ’90s is a good place to start.

Sandals are the quintessential Australian footwear, which explains why our designers consistently offer such strong options. This season, there are two avenues: ultra-fine and delicate, or chunky and swaddled. For a thin-strapped sandal there’s Nelson Made’s silver memory-foam-insole pair. Or A Emery’s poppy-red suede and black criss-cross classics. For those who like a sandal without the wafer-thin sole, Essen’s sporty slingback and St Agni’s aptly-named pillow slides have you covered. For more substance, try Nelson Made’s padded everyday sandals, Alpha 60’s take on a sturdy fisherman-style pair or Camilla and Marc’s luxurious slip-ons.

“Elegant thongs” was once an oxymoron. Now, the most casual of flat shoes can come in suede and leather, and sometimes cost hundreds of dollars. Havaianas have their place, but for a more structured and premium look you can try Christopher Esber’s premium jelly-like slimline flip flops. St Agni’s ultra-fine chocolate thongs are going to be the It-shoe of summer. Notable mentions also go to Maria Farrow’s black pair with cream top stitching and A Emery’s heavenly double-strap numbers in soft grey suede. Pair with a long, slouchy trouser that grazes the top of your arch.

The new crop of flat Mary Janes subverts the ultimate good girl shoe. Nelson Made’s studded mesh pair hug the foot like a glove, Tony Bianco’s Bordeaux red pair is ultra tempting, and Bassike’s fresh double-strap ballerinas are a fresh take on the classic. With this style, let your ankles do the talking. Pair with a slouchy bermuda short or pleated mini skirt.

If you’re looking for a chic flat to take you all the way from morning drop off to the board room and back again, the slingback is your friend. That slingback strap gives off perfectly pulled together energy. Country Road has knocked it out of the park with these silver beauties (which pair perfectly with blue denim), and DOF elevates things with a front buckle detail. Tony Bianco’s black square-toed style is a shoe-in for comfiest of the bunch, and the brand’s diaphanous white mesh pair are the sexiest. But our desert island slingback has got to be this perfectly crafted rendition by L’Eclisse in collaboration with E Nolan. Chef’s kiss!

For the most stylish take, steer clear of terry towelling, velvet or faux fur-trimmed fabrics. Look to Camilla and Marc’s two-toned braided pair for resort-ready elegance, or DOF’s cherry-red mesh style for making a statement. A Emery’s stunning Briot Flat is already a fashion favourite in black, but our eyes are on the cream option. Essen’s black silk woven Foundation Flat is structured enough to pass the pub test. And Christopher Esber’s fantastical crystal-embellished pair is the slipper that launched a thousand copycats. Wear with a longline silk skirt, cotton maxi, or cropped tailored wool trousers.

Best for the narrower-hoofed among us, this style lends a (quite literal) sharpness to your ensemble. Our love affair with chocolate brown footwear continues with Alias Mae’s satin pair. Studio Amelia’s high-gloss silver style is shiny enough to double as an on-the-go mirror.

For more style inspiration, visit homeroom.com.au or follow @homeroomau.