Summer and high heels just don’t mix. Looking back, we must have been crazy! Almost everything wonderful about summer clashes with wearing heels. Strolling through a garden or park, feeling the soft grass underfoot—pure bliss, unless you’re teetering on tiptoes to keep your heels from sinking. Choosing to walk instead of taking the bus because the weather’s perfect—a seasonal joy, but only in comfy shoes. Those long summer weddings that stretch into the night? Magical, but torture with blisters. And the beach? Thankfully, we never lost our minds enough to wear heels on sand or pebbles. You get the idea.
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That said, I haven’t given up heels for good. Lockdown might have broken the habit temporarily, but I missed them. When autumn rolls around, I’ll happily slip into heeled boots again. And come party season, I’ll stand by my belief that a great night out starts with shoes that thrill the eye—no apologies for impracticality. But for now, it’s strictly flats.
Some might argue for wedges as a summer compromise—stable on uneven ground, evenly distributing weight. But let’s be honest: they’re not exactly elegant. They bulk up your feet, throwing off your whole silhouette like a cartoonish hat. Plus, they’re an awkward shape—proof that forcing a square peg into a round hole rarely works.
The truth is, there’s a perfect flat shoe for every summer occasion—it’s all about pairing the right style with the right look. Not all flats are equal: some elevate an outfit, others don’t. Because heels are often seen as glamorous and flats as practical, we overlook the huge differences between flat styles—how they shape your silhouette and influence your overall vibe.
Strappy, bare sandals feel casual, while enclosed flats (like loafers) lean formal. A sleek flat sandal can dazzle at a summer party—if it’s elegant (think quality leather and a neat pedicure, not plastic flip-flops and rough toes). For covered toes, shape matters: round toes are sweet and playful, almond toes more refined. Sturdy flats (brogues, loafers) read masculine, while delicate, cutaway styles (ballet pumps) feel feminine.
I consider myself open-minded, but I draw the line at ankle straps on flats—they visually chop the leg at an unflattering spot (unless they’re too tight, which is a whole other issue). This isn’t about making legs look “fat” or “short”—we’re past that—it’s about balance. A Mary Jane strap? Keep it closer to the toes for the best effect.
(Image captions: Prince sandal, £160, A.Emery / Delia ballet flats, £70, Vagabond)
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Flat shoes don’t have to be plain—they can embrace bold details like color, shine, or eyelets. While high heels might look over-the-top with flashy embellishments, flats pull them off effortlessly. The truth is, summer style doesn’t require heels to feel glamorous. This season, go flat and fabulous.
Model: Amaka at Milk
Hair & Makeup: Sophie Higginson (using Ouai and Dr. Sam’s)
Dress: £79, Nobody’s Child
Necklace: £142, Ottoman Hands
Bag: £36, River Island
Pumps: £59.99, Zara
