Flats have been around the block a couple of times. While they are a classic piece of footwear that made it through various decades, I prefer to keep them out of my closet. It's like something that comfy shouldn't be trendy. Life & Style magazine sent out the 411 on the slip on shoes.
Celebs from all walks of life (i.e. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mischa Barton, and Jessica Alba) have several pairs they seem to love. But as noted, "a few celebrity fans does not a trend make." Or something of that nature. Regardless, designers from YSL to Juicy Couture (Payless as well as Old Navy for those of us that prefer the double digit price tag) are cranking out pair after pair.
So throw your thoughts at the Flats Vs. Pumps Fashion Forum discussion.
Is it just me or anything that Mischa wears lately I steer clear of? The shoe looks great with minis and garb of that nature, but for me it just feels like it makes my thunderous thighs look even bigger. Like some giant with tiny shoes.
Sara says:
The classic flat is always in style. I am on a large, hilly college campus where the daily uniform for girls is a tee shirt, sweatpants, and flip flops or sneakers. I feel, as one who enjoys actually wearing an outfit, that flats can be a lifesaver walking around all day as an alternative to the usual casual footwear. They can go with pretty much anything and allow you to be a little more mobile than heels!
SillyBecky says:
I think flats are comfortable, but they look HORRIBLE! Anytime I see someone with black or dark flats on, it reminds me of Petunia Pig's hoofs. You know, Porky Pig's girlfriend? I just can't bring myself to be compared to Petunia Pig.
Aly says:
Not only do flats make it possible to navigate a city like NY, they're also great for shorter dresses/skirts/shorts, and offer a more put together look than tennies or flip flops do.
Kathy says:
Just Say No To Flats!
I have never liked the 'ballet slipper' look of the average flat shoe. Plus, a flat shoe just LOOKS uncomfortable. I'm a short gal, and I quit wearing flats in Junior High. Everyone knows that a little heel can elongate the calf muscles and do wonders for the look of a leg! I own over 50 pairs of heels...
If I'm out walking around, I'll opt for an outfit that I can wear a sporty shoe with, not a flat.
sassymommy says:
"ballerina" type flats only work if you have narrow feet and slim thighs. Otherwise you look like Bigfoot. I was in high school at the height of the Sam&Libby craze, and believe me, they don't work for everyone. If you're going to wear them at least keep your pant leg or skirt very slim so there is some balance.
Kim says:
I am 5'8 and have a bad back but have to wear "dressy" shoes for work. Flats are a life saver. I can walk, looked dressed up, not tower over everyone on the subway and not have my back hurt. I own like 10 pairs of flats. I was relieved when they came back in style.
annie says:
While they can be comfortable flats are just not flattering to anyone except the tallest and skinnest of us. The flat seems to shorten your legs and even my tall friends look dowdy. If your going for comfort that's great but don't kid yourself into thinking that they are flattering. I own one pair of flats and won't buy anymore.
gwenna says:
High heels are total BS. Ever wonder why you never see men in spike heels? Yeah, cause they are painful and bad for you. I feel bad for the woman with 50 pairs-good luck with that back surgery in a few years-yikes!
Women only wear heels because men like it. Bleh.