As a Who What Wear editor, I study what European girls are wearing all day every day, and something I’ve noticed is that they love flat shoes. The reasons why are fairly obvious—many European cities are very walkable, but the road conditions aren’t always ideal (think old, cracked sidewalks, hills, and cobblestone streets). While ballet flats and Mary Janes are obvious European-girl favourites, I’ve noticed a few other styles they’re gravitating toward lately that are considerably fresher (not that Mary Janes and ballet flats are going anywhere).
From the luxe trainer trend they’re favouring to the specific loafer colour that’s dominating across the pond, these European-girl flats would make great fall shoe purchases no matter where you reside. And in case you are in the market for a new pair of flats, I searched the internet high and low and found the best bets for each trend. Keep scrolling to shop them so we can all catch up with the fashion girls in Europe.
7 Flat Shoe Trends Everyone Is Wearing in Europe:
1. Brown Loafers
Style Notes: Sorry, black loafers. Brown is the new It colour for shoes, and European girls are fully on board. They lend a rich, elegant quality to any outfit they’re paired with.
Shop Brown Loafers:
Reformation
Agathea Chunky Loafer
A fresh alternative to black.
I can’t believe these are from the high-street.
Reiss
Adina Suede and Leather Cleated Loafers
How cool is this suede pair?
2. Leopard-Print Flats
Style Notes: All things leopard print are huge in Europe this season, and that includes footwear. A pair of sleek flats is the perfect way to wear the trend.
Shop Leopard-Print Flats:
& Other Stories
Classic Leather Loafers
The leopard-print trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
ZARA
Animal Print Leather Ballerinas
Toteme
The Everyday Flat Leopard
If you prefer a square toe.
3. Suede Sneakers
Style Notes: If you want to be comfortable and look chic, a pair of suede sneakers will lend the luxe look you desire. European influencers are embracing designer styles from Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten.
Shop Suede Sneakers
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Panelled Suede Sneakers
These have such a retro feel to them.
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
Japan Suede and Textured-Leather Sneakers
A pair to go with everything.
VEJA
Campo Suede Sneakers
Veja is a fashion-person favourite.
4. Pointed-Toe Slingbacks
Style Notes: Pointed-toe slingbacks are so wildly elegant that you may never feel the need to wear heels again.
Shop Pointed-Toe Slingbacks:
Vagabond Shoemakers
Hermine Shoes
Simple, but so very effective.
Massimo Dutti
Slingback Ballet Flats With Pointed Toe
This cream pair looks so elegant.
GANNI
Leopard Satin Feminine Buckle Ballerinas
Tick off two trends in one.
5. Riding Boots
Style Notes: If English-countryside chic is the aesthetic you’re going for, your next purchase should be a pair of riding boots. (Bonus points given for wearing them with a barn jacket.)
Shop Riding Boots:
Wear with skirts, dresses and trousers alike.
Mango
Leather boots with decorative buckle
Imagine this tan pair with a classic denim midi skirt.
& Other Stories
Leather Riding Boots
You’ll get so much wear out of these.
6. Boat Shoes
Style Notes: Thanks in large part to Miu Miu, boat shoes are having a moment. The loafer-adjacent style lends a casual, preppy vibe to an outfit.
Shop Boat Shoes:
Bed Stu
Overboard Boat Shoes
I love the contrast lace on this pair.
Christian Louboutin
Gerockel Leather Boat Shoes
This white pair is a great way to freshen up your autumn outfits.
Timberland
Heritage Noreen Boat Shoes
These will go with everything.
7. Mesh Flats
Style Notes: Mesh flats continue to be very popular among European girls, who often pair them with skirts.
Shop Mesh Flats:
I love how these are styled.
& Other Stories
Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats
Use these to show off your autumn pedicure.
ZARA
Mesh Ballerinas With Bow