Nothing Takes You From Summer To Fall Easier Than Flats: How To Transition The Style

The late summer is all about style transitions. Sweltering heat gives way to cooler mornings and nights, so summer wardrobes aren't sufficient anymore. Layering and warmth take priority, so sweaters and jackets come into play. Meanwhile, sandals take a backseat in favor of more substantial footwear. This is where flats become essential; nothing transitions from summer to fall quite as well as the classic flat. 

To get the best take on switching from summer to fall, Women spoke with Jordan Stolch, personal stylist and educator at MiKADO Personal Styling. As a fashion expert, Stolch walked us through the ways to make the most of flats in the late summer. After all, flats have been trending, with numerous updated ways to wear the beloved shoes. There are so many possibilities with flats and so many kinds. From classic ballet flats and pointy toe flats to loafers or Oxfords, there's something for every style. There's the comfy shoe trend that elevates basic ballet flats, and they're perfect for older women, too. And flats are an appropriate choice for nearly every occasion, from relaxed days running errands to dressier events. Plus, they're also one of the most comfortable shoe styles to wear while traveling. There's so much to love about these classic shoes, and they're ideal with fall just around the corner. 

Flats are perfect for the late summer because they work just as well on those last warm days of summer as they do on the cooler days of early fall. Personal stylist Jordan Stolch explained to Women exclusively why flats were ideal for this time of year. "Flats are a great option for late summer footwear, because they bridge the gap between seasons," Stolch said. 

She went on to describe the merits of flats, noting that they gave more coverage than summer sandals, particularly in mornings and evenings when the weather is cooler. "They also give outfits a polished finish without feeling as heavy as boots, making them an easy way to extend the life of your warm-weather wardrobe while transitioning your wardrobe into the next season," Stolch added. While all flats can do this, ballet flats have remained a mainstay of street style and have reached an uptick in trend appeal. From the classic black flat to strappy Mary Janes to the sport hybrid sneakerinas, these are a great bet for the ideal multi-season flat. 

The beauty of styling flats is that they work well with different options, and Jordan Stolch walked us through some outfit formulas. "The key to transitioning flats into fall is letting the rest of your outfit do the seasonal heavy lifting," Stolch explained. "There's no need to swap out your shoes right away. Instead, start introducing fall textures, weights, and layers. Think lightweight trench coats, oversized blazers, denim jackets, fine-knit sweaters draped over the shoulders, or crisp button-downs paired with your favorite flats." 

Stolch noted that another great trick is to shift the color palette of your wardrobe to autumn tones. There's no need to race out and buy new shoes; just style the flats you already own, prioritizing ones in darker neutrals. Chocolate browns, olive greens, caramel tones, and navy hues are ideal, making the whole outfit look more seasonally appropriate. One of the best formulas, according to Stolch, is to style a pair of ballet flats with straight-leg jeans, a white shirt, and an oversized blazer. The winning charm of this outfit is that it's appropriate for every occasion, from work to brunch. 

Another formula is a midi dress with flats and a light cardigan, Stolch noted. "If you're leaning into a more tailored look, pointed-toe flats with wide-leg trousers and a simple knit top create an elevated silhouette that's perfect for early fall," Stolch went on. There are so many options, and each one is cuter than the next.