Stylish, flat, semi-smart, summer, closed-toe shoes don’t exist.

[SimonsCow]

Is this a fact?

Going to a work conference soon. It will be a mix but I try to go for smart casual. Trainers or toms would be too casual. Ballet flats always look naff. I have nice sandals but not sure about having open toes. Nothing wrong with my feet (gel nails done, no heel cracks etc) but I’m not sure I want them on display in a work environment.

Is there a magic solution I haven’t thought of? Just turned 40 and trying to find the balance of not quite ready for shopping in M&S yet but don’t want to look like I’m trying to be 20.

I would probably be wearing a midi-skirt and top or fitted midi-dress with them.

I mean, I wear open toe wedges all the time at work. Not sure why a flash of decent toenail is a problem.

pointed ballet flats are flattering and fairly comfortable. look a bit more edgy than rounded ones and more flattering on leg too

I cannot wear a pointy flat without tripping over, especially going up stairs. Is it just me?!

It’s just not the norm in my area of work for some reason. Maybe everyone is hiding their ugly unkempt feet and I’m ok to bare my reasonable feet? Still makes me feel self conscious

I just make do with ballet flats, year round, as I haven't found a solution.

I will never put an ugly fuck of a brogue on my foot. Can't wear open toe at my work.

I was asking this just the other day. I like to wear tights at work so need a closed toe.

I don't think ballet flats need look naff. I appreciate this is a casual outfit not a work one, but I think this photo of Meghan shows how you can make ballet flats look non-naff.

I have these for work, very comfy. I'm thinking of getting them in stone as well.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/st325368/c96867#c96867

Here’s an „if money is no object“ option…
Margaret Howell

I wear Saltwater Sharks. They cover my toes pretty much completely and seem to go with all my smart-casual outfits.

Espadrille wedges with enclosed toe?

I remember Shea Whitney saying any shoe, high or low, that bares the inside arch of your foot looks appealing. They have a French name, but I’ve forgotten it!
So how about these? I prefer the ones in black.https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-wide-fit-latte-round-toe-slingback-ballet-in-beige/prd/204194601?ctaref=more+colours+swatches&featureref1=more+colours+swatches

I saw some pale pink suede loafers in M&S?

It’s tricky isn’t it, I struggle because I hate feet.

I’ve got something similar to those ones @Sgtmajormummy pointed out but from
River Island. I also wear ballet flats from Next and sometimes all white leather converse but I know you said trainers aren’t okay. I went to a new workplace last week where a number of the women of pvarious ages were wearing those Vivienne Westwood flats which I’d never thought about wearing in my late 30s but they did look nice so I thought I might try some of those.

These are closed toe. And woven so nice and airy.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B6PT5LL4/ref=asc_df_B0B6PT5LL4?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=fashiolacouk-21&linkCode=df0&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B0B6PT5LL4&ascsubtag=qZF4H

https://www.yoox.com/uk/17461815/item?tp=196647&utm_source=integral&utm_medium=affiliation-rs&utm_campaign=uk_3111052&dept=women&cod10=17461815&utm_content=Fashiola&tduid=07dd9b05a2c11887137b80d77cfec3d6#cod10=17461815&sizeId=-1

I know you said not keen on 'ballet flats', but the two above are more sandal/slingbacks.

I agree slingbacks are a good middle ground for the summer.

These are now out of stock in most sizes but I have these:

https://www.charleskeith.co.uk/gb/sale/CK1-70920106_BEIGE.html?gclid=CjwKCAjws7WkBhBFEiwAIi1684XqCawTD5kfruOcT3jXBprtGk289IWRsZXoaESngaNx91UzdnJdexoC6E4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I wouldn’t wear them to a client meeting but would to a work event. I can also wear them on weekends, etc. They go really nicely with summer dresses.

Have a look at Seasalt. I've found some nice closed toe summer shoes there. Not sure what they have atm, but worth a look.

Would loafers be too enclosed for you? I wear them year round but fortunately my feet don’t really sweat.

If not, would huaraches be smart enough? You can get them in all kinds of colors, patterns, and styles and lots of small businesses in Mexico ship internationally if you want them straight from the source.

https://www.grenson.com/queenie-womens-sandals-in-tan-handpainted-leather/

these?

How about these?

www.elnaturalista.com/uk/en/sandals-woman-stella-nd54#variant=8445

I don't have any shoe suggestions but just to say please don't rule out M&S. I don't think it's still got the older woman image it once had!

I'm looking for similar closed toe summer shoe, flat and non pointy.

Dont know what they are like as I don't own a pair, but are these any good? These are a style I would wear and they don't look old fashioned

ARTART Women's Rhodes Closed Toe Sandals, Brown (LAND LAND), 9 UK https://amzn.eu/d/7hq56t8

I have some Vivaias that have had lots of people ask me where they are from. Personally prefer a pointed toe, but the round toes are also good.

https://www.vivaia.com/item/pointed-toe-striped-flats-p_10003109.html?gid=4301