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.

Placemarkibg, I need this!

ops & ops are really good. No 17 is the most comfortable style.

I've got these in both black and pink from m&s, I do generally need some arch support but can get away without it for work as I am not on my feet all day every day.

I have been browsing at M&S and found this: https://www.marksandspencer.com/wide-fit-suede-bow-flat-loafers/p/clp60584415?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I have some ankle tie wedge espadrilles that are really comfy and work well for the days that I’m wearing a mid dress or skirt to work.

Otherwise how about some mules? I have some cream ones from Next that get a lot of wear.

I love these.

I disagree. I love Meghan's style but those ballet flats look naff with the rest of the outfit. Like kids shoes.

I love these

I really like those.

Megan Markle always looks styled by someone else to within an inch of her life and is a very unadventurous dresser. Those shoes look fine with that outfit and I'd be very surprised if Markle hadn't been assured by her stylist they were fine.

I'm not a huge fan of Markle's style but sort of admire it as it's always very polished although looks very worked at but I'd trust her (or her stylist) over most of MN.

@FinanceLPlates oh no, each to their own and all. But those make me think of old ladies and nuns. I’m not stylish enough to make them look good on me.

I think these backless loafers from Next look nice

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st294603/d14689#d14689]

I asked in here about Fisherman's sandals & ended up with these lovely John Lewis ones - they are very smart.

They're leather & very supportive of my feet. I won't pay for plastic even if makers try to call it "faux leather." It's plastic.

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-lisbon-leather-caged-fisherman-sandals/p6025568

Have these been mentioned, yet?
(I assume you meant the alpargata Toms not being smart enough?)

These are also Toms, yet do look smart, IMO.

Plus nice and easy to slip off under a desk!

https://www.toms.com/uk/women/shoes/flats/womens-brown-linen-jutti-dorsay-leather-flat/10019529.html

https://solillas.com/collections/women
These are fab, and only have the teeniest toe hole!!

😆 just realised others have offered up the Menorcan sandal style!!!
I can vouch that Solillas are very comfy.

I was looking for something similar, and found these. There were quite a few choices https://www.pikolinos.com/uk-en/talavera-w3d-0665c1.html?dwvar_talavera-w3d-0665c1_color=BRANDY

I’ve just bought these from M&S.

I have just purchased a pair of nudey blush suede block heeled pointy closed toe open sided courts from Carvela. They are beautifully padded inside. Don't think I can link.

They're called 'Duet2' and are on sale.

https://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/hudson-london-arabella-fisherman-white-sandals/1799631020/

Gabor have some lovely shoes.

Lighter coloured loafers
https://www.sezane.com/en/product/andre-loafers/natural-heritage-leather#size-2

D'Orsay flats
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOMS-Womens-Jutti-Dorsay-Ballet/dp/B08QV5PFCC/ref=asc_df_B08QV5PFCC/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=613596268704&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3769931770430138185&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045108&hvtargid=pla-1434082031267&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

Mary Janes
https://www.polinetmoi.com/en/shoes/13826-62488-mary-jane-palmyra-buckle.html#/170-colors-rose/179-sizes-38

Pumps
https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/tod-s/pumps/mid-heel-pumps/embellished-nubuck-pumps/1647597304299322

Sezane do some nice caged flats

Pikolinos are great, really comfortable.

I’ve been admiring these:

https://www.sezane.com/us/product/natacha-sandals/woven-raffia#size-5