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.

If you're not into brogues then loafers are all the rage currently.

That being said, I've just bought myself these nude/pink brogues from White Stuff for work. They're super soft and comfortable. Would recommend. www.whitestuff.com/accessories-and-shoes/womens-shoes/pink-mlt-thistle-lace-up-brogue/

Going to zhuzh up last years loafers with contrasting clip on tassels or pom poms rather than buy new.

Sadly, my feet and ankles are way too puffy for ballet flats in this heat.

There are gorgeous shoes on Polinetmoi. Thank you.

@NatashaDancing, aren't there just? A great site to know about.

Thanks, @LightlySearedontheRealityGrill 🙂

I recommend the fitflop Cova if you can find it.

I had red Clarks T bars in the day - early 1960s 😀

Oh I love those.

I don’t like showing toes in a work environment. I bought some low wedge black canvas espadrilles from JL last week that seem to go with everything and are very comfy

@LightlySearedontheRealityGrill Love all the polinetmoi. Thank you and damn you!
@FinanceLPlates Love the MH too, for a different vibe.

I have some low espadrille wedges with a closed toe from M&S.

I was also going to recommend Pikolinos like a few other posters. Lovely soft leather and they do a few closed toe sandal options

love me a ballet flat. These are my faves https://www.clarks.co.uk/c/Scala-Gem-Youth/p/26149557

But I have a very feminine style.

Ohhhhhh those Poline et moi shoes are gorgeous. A bit like the lusciousness of Carrell shoes but a third of the price.

Has anyone bought any? What's the quality like & do they charge duty now we're out of the EU?

I think toes/heels on show at work are a no. I always wear a low-ish wedge court shoe (the brown ones are Jones bootmakers & the navy ones are Tanaris).

Closed toe wedges from Popsy https://www.popsyclothing.co.uk/collections/wedges

https://www.lunarshoesonline.co.uk/ladies-shoes-c6/lunar-corbridge-beige-wedge-p5762

Saw the title and came onto this thread to recommend Vivaia.

I have 4 pairs and I get compliments on them all the time. I have several pairs in various colours and patterns. They're the only shoes I've ever found I can wear comfortably without socks. They have a really thick latex insole so they don't kill your heels like some ballet flats. They have a mix of square, round and pointed toes.

And they're made of recycled plastic bottles!

The only thing I will say is my most frequently worn pairs, which I've had a couple of years, have slackened off a bit now so they are too big. This is disappointing but not so much so that I won't buy some more to replace them, because I like them that much!

https://www.oxygenshoes.co.uk/epages/BT3376.mobile/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT3376 these are my favourite brand, lots of closed toes summer shoes

Thanks so much for all the ideas. I like the idea of a fisherman’s sandal.. any thoughts on these?

https://www.dunelondon.com/loch-caged-leather-sandals-ecru-0079504510025736.html?glCountry=GB&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr8CdurbV_wIVGtF3Ch1nkwp_EAQYASABEgKloPD_BwE

https://www.hotter.com/gb/en/lake-shoes-lakexs-product-44?selectedColour=Rich%20Tan

There are some great ideas here, but they're not exactly 'flat'!!!