Back when I first started working, I wore heels all the time. I wanted to feel grown-up and be taken seriously. But, what I didn't know back then was that professional confidence comes from knowing you can run to that meeting in record time and nip out in under five minutes to grab lunch if need be.
Now I'm almost 30, I don't have patience to carry heels during my commute and thanks to hot desking, I don't even have shoe storage space under my desk anyway (RIP hoarding).
So with Walk To Work Day coming up on April 6th, there's never been a better reason to embrace flats without sacrificing style.
And considering that women's trainers outsold all shoes back in 2017, it's clear that the lines are blurring between functional fashion and everyday style. Feeling comfortable is the new chic so here are five flat shoe styles to carry you through the work week.
Monday: box fresh trainers
Since trainers are the shoe version of the cross-body bag (because you forget you're even wearing them), they're the ideal transition shoe to take you from the weekend back to work. Plus you can pay homage to Stranger Things with a flushed denim hem on top - and, you'll be steady enough to walk your dog to work (office permitting, of course.)
Fiorucci jeans, New Look T-shirt, Coach at Coggles jacket, Baia bag, Found My Animal dog lead and collar, FitFlop F-Sporty Uberknit Sneakers, £74.95.
Tuesday: dark sneakers
Everyone knows Tuesdays is when the ball really gets rolling at work and nothing says bawse more than a strong overcoat and dark trainers that scream 'need me there in a minute? No problem.' Accessorise with the playful SS18 trend of matte neon orange nails, as seen at Jeremy Scott's catwalk show.
Mango coat, Boohoo trousers, FitFlop Uberknit High Top Sneakers, £79.95 [Jumper: Delphine's own]
Wednesday: decorative shoes
Make a midweek statement in your next meeting with a striped suit - but dress it down for the office with a shoe suitable for every day that has the added fun of an on-trend tassel. There's an added bonus if your shoes co-ordinate with your laptop.
New Look T-shirt, Finlay & Co. glasses, Amazon laptop sleeve, FitFlop F-Sporty II Sneakers, £89.95 [Suit: Delphine's own]
Thursday: mules
Thursdays are for throwing back drinks, pizza or whatever your vice is so get a little flirty in your fashion. But, flats don't have to be unromantic. For day-to-date night, pair plain mules with a more colourful trend like check on stripes. And, according to fashion stylist Madeleine Bowden, the trick to wearing flat mules is to always go for a full size up for ultimate comfort and aesthetic.
Boohoo dress, Urban Outfitters blazer, Arran Frances bag, FitFlop Superskate Fringe Mules, £84.95
Friday: sandals
Fancy-free Friday means anything goes and spring means one thing: layers. What else sets off an entire outfit quite like a flattering sandal that'll work with any hem length? Go forth and mini, midi and maxi to happy hour.
Ganni at Coggles dress, New Look coat, Boohoo leather look blazer, Arran Frances bag, and FitFlop Bon II Sandals, £89.95
Walk to work essentials
For your transport-free commute, make sure you've got a good podcast, forever coffee cup, reusable water bottle, sunglasses and comfy shoes, of course.
For all your comfortable-but-chic flat shoe needs, head to FitFlop
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