Hannah Rochell is the author of En Brogue, a blog about stylish flat shoes and how to wear them. She has also written and illustrated two fashion books. Here she tells us why she'll never wear heels again...

I've never been able to walk in heels. I rarely wore them anyway, but when I first started working as a fashion journalist, I felt a certain pressure to up my game when it came to the height of my shoes. So I tried, really I did, but after a few years, I was completely fed up with falling over in public or actually crying real tears because my feet hurt so much. Faceplanting in a train station or bawling on the bus is not a good look, no matter how banging your outfit.

I also just prefer the way flats look, and when I started to introduce heels to my wardrobe, nothing really worked. I totally lost my style mojo and ended up wearing sexy dresses and short skirts that weren't very me. Now that I'm a flats fanatic though, I don't actually own any heels anymore. I feel not only more comfortable walking, but more comfortable in my own style.

Of course, I've also become somewhat of an expert on all types of flat shoe, and there are a few styles that I think every woman should have in her style repertoire. These are the shoes that will never fail you, whatever the occasion, and that you can rely on to stay in style, no matter what appears at fashion week.

Last year, women's trainers outsold heels in the UK for the first time ever

For me, trainers come top of that list, with loafers and pointy pumps coming a close second and third. And as luck would have it, trainers are a flat shoe trend that is definitely not fading out. In fact, for women, it's bigger than ever. Thankfully, the days are gone where the best trainers only come in men's sizes, and women finally have equality when it comes to stylish trainers, a point proven last year when women's trainers outsold heels in the UK for the first time ever.

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Instagram: @enbrogue
Hannah wears Lacoste\'s L.12.12 trainers

The hardest working trainers in my wardrobe are my white tennis shoes. I love Lacoste's Straightsets and L.12.12 trainers for their simplicity and timeless, classic style. They go with everything I own, including this season's ubiquitous long floral dresses, as well as my favourite boyfriend jeans, and everything in between. My favourite way to wear white kicks though, is with a pair of sharp tailored trousers and a cashmere sweater. It's just the ultimate in laid-back tailored cool.

If you're planning on teaming your trainers with bare legs, proportion is key. The Lacoste Avenir has a slimmer silhouette that's perfect for a more feminine look and more flattering on your pins than a traditional trainer. It comes in an Instagram-friendly shade of pale grey with rose gold details, and with its cushioned bouncy sole, is also unrivalled as far as comfort is concerned.

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Instagram: @enbrogue
Hannah wears Lacoste\'s Avenir trainers

If you're after a hard working party shoe to pep up your jeans and going out top that will see you right through to party season, head for the Eyyla in silver, which will add a fun, feminine edge to any outfit.

I love the effortless chic that a great pair of flats brings to an outfit. And even though I'm only 5ft 3", I couldn't care less about trying to look taller. If you get the proportions right - like always making sure you show a flash of ankle by turning up your jeans - there's no reason why height has to play a part in your decision whether or not to wear heels.

The past few years have been a sartorial dream for me, since the fashion world has been 100% committed to shunning stilettos in favour of trainers, brogues and loafers. It actually became unusual to see models wearing platforms or stilettos at fashion week, something I think they were as delighted about as I was.

So there's never been a better time to be a flat shoe lover, especially if you're a female sneakerhead, so whatever models are wearing on the catwalk, there's definitely no need to reach for the heels.

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Instagram: @enbrogue
Hannah wears Lacoste\'s Eyyla trainers

4 ways to wear your trainers

1. Team with your date night dress

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@shotfromthestreet

You know that flirty dress you wore on a date last week? It can look just as good with a pair of sporty trainers during the day. Get the most out of your flats by teaming them with your favourite going out OUT dress for a summer outfit that's easy and effortless. Take a cue from Lizzy Hadfield of Shot From The Street who knows how to mix the sporty with feminine vibes.

Lizzy wears Lacoste's Straightset Lace Leather Trainers, £80. Shop them here


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@fashiontwinstinct

2. Add a silver lining

If you're looking to give your footwear arsenal an on-trend update, look no further than a slick of silver. The fun finish on Lacoste's Eyyla trainers are guaranteed to bring an eye-catching edge to your off-duty look. Just ask style bloggers Su and Chris of Fashion Twinstinct who are dedicated fans.

Su wears Lacoste's Eyyla Leather Trainers, £85. Shop them here


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@withstyleandchic

3. Use platforms to add height

Wearing flats doesn't mean sacrificing an extra few inches. Laurie of With Style and Chic is in love with a white platform for boosting her height while keeping her look comfortable and fresh. Wear yours with slim fit trousers and a sharp blazer for the perfect smart but stylish office outfit.

Laurie wears Lacoste's Chaumont Lace Textile Trainers, £85. Shop them here


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@SHOTFROMTHESTREET

4. Add a colour pop

Pink continues to be the cool girl's colour of choice, but rather than going full-on Barbie, add a jolt of colour via your footwear. Take a cue from Shot From The Street's Lizzy Hadfield who nails this season's hottest colour combo by wearing her pink trainers with red jeans.

Lizzy wears Lacoste's L.12.12 Nappa Leather Trainers, £105. Shop them here

Shop the full Lacoste range here.

Article lead image, Lizzy Hadfield of Shot From The Street