Every autumn, the same question comes back: what do I wear on my feet now that it's too cold for sandals and too early for boots? This year, a lot of stylists are pointing to the loafers and lace-up Oxfords. It's low, it's neat, and it's a fresher alternative. Here are six outfits that show how to wear it, from school to the weekend.
How do you style lace-up flats? The quick answer
Keep the rest of the outfit simple. Pair them with straight jeans and white socks, tailored trousers and a blazer, a pleated skirt with tights, or all in black. Here are six outfits in detail.
1. Straight jeans and white socks
The easiest one. Straight jeans, a plain white sock, and a black lace-up flat. Add a hoodie or a knit, and you're done. The white sock gives it a preppy feel and stops the outfit from looking too serious.
2. Tailored trousers and a blazer
Black or brown tailored trousers, a fitted knit and an oversized blazer. A big black bag finishes it off. The Oxford flat keeps the look smart without making it feel stiff, which is why it works for sixth form, interviews, and family occasions.
3. A pleated skirt, tights and knee socks
The classic school-girl shape, updated. A pleated mini or midi skirt, thick tights or knee socks, a chunky cardigan and lace-up flats. Keep the colours muted: grey, navy, burgundy or camel.
4. All black
Black jeans or trousers, a black knit, a black coat and black patent lace-up or oxford ballet flats. It looks sharp and takes no effort. Shoes in patent leather are enough to lift the whole outfit.
5. Cropped trousers and a fuzzy jumper
Soft textures against a smooth shoe. Cropped trousers, a fuzzy or knitted jumper and lace-up flats. The contrast between cosy and crisp is what makes it feel styled.
6. A slip dress over a knit
Layer a satin or velvet slip dress over a thin knit or a long-sleeved top, add tights and an Oxford flat. It dresses up for a party, and it works back to school the next day if you swap the dress for a skirt.
Where can you shop the look? Brands girls love, and what each one is like
Part of the fun of an outfit is where you find it. These are brands that come up for teenagers, sixth formers and students, with what makes each one feel special. Prices change, so check before you buy.
Brandy Melville. A favourite for relaxed tops, soft knits and skirts. It has London stores on Carnaby Street (which has a photo booth), at Seven Dials in Covent Garden, on King's Road and in Hampstead, according to an older guide, so check current locations. A soft knit with straight jeans, white socks and a black Oxford flat is the whole outfit.
Minka Dink London. An independent London brand known for frilly blouses (the Bibi Blouse), the Evie Cardigan and minimalist denim. Its pop-up shops on King's Road have drawn long queues, so a visit feels like an occasion. A frilly blouse with tailored trousers and an Oxford flat looks planned without trying.
With Lyberty or bellachristiejewellery, plenty of charms to choose from and charm bars that we love. It's an easy way to personalise outfits on a budget or add to your gift list!.
For vintage, try going to Camden Market or Brick Lane as well as Hilda in Stoke Newington or Sloe Vintage in Brixton Village, and see our winter afternoon in London guide for markets and cake stops. Whether you're in sixth form or heading back to uni, a vintage coat over an Oxford flat outfit always works.
What other flats are trending this autumn?
Oxfords aren't the only flat story this season. Stylists are also pointing to faux fur and shearling-lined loafers and ballet flats, slide-on mules, snake print, a bright violet purple, and embellished flats in velvet or with studs. If you want to try a trend, pick one detail and keep the rest of the outfit simple.
What should you look for in an Oxford flat?
A smooth leather or patent upper, a fastening that holds your foot (a lace-up does the job better than a slip-on), enough room for thick socks, and a sole you can walk in all day. Black is the easiest colour to start with because it works with everything in this list.
If you're UK 9 or above
Lace-up flats in a teen-friendly style are made in fewer sizes at UK 9 and above, so it takes more looking. Maévie makes a black patent Oxford flat in UK 6 to UK 12 (EU 39 to 47), made in Portugal. For more, see our guide to stylish shoes in UK size 9 and above, or the shoe size guide for teenage girls.
FAQ
Q How do you style lace-up flats?
A With straight or cropped jeans and white socks, with tailored trousers and a blazer, with a pleated skirt, tights and a chunky cardigan, or all in black. Keep the rest of the outfit simple so the shoe stands out.
Q What socks do you wear with flats?
A Fresh white ankle socks give a preppy look with jeans. Knee socks or thick tights work with skirts. Choose socks that fit snugly so they don't bunch inside the shoe.
Q Are lace-ups in style for autumn 2026?
A Yes. Fashion editors have been pointing to Oxfords and lace-up flats as a fresh alternative to loafers this season, alongside faux fur flats, mules, snake print and embellished styles.
Q Can you wear Oxford lace-ups with a skirt?
A Yes. Try a pleated skirt with thick tights or knee socks and a chunky cardigan. Keep the colours muted, such as grey, navy, burgundy or camel, so the shoe stands out.
Q Can I wear Oxford flats for school?
A Often yes, if the school's uniform policy allows black leather or patent shoes. Check your school's rules for the finish and colour first.