Fringe Trend: The Slipper Flat

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Fringe Trend: The Slipper Flat

— by Angie

on December 16, 2011

The slipper flat was inspired by the classic gents bedroom slipper and looks a little like a loafer. It’s less feminine than a ballet flat, but not quite as masculine as flat oxfords. I am very much a yay vote for the style. I can see the slipper flat making a nice change to more mainstream ballet flats and flat oxfords when the weather warms up.

Classic flat loafers are supposed to be making a huge comeback for Spring and Summer, and they have been the first thing on my warm weather shopping list as soon as I came back from September Fashion Week. But I’m wondering whether I should spring for a pair of slipper flats instead. Perhaps I need a pair of slipper flats and loafers.

I think it’s cool that they resemble dapper menswear bedroom slippers. My almost 80 year old Dad will probably think that they are menswear slippers. What’s your verdict on the slipper flat?

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76 comments · Add a comment

Deborah

Veteran

I wore this style of shoe some years ago so there I have a slight sense of these looking a bit dated to me. However the overall stylings of these does make some of them look new and fresh. The first pair (black and white) are very appealing to me. The pattern and colors look modern and contemporary, but the second and third pair do look dated to me. And the the pair that actually look like slippers, cute idea but not for me.

December 16, 2011 at 3:19 am

Velma

Veteran

Also known as Italian loafers, aren’t they? I would wear them, but with the higher vamp, they might be less versatile than ballet flats.

December 16, 2011 at 3:32 am

Irene

Veteran

They remind me of sleepers. Maybe I need to get adjusted. Maybe I’ll just pass this one

December 16, 2011 at 4:15 am

Irene

Veteran

slippers*

December 16, 2011 at 4:15 am

Sylvia

(website)

Active Member

The ones you picked here are certainly very YAY indeed. It’s been a while since I’ve needed these kind of shoes as in Singapore I mainly stick to sandels. I think I like the look of ballet flats slightly more but I think these would be more comfortable. (ballets never seem to fit me).

December 16, 2011 at 4:20 am

Sigrid

I think your dad and I will be on the same team here…But never say never, perhaps my eye will adjust and I will start liking it, that has happened before!

December 16, 2011 at 4:22 am

Claudia

I’d wear these in a heartbeat.

December 16, 2011 at 4:24 am

Mochi

Veteran

I think they look nice and casually elegant. I just tried a pair on yesterday, however, and because of the cut, they’re not for me. They dig into the upper area of my foot at a place that’s particularly sensitive for me.

(Also, I bought some oxfords yesterday. They’re laceless, and my heel was slipping out of the shoe slightly as I took some steps to assess the fit. The saleswoman said as I wear the shoe, it will continue to mold to my foot and eventually this will stop. Is she correct? It’s okay as it is, but I’d like it to stay on my foot completely.)

December 16, 2011 at 5:02 am

Ruth

My SIL wears these, as did my aunt years ago. To me, they look very dated.

December 16, 2011 at 5:09 am

Laura

100% Yay! I recently met an older gentleman from Europe who was wearing these (black with an insignia) with red socks and a suit. He is in the design field so he could pull that off and they looked incredible.

December 16, 2011 at 5:22 am

patti

(website)

Active Member

Hmmm, not really my thing. With so many beautiful ballet flats to choose from, I think I’ll pass on the slipper look. I reserve the right to change my mind : >

December 16, 2011 at 5:30 am

kimlee

Veteran

For me, this is one of those trends where I would have find just the right style in order to embrace it. Otherwise, I will have to pass.

December 16, 2011 at 5:33 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I say yay. Even though i am on Team Heels, I recently bought a cute pair of loafers (classic penny loafer style but in cranberry patent leather), and they’re getting a lot of compliments. So I could see wearing a pair of these in an unusual pattern or color — I like the black and white ones shown here. Styled in a modern way (ie, with skinny jeans, leather jackets, etc.), I think these new flats could be fun and a little unexpected for my casual rock’n’roll style.

There is a fine line though — if they start to look too slipper-ish or are paired with a less modern look, I think they could look dowdy.

December 16, 2011 at 5:38 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think they’re gorgeous and I’m especially crazy about the Aldo Dalmation, Sam Edleman and Nicole Hearts version you’ve shown here. Could you give us some suggestions on what to wear with? First off, I think they’d look great with skinnies – but what else?

December 16, 2011 at 5:51 am

Lisa

Veteran

I’m all over this look, in a fun color or design to keep them from looking too bedroom. I especially like that they are flat and have a high vamp, perfect for covering up a scar on the foot. I plan to wear mine with skinny jeans.

December 16, 2011 at 6:12 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

These are sweet, and if I could wear flats I would wear them! Maybe they would stay on my foot a little better than ballet flats; I will try a pair and see.

December 16, 2011 at 6:18 am

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Yes! I would definitely wear these. I’m keeping my eyes peeled right now for the perfect pair, so this post is very timely for me.

December 16, 2011 at 6:22 am

Cheryl

quite opposite my faves, the Ugg slipper. I would pass on these for sure. But I can see my brother in law in them.

December 16, 2011 at 6:28 am

Diana

Veteran

Cute, although I’m certain my standard ballet flat problem (shoes flying off my feet) will still be a problem here, and I think these would look very odd with mary jane straps! I’d definitely wear them if I could, though.

December 16, 2011 at 6:30 am

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I almost posted about these on the forum yesterday! Since I can’t wear ballet flats because of where the cut hits me (painful), and I haven’t been able to find comfortable oxfords, and I can’t do heels because of my back- these are perfect for me. I also just like the style- they are reminiscent of a men’s smoking slipper, and what could be more elegant than that? If anyone else is having a hard time finding them- they are usually found under the Loafer category online, and here are a few more that I have found:

American Eagle Sparkle Loafer (black or gold)
http://www.ae.com/web/browse/p.....=cat380151

American Eagle Leather loafer
http://www.ae.com/web/browse/p.....=cat380151

Calf Hair in ocelot or gray leopard print
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../49078.jsp

metallic pecan or graphite
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../49184.jsp

patent leathe rin black or nut
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../49252.jsp

silver studded steven madee
http://www.zappos.com/steven-madee-r-black-suede

leopard print steven madee
http://www.zappos.com/steven-madee-leopard

dolce vita
http://www.zappos.com/dv-by-dolce-vita-wink-taupe

December 16, 2011 at 7:14 am

MsMary

Veteran

I love these! I don’t wear flats very often but I would enjoy a pair of the sparkly ones for dress-up!

December 16, 2011 at 7:14 am

Phoebe

Veteran

Love them!! I will definitely get a pair of animal printed slippers. Comfy and stylish – what else do you need?

December 16, 2011 at 7:17 am

morethanbeige

Veteran

I appreciate the style and could see others rocking them. For me, though, who is still struggling with flats in general, I think my first *flats* will be low-heeled boots! haha

December 16, 2011 at 7:30 am

Lori

Veteran

I am totally obsessed with the Loeffler Randall pony hair black polka dot loafers. They are gorgeous, but out of price range.
Check them out: http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com.....d72920040/

December 16, 2011 at 7:40 am

clearlyclaire

I have an innate love for practically all flats; I think these are darling. My flats wardrobe is pretty well-rounded so I won’t be shopping for a pair of these, but what I like about the style is that if has a little higher vamp than a ballet flat, so some gals might be able to keep these on their feet better.

December 16, 2011 at 7:45 am

Carole

Veteran

I have a pair of these in plain black suede, Steven Madden from Nordstroms. This time of year it’s too cold for ballet flats and these are a good alternative for a little more foot coverage in the winter when you dont want to wewr boots. I do not wear heels so I’m all over anything comfy thats flat. I’m surprised so many think they are dowdy. I think they are cute! I’ll take another pair in zebra, please.

December 16, 2011 at 7:58 am

Gigi

Active Member

Well, the pair on the lower right might work as they’re certainly not menswear-slipper looking in that print! I’d wear them with jeans or slacks with a longer length to cover the higher vamp. Since I have shorter legs, I don’t usually go for something like this….

December 16, 2011 at 8:15 am

Queen Mum

Veteran

Hmmmm…. these have possibilities. Like Chewy, I can’t wear ballet flats, so these look like a great alternative. I understand those who say they seem dated, but I seem to think that of all new trends that come back at first. I remember feeling that midi dresses looked dated, and now they look so fresh and modern to me. I think a cool modern pattern like animal or polka dots would keep you from looking dated.

December 16, 2011 at 8:37 am

Deborah

Active Member

I love this style! I would wear the zebra pair because I like the color combination. I feel like I should remember these from years past, but I have to say I don’t. They look new to me, so maybe that is why I like them so much!

December 16, 2011 at 8:56 am

catgirl

Veteran

I much prefer these to ballet slippers and would wear them if I could find the right pair. I’m not a huge fan of basic loafers, though I never say never!

December 16, 2011 at 8:59 am

Joan von Weien

I love flats and am a new convert to wearing equestrienne boots. I am almost NEVER in high heels, and my icons from when women wore menswear in a clearly feminene way were Slim Keith (later Lady Keith) and the two Hepburns, Audrey and Katherine.

Later, Jackie brought into style Gucci loafers, and much lower stacked heels. Being tall, with long legs, has made me yearn to throw away all those high heels, and I am down to two pairs which sit on the TOP SHELF!

I love Repettos ballet slippers, and am open to less pricey ballet shoes. Angie, you have re-emphasized for me to live with comfort without giving up style, whimsey, and panache!

December 16, 2011 at 9:05 am

Anya

I just accepted ballet flats ( found some cute supportive one), but of course were ruined in a rain. These slippers seem a better choice for trousers . With skirts, I like me a low vamp

December 16, 2011 at 9:11 am

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

The DO look like slippers, don’t they? But, I so love them, especially the Sam Edelman pair in Parisian Blue. I like the fun colors, and I’d probably opt for one in my closet. Angie, I think you should have one of each!

Loafers may give me a bit more mileage, which brings up a question, Angie. Earlier in the week, you showed a Nine West Newkimmie, which I really liked (in black leather) and it does have a heel height of two inches. Is this still considered a loafer?

December 16, 2011 at 9:15 am

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Typo: “They DO…”

Plus here’s the link from your blog on the shoes:

http://youlookfab.com/2011/12/.....shionista/

December 16, 2011 at 9:17 am

rachylou

Veteran

I like the ones above with the chevrons, but I can’t say I’m a fan of the slipper flat. I don’t like the patent slippers men wear with tuxedos either. I find them too girly for men and too masculine for women in general. Too iffy. Too unstructured.

December 16, 2011 at 9:21 am

Debbie

Veteran

I love the studded ones. Sent that link to my youngest daughter.

December 16, 2011 at 9:24 am

Cynthia

(website)

I like the look of these stylewise, but I’d have to find a pair that sort of gave this effect while having more structure. I like arch support, what can I say?

December 16, 2011 at 9:25 am

MNsara

Veteran

A huge ‘yay’ from me! I much prefer how these look on my wide foot than ballet flats.

Everytime I see them on this blogger, I spend the next 15 minutes searching (unsuccessfully) all around for a pair just like hers

http://atlantic-pacific.blogsp.....state.html

December 16, 2011 at 9:29 am

MNsara

Veteran

Oh, and ‘yay’ on the UPDATED loafers comeback too!

I had these JCrew on my radar, but way too expensive
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../48962.jsp

so when I ran across some patent camel Franco Sartos at the Rack, they had to come home with me. . .
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr.....veforlater

I guess I’m more ready for spring than I realized!

December 16, 2011 at 9:33 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for your opinions, ladies.

Vicki, I appreciate your enabling. Yup. Those heeled loafers are still loafers.

To my eye, slipper flats do not look dated – in fact, I get the opposite feeling of “fresh and new”!

Shannon, wear them in the same way as flat oxfords and ballet flats.

Joan, cheers to that thought!

Chewy, love the links.

Sigrid, I saw a lady wear a navy pair with embroidery at NYFW back in Sept. I had to do a double take that they weren’t gents slippers. They were very fab!

December 16, 2011 at 9:38 am

Antje

Veteran

I’m luke warm on these – I think I prefer more of a “real” loafer look to this. But I’ll never say never and am curious about what we’ll see in stores for spring. In general I don’t like shoes with a delicate or even “flimsy” look and feel, and I think these look a bit dainty to me, at least compared to loafers. (And the ballerina flats I like tend to be the less dainty ones too, e.g. sturdier thicker soles, “solid” looking etc.)

December 16, 2011 at 9:46 am

Sihaya

Veteran

I’m luke warm like Antje. There are some of them that appeal to me more than others (like #1 and #2) though, at this point, I don’t see myself going out of my way to buy a pair.

December 16, 2011 at 9:51 am

mamark

Active Member

I can see you liking these, Angie, and how they would look great with a lot of your looks.

I can’t figure out any way they would work with mine, unless I used them as actual slippers.

December 16, 2011 at 9:59 am

alice

(website)

I love them! I wear skinnies all the time and these would be the perfect addition.

December 16, 2011 at 10:02 am

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Yay from me. I bought a leopard pair but took them back. The spots were just a bit too clownish. But I’m in search of another pair. I love that they look a bit like men’s bedroom slippers…unexpected. I also like just a bit of a heel. Ballet flats are too flat for me.

I can see wearing these with skinnies, but they’d also give a Katherine Hepburn flair to wide leg trousers.

December 16, 2011 at 10:04 am

SusanM

I remember wearing them in the late 80s and am ready to try them again. I like the change from ballet flats and I think we’ll see them more and more come spring.

December 16, 2011 at 10:24 am

CayceP

I’m a sucker for all things remotely menswear, so I love these! I think the small heel might be more comfortable for me than ballet flats, which seem to irritate (possibly plantar fasciitis?)

However, not sure I’ll get any because I already have two pairs of classic loafers (one very classic, one distressed pair).

December 16, 2011 at 10:38 am

san

Veteran

My eye will have to adjust to these. I’m like Antje in that I’m not fond of flimsy or thin looking shoes.

December 16, 2011 at 10:39 am

Turkey Vulture

Active Member

I think they’re fairly cute. I love the ultra-menswear look of oxfords, especially femmed up as pumps, but I’m not finding most of these slipper flats to be terribly intriguing. They look so neutral to me, although I do love the zebra striped one at the end.

I love my shoes to make a big statement. I have huge feet and I try to use that to my advantage. I’m not sure this style is statement-y enough for my tastes, but they look comfy!

Much better than the ballet flat, anyway. Those things kill my back. With zero heel, ballet flats give me zero support and my entire body hates them. I would rather wear heels than ballet flats any day. So maybe some slipper flats will be a good in-between for me, when I want a more feminine flat but don’t want to torture my back.

I could definitely live with those zebra-striped flats!

December 16, 2011 at 10:50 am

Aziraphale

Veteran

I don’t know. On their own, they’re no thing of beauty, but they might work with the right ensemble, in an Elton John meets Michael Jackson sort of way.

December 16, 2011 at 10:50 am

Marley

Veteran

Yea – I think I could get into these – but only if I found the perfect pair – probably something colorful or sparkly or studded – just so it doesn’t look like slippers!

December 16, 2011 at 10:53 am

slythwolf

Active Member

They’re not for me. I prefer the more feminine look of a ballet flat.

December 16, 2011 at 11:23 am

sarah

Veteran

Definite yay from me, but I’m on Team Flats! I’ll be looking for some for spring.

December 16, 2011 at 11:27 am

Sarah

Veteran

I like them and I would definitely wear them. Kind of a nice change from ballet flats. I also love the interesting patterns and textures. I think I would love wearing a pair with a crest–kind of a spin on a preppy look.

December 16, 2011 at 12:11 pm

Beans

I don’t own any ballet flats, but I definitely would get one of those, especially the sparkly ones. I don’t know why they remind people of slippers, these have some heels to them, house slippers don’t have heels, right?

Being short, I wear heels most of the time, but for the time when I want to give my feet a rest, one of these may work.

December 16, 2011 at 12:35 pm

Aida

Veteran

Hmm I wasn’t too keen on these when I first started seeing them pop up, but the ones you’ve posted are more appealing (Kris’s list is pretty fun too). I certainly prefer oxfords or loafers (I’m totally on the hunt for flat turquoise patent loafers this spring!), but some of the studded pairs of slipper flats look fun. After reading some of the comments about how they are a warmer option over ballet flats for fall/winter, I think I won’t rule them out just yet; I really need a few more casual flat shoe options for fall/winter!

December 16, 2011 at 1:36 pm

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I love them but haven’t figured out exactly what style I should get.

December 16, 2011 at 1:37 pm

D'Ellen

Veteran

Love! Want! I had to give up wearing ballet flats because they were no longer comfortable on my suddenly fussy feet. Slipper flats may be the perfect replacement!

December 16, 2011 at 1:40 pm

Kate

Veteran

Well, I’m with your dad, Angie; I think they look like menswear slippers. That’s why I LOVE them. So much so, that I just ordered the Sam Edelman Alvins in Parisian Blue. Super cute. I think they will look great with skinny jeans.

December 16, 2011 at 1:43 pm

Joy

Veteran

I didn’t think I’d like these but had a gold metallic basket weave leather pair on my feet recently and thought they would be cute with jeans. Sadly they ran too narrow for me but, as a wearer-of-flats, a pair of these could be fun for a change.

December 16, 2011 at 2:23 pm

Ginkgo

Veteran

Bring ’em on! I like the coverage on these, as I have hideous feet and don’t care for exposing them.

December 16, 2011 at 2:23 pm

Veteran

I don’t think this style is for me. I just don’t like the way my feel look in masculine type shoes: converse, flat oxfords, etc..

December 16, 2011 at 2:44 pm

Sylvie

Veteran

Not working for me but then I don’t like ballet flats either. I need a sturdy thick sole in flats, otherwise I can feel every rock/bump under my feet.

I bet it’s going to start working for my eye in three years, just as the trend starts fading.

December 16, 2011 at 3:50 pm

Isabel

Veteran

I love the idea for entertaining at home…..

December 16, 2011 at 7:18 pm

Lena

I second what Antje said.

I’m still in love with flat oxfords and I’m intrigued with loafers.

December 16, 2011 at 9:29 pm

Lena

Sylvie, you said that you bet it will starting working for your eye by the time the trend ends. Hee, I often feel the same way. Sometimes I’m quick to catch on, sometimes very slow.

December 16, 2011 at 9:31 pm

sarah.

Several pairs I’ve tried on are cut a little low on the sides. Baby toe cleavage is not a good look.

I like them, but they have to be done just right or they really are your grandpa’s slippers.

I think the fabric makes or breaks them. Plain velvet or leather just doesn’t work. There needs to be at least a little bit of a pattern to keep them current and cool.

December 16, 2011 at 10:34 pm

Meredith

Active Member

I really like the shape! I might want to get a pair that was a wee bit more subtle, however.

December 17, 2011 at 8:58 am

Parsley

Veteran

I’d wear those, no hesitation! But I’d choose a color or print that didn’t look too much like bedroom slippers. I like the dalmatian print and the sequined ones.

December 17, 2011 at 10:33 am

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Of course you need a pair of slipper flats AND a pair of loafers, Angie. After all, you’re on your feet for hours on end, and you love stylish, flat footwear!-)

I love these, especially if they come in a fun pattern or unexpected colour. I also love it that we can add this silhouette to the mix, now we have flat loafers, oxfords, ballet flats and the slipper flat. It will be fun to play around with these. For myself, I can see them with jeans and trousers. (flat shoes + skirts/dresses aren’t my best look, but I’ve learned to never say never;-)

December 18, 2011 at 3:54 am

nancylee

Veteran

I really love these, Angie. In fact, I’d like one of each. To me, they are the perfect cross between ballet flats (which sometimes feel too girly) and loafers (which sometimes feel too masculine). Love!

December 18, 2011 at 6:32 am

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Ballet flats hurt my feet. I’m going to try these instead!

December 18, 2011 at 8:52 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the way you lay that out for us, Inge: loafers, ballet flats, flat oxfords and slipper flats. These are all great options for flat and closed warm weather shoes if you don’t wear sandals. Or flat cold weather shoes for mild temperatures.

Kate, I am impressed! Let us know how you like your new slipper flats.

December 18, 2011 at 11:42 am

Saretta

They look very comfy and cute to me!

December 19, 2011 at 12:14 am

Kate

Veteran

Will do, Angie; Zappos is delivering them on the 19th.

December 19, 2011 at 12:25 am

Pouty

Active Member

No thanks, I love ballet flats.

March 27, 2024 at 4:53 pm

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