Flat shoes are a must for any traveller, particularly if your agenda includes a lot of walking. Ballet flats will always be a travel must for us, but this season we have our eyes on the sleekest new flat to appear on the Fall 2012 runways and some of our favourite stylish celebs including Alexa Chung, Jessica Alba and Olivia Palermo. At first glance they may seem a little, well, Hugh Hefner, but the smoking slipper is really the best of both worlds — a tad masculine, but not super tough like the brogue. From slipping on and off in a flash through airport security to wearing while museum-hopping, we promise the smoking slipper is going to be your new best travel friend.
1. Miu Miu embroidered velvet-covered leather loafers, $650, net-a-porter.com
Perfect for the office or even a night out, these navy loafers from Miu Miu epitomizes the trend with their rich velvet fabric, embroidered crest on the toe and crystal-studded gold heel.
2. Belle by Sigerson Morrison speckled metallic lip flats, $200, shopbop.com
These flats cover another one of our favourite fall trends, metallic. Unlike your traditional smoking slipper, this pair has a pointier toe and angular top, which adds a bit more of a vintage flair. Plus the metallic sheen dresses it up just enough.
3. Lulu’s Qupid Strip 40 Mustard Velvet tassel smoking slipper, $26, lulus.com
Spotted at Rochas, Miu Miu and Matthew Williamson, mustard yellow is definitely a colour to wear this fall season. The easiest way to incorporate a hue you may be timid about is with accessories. Consider wearing these velvet loafers, complete with tassel. It will instantly put a ladylike spin on your look.
4. Forever 21 zebra print loafers, $28, canada.forever21.com
Animal prints never go out of style and in our minds looks particularly chic in a smoking slipper style. Have enough leopard in your wardrobe? Why not try a zebra print.
5. DV by Dolce Vita in Lunna, electric blue, $79, piperlime.gap.com
Expect to see a lot of metallic cap toed shoes on pumps, flats and booties alike, as it’s a runway trend that’s quickly trickled down to the masses. This particular shoe mixes that trend with our smoking slipper in a pretty way. We suggest the bold electric blue shade, which will pair well with autumn’s warm palette.
6. Nine West Panto, $120, ninewest.ca
Another animal print slipper, we couldn’t help but include your classic leopard print. If you need to update a pair of leopard flats, do it in a slipper. It will go with everything. Promise.
7. Zara studded slipper in bordeaux, $50, zara.com
Studs are literally everywhere this fall. While we’re not sure if we can recommend a seriously studded bag to travel with (security may not be a fan), there’s nothing wrong with a pair of studded shoes. In a gorgeous red hue, this shoe is a little sexy and super cool.
