One fateful day a few years ago, I picked up a pair of ruby-red flats on sale at the Gap. They were super comfortable, had the perfect amount of toe-pointiness, and quickly joined the group of most-worn items in my closet. Alas, they’re looking a little worse for wear now, and my current search for a replacement pair has inspired me to dedicate this installment of One Item, Four Ways to this surprisingly versatile shoe choice.
Red flats can seem intimidating at first, but don’t be scared! Red is actually very easy to match with other colors and patterns, and there’s no denying that flats add polish to any look. Read on to see how I styled the same pair of red flats in four different outfits.
Outfit 1: A Little Bit Country
Flats, Shirt, Shorts, Watch, Earrings, Belt, Tote
Dress up a laid-back plaid shirt and worn-in pair of denim shorts with some ruby red flats and choice accessories. This outfit would be perfect for class — easy to throw on, but still put-together, and flats are perfect for trekking across campus. Don’t forget the tote bag to carry all your school supplies in style.
Outfit 2: Cool Classics
Shirt, Jeans, Scarf, Earrings (similar style), Purse
This outfit looks like something I’d wear on an impromptu road trip with friends. The striped top is chic no matter where you go, the scarf will keep you warm in case of any sudden temperature changes, and a carry-all bag is big enough to stash your travel necessities. Be sure to show off your pretty footwear by cuffing your jeans.
Outfit 3: Trendy and Transitional
Dress,Cardigan, Purse, Tights, Bangles
Flat sandals and wedges are faithful partners for summer dresses, but as the weather cools down, they can look out of place. Make your dresses seasonless by pairing them with some red flats — wear ’em now while the weather is warm, and just add tights and a cardigan or blazer as it gets colder. This outfit is also a great example of how to wear red with similar colors — the shoes really pop against the pinks and purples in the dress.
Outfit 4: Chic for Class
Shirt, Skirt (similar style), Cardigan, Watch, Belt, Bag
As you might know, I’m a huge supporter of dressing up for class. This outfit is something I’d wear to class if I was making a presentation that day, or if I just wanted to feel a little fancier. The flats and belt add pops of color to an otherwise-neutral look, and I couldn’t resist injecting a little animal print via this fun watch.
What Do You Think?
Do you own a pair of red flats? How do you work colorful accessories into your wardrobe? What kind of items would you like to see featured in “One Item, Four Ways?” I’d love to hear from you, so be sure to leave a comment!
I am dying for a pair of red flats! I love all these outfits and they illustrate perfectly the versatility of red. I think red should be instated as a neutral, like denim or olive green or leopard print.
They have flats EXACTLY like those at Target for $15!
I like how you’ve paired blues with red for these outfits. It’s a nice combination. I also like the idea of red flats in general. I work at Target, so I don’t wear much red outside of work (I tire of it). But red flats are a nice change. Now if only I could find more shoes in my size…
I recently got a pair of red toms and these outfits would also look REALLY good with them! And I love the red flats(: thank you for the ah-mazing outfit inspiration<3
I think the second outfit would benefit from a swap to a cream/sand colored tube scarf. I love the skirt and bag in the last outfit. <3
I think the third outfit is the prettiest and I love those shoes.
I love the way flats look, but I can never wear them because I have wide feet 🙁 I have tried on many a pair, but they just look awkward on me. Does anyone know of a place where they sell flats for girls with wider feet?
can u possibly do the same thing but with a pair of red calf length boots. I got a a pair for christmas last year and i LOVE them but never really know what to wear them with that wont make me look like a hooker. lol. I went through GREAT lengths to get these when all my local stores ran out i called a friend in cali to ship them to me!
I love all the outfits you came up with! I’m in complete agreement about red flats, I bought a pair years ago and was surprised at just how versatile a shoe choice it was… red seems to be one of those colours that goes with almost anything! Especially if you pick a dark berry red. Red flats will always be a closet staple for me. 🙂
My sister bought me a pair of red flats for Christmas a couple years ago. One of my favorite ways to wear them is with my favorite black dress, hair in a bun (it’s my own subtle tribute to the character of Nessarose from the musical “Wicked”). I’d love to wear them with some cutoffs and my cute blue and white striped shirt…but unfortunately, I can’t wear cutoffs to work and I rarely go anywhere on the weekends worth dressing nice…
(I’m one of those lurkers who’s already graduated college – STAY AWAY FROM THE REAL WORLD. It’s painful. Seriously…go get a graduate degree or something.)
I love the skirt from outfit 4! I looked at the similar style–but would you happen to know the source for the actual skirt used in the photo? It’s wonderful!
Perfect topic! I bought a pair from Aldo last yr but have only worn them a handful of times; guess the red was too flashy for me. Thanks for the inspiration, Im def putting my flats to good use now 🙂
i’ve been looking for a pair of red flats forever, so here’s more of a reason to find them. 🙂 thanks for all of the outfit inspirations!
It’s so crazy that this was posted because I was just looking in my closet and I came accross my red flats. I looked at them and was thinking to myself, I need to find an outfit to wear those with instead of the same old way I used to. I LOVE the outfits you picked. Great ideas
I swear you’ve been reading my watch loving mind!! I’m seriously obsessed with both tortoiseshell AND cheetah/leopard print lol
Red shoes overtake my wardrobe! I have more red shoes than any other color! They literally look good with everything and are more statement making than black.
My red flats bow flats are most definitely my favourite pair of flats. They’re cute and comfortable and the colour can add character to any outfit.
I also got the exact same flats on Target for $14.99!!!!! They also have them in black, nude and purple.