You’ve heard the expression clothes make the man. Well, the flip side of that statement is that shoes make the woman. A woman sporting great shoes is perceived as polished and pulled together. While a woman wearing scuffed, unflattering footwear looks like a slob. To wit: Coco Chanel famously said “a woman with good shoes is never ugly.” Well, I am not sure that I agree with that but, I do know this: It is not possible for a grown woman to wear gym shoes and look stylish. . Sneakers are in the same category as sneakers: a fashion felony. There are many footwear options that are as comfortable as sneakers and far more chic.  Are heels essential for style? Let’s be real.  When you are running around all day toting car seats and groceries, only flats will do. Let’s get a bit more real. There are chic flats and there are hideous schlubby flats. Crocs, sneakers and octogenarian style loafers are schlubby. A streamline flat (jeweled flip flops, metallic sandals, gladiators, flexible ballet flats, espadrilles) with a feminine edge is chic.

1. Mohop Infinitely Interchangeable Flat Slide $84 \ 2. Steve Madden Cuff Sandal $59.95 \ 3. Havaianas Eco Espadrille $38 \ 4. Sole Society Sage Scallop Flat $49.95 \ 5. Chinese Laundry Easy Does It Flat $59 \ 6. Asos Adelaide Chelsea Ankle Boot $76.36