Every fall I tell myself this is the season I'll finally commit to wearing heels casually, and every fall I'm back in flats by the second week of October. As a 10k+ steps a day girl, it’s hard to pull that off in a high heel. So this year, I'm not even pretending. Plus, after a month of scrolling through fashion week street style, the flats were so good that I barely noticed a stiletto.

To be clear, I'm not tossing my high heels. They're still a staple and they'll be ready for the next wedding, gala, or girl’s night out. I'm just pausing on buying new pairs so I can put my shoe budget toward the flats below. Keep scrolling for the seven styles I'm betting on this fall.

Jazz Shoes

(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

If ballet flats have started to feel a little too sweet, meet their cooler cousin. Jazz shoes have the same low profile but with a lace-up front and a slightly sturdier sole. They're also one of the rare trends you can comfortably walk in all day.

Reformation Buffy Oxford

J.Crew Verona Lace-Up Flats

madewell The Greta Oxford

Classic Ballet Flats

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Did we really think ballet flats were going anywhere? We've seen them in every color and with every embellishment imaginable, and now fashion people are going back to the simple version. A black or nude pair with a rounded toe goes with trousers, denim, and dresses, which is exactly why I keep reaching for mine.

sezane Agathe Ballet Flats

Sam Edelman Alie Ballet Flat

Tony Bianco Comma Ballet Flat

Mesh for Fall

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Mesh flats were supposed to be a summer thing, but they're sticking around this year. People are wearing them with socks or picking darker shades like black and chocolate brown so they make sense in cooler weather. It's an easy way to keep a summer favorite in rotation for a few more months.

Reformation Britt Mesh Ballet Flat

MANGO Soft Mesh Flat

Tony Bianco Mazey Choc Mesh

Pony Hair Flats

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

A little texture makes even a simple outfit look more polished, and pony hair is the texture of the season. Look for leopard print, a rich brown, or classic black, and wear them anywhere you'd normally wear a plain leather flat.

Khaite Jane calf hair flats

Margaux The Demi

Dear Frances Topo Flat

Just Cool Girl Sneakers

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Chunky dad sneakers had their moment. The pairs fashion people are wearing now are slim, low-profile, and a little retro. Think suede, a thin sole, and a colorway you won't see on everyone else. They’re absolutely cool-girl coded.

rag & bone Retro Runner Slim Ultra Sneaker

Larroudé Stella Sneaker

adidas Originals Tokyo W Sneaker

The Feminine Loafer

(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)

Loafers show up every fall, but this year's version is softer. Instead of a chunky lug sole, fashion people are going for slim loafers with a thin sole or a lower vamp. You still get the polish of a classic loafer, just in a lighter shoe.

GH Bass Rumi Penny Loafer

sam edelman Lana Tassel Loafer

ZARA Soft Ruched Loafers

Almond Toe Flats

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Why choose between a round toe and a pointed toe when almond toe flats land right in between? The shape lengthens the look of your foot without the sharp edge of a pointy flat. Wear them with ankle-length trousers and they look just as sleek as a heel.

The Row Stella Ballerina Flat

Amie Rafa Erika Ii Leather Ballet Flats

J.Crew Bea Ballet Flats in Eel-Embossed Leather