Not a Mary Jane, Not a Boot—This Chic, Comfy Flat-Shoe Trend Is Suddenly Everywhere I Look

If there’s one redeeming aspect of my near hour-long commute into the office each morning, it’s the abundant style inspiration I get from the London Underground.

Commuting alongside many chic Londoners, I’ve come to realise that 7:30 a.m. on the Northern Line is an underrated hotspot for trend spotting. This season, between the sturdy boots we're yet to embrace for winter and the dainty Mary Janes of summer's bygone days, I've started to catch sight of an elegant in-between that's perfectly poised to take on the autumn months.

Bridging the gap between seasons, the Derby shoe trend offers the polish and practicality that suits these cooler months, and the latest iterations of the classic footwear trend are crafted from buttery-soft leather—less rigid than traditional versions, with a jazz-shoe suppleness that makes them both chic and comfortable.

Taking off in every direction, earlier this week, Tracee Ellis Ross was spotted ahead of Celine’s spring/summer 2026 runway show in Paris wearing the brand's Lise Perforated Triomphe Richelieu Shoes (£720). Opting for a bold red pair rather than the expected black, Tracee introduced a playful energy into a shoe trend that can occasionally veer serious.

Lemaire’s minimalist pair remains as tempting as ever, whilst equally elegant options can be found at The Row, Camper and Claudie Pierlot. Below, discover my edit of the best Derby shoes to shop now.

Shop Derby Shoes

Celine

Lise Perforated Triomphe Richelieu in Lambskin

Shop the specific shoes that Tracee Ellis Ross loves.

Style with white, calf-grazing socks to give your styling a preppy finish. Otherwise wear these without socks to emulate Tracee's look.

Whilst I often gravitate towards black shoes, particularly in the winter months, these also come in cream and a light tan shade.

M&S Collection

Suede Lace Up Block Heel Shoes

Whilst I love these in the rich chocolate-brown, they also come in a classic shade of black.

Inspired by flamenco dance slippers, these flexible flats ensure lasting comfort.

Claudie Pierlot

Soft Leather Brogues

Shop these whilst they're on sale.

Proenza Schouler

Black Glove Oxfords

Be quick! These are well on their way to selling out.