Don't wait until later on in the year to buy flat shoes. As we go deeper into winter, it gets harder. So get your AW18 flats now to avoid heartbreak later.

Boots are where our feet are at this time of year. Flat boots, ankle boots, knee-high boots, thigh boots, we have a pair in all the styles. However (you knew a however was coming, didn't you?), there will come an occasion this AW18 when you will need a trusty pair of smart flats. It may be for work, or maybe it's for changing into on your bus home. You may just prefer flat shoes to flat boots. Maybe you prefer flat shoes to all shoes. Whatever's your preference, you will want a pair of flats at some stage this winter.

This season, like all autumns, you'll want something sturdy of material. You may want something that comes in a snake print, too, because that's the print du jour. In the same yuppy-throwback vein, though, you might want something in a retro croc print. Both are good prices as they generally come in shiny, hard material that the rain rolls off of.

You can style your preppy flats the preppy way, with straight leg jeans at the weekend and with tights and a skirt or dress or slacks for work. Throw on an oversize coat, put your phone away, imagine you live in the '90s, and be the most comfortable working girl around.

On the other hand, you might want fancy flats in lieu of heels which are just as hard to come by when the cold sets in. Despite the impending cold, we're looking at backless, bejewelled and white flats that will go with our outfits just as well as high pumps or strappy heels.

Zara

• aw18
• flats
• flat shoes