Heels may be fun to wear, and they can certainly give you the appearance of having “legs for days,” but flats are a favorite among many women, and I am no exception! The right pair of flats can create flattering looks (pun intended) that are complimentary and comfortable, and make you feel unstoppable.

There are so many reasons to love flats. The biggest reason is that they are usually super-comfortable. This makes them a great choice to wear on busy days when you will be doing lots of running around and need a comfortable shoe. They are also easy to style. Flats can be dressed down with a casual outfit or dressed up to create a more elegant look. This makes them a good choice for vacations and other trips when you will want to get optimal mileage out of the shoes you pack. Finally, flats come in a wide variety of styles, so you can choose between sneakers, sandals, loafers, ballet flats, mules, d’Orsay flats, and other great styles to create fantastic looks for virtually any occasion.

Read on for my tips to help you look long, lean, and stylish in your flat footwear.

Choose low-cut styles for the most flattering look. Flats that show more of your foot will create the illusion of longer legs. Ballet flats and d’Orsay flats are perfect examples, as they expose the top portion of your foot. And if you wish to wear a sandal, you might avoid those with straps that cut directly across your ankle—they often make you appear shorter.

Make sure your pants show a touch of ankle or leg. When you wear flats, especially those that cover the tops of your feet (such as sneakers or loafers), cuff your jeans so they fall just above your ankle. Showing a small amount of skin lengthens your legs and looks flattering. You can also wear cropped pants to achieve this effect. And you can’t go wrong with a bare leg, so feel free to pair your flat sandals, loafers, ballet slippers, and more with a skirt or dress for a feminine look.

Wear them with slim-fitting pants. Flats look best on a streamlined silhouette, so do wear them with skinny jeans, slim-fitting trousers, or a pair of leggings. Even without a heel, this trick will help you look taller and slimmer.

Make a great pair of neutral flats your “go-to” shoe. A pair of flats in a neutral shade can be worn with most any look, and they are the perfect way to give balance to a bold outfit. It’s a good idea to have a pair of dressy flats in black, brown, or nude, because they go with most every outfit. And if you are in the market for a neutral fashion sneaker, choose one in white, navy, or pewter.

Offset neutral outfits with a pair of bold flats. When you feel like having your feet make a statement, pair a basic outfit (such as jeans and a simple top) with a bright and colorful pair of shoes. You can also wear a pair of “statement” flats with a monochromatic outfit for a fun contrast. Summertime is the perfect time for footwear featuring bright colors, bold textures, and prints or patterns. Look for flats in animal prints or with metallic studs, jewels, or other embellishment, or choose a pair in a fun color like marigold or orange.

When it comes to footwear, flats are the whole package. You get the comfort you need and the style you crave in one perfect package. If you haven’t already treated yourself to a great pair of flats, invest today. Your happy feet will thank you!