Stay in step with fall flats

At barely 5 feet 5 inches tall, I usually look for a little lift from my footwear. But as the temperature cools, my cozy leggings and tunic go into heavy rotation, and since nothing looks better with this combination than sweet black flats, I'm willing to overlook my height woes.

Seattle seems to be in step with me, because boutiques and department stores all across town are stocking these charming fall shoes. Styles range from a rounded-toe flat in quilted patent leather from local footwear brand Report ($59 at Macy's) to Tory Burch's patent Quinn flats with signature emblem ($225 at Posh on Main).

For a bit more European flair, slip on suede flats from Spanish designer Maloles Miracosta-Antignac's eponymous Maloles line ($167.40 at Clementine) or opt for simpler -- and more affordable -- matte-black styles from Bamboo and Cassidy ($22.95 and $32.95, respectively, at Powder Room), available with either rounded or pointed toes.