India, Sept. 21 -- I love the way heels can change an outfit. They can make trousers feel dressier, give a simple dress more polish and make even a basic outfit look intentional.

The problem is that I don't particularly enjoy wearing them for hours.

If I know I have to walk around, spend several hours outside, move between meetings or simply get through a long day without thinking about my feet, I want something easier. That doesn't mean I want my shoes to look like an afterthought either.

This is why I keep coming back to flats.

And the timing feels right. Ballet flats and other low-profile shoes are having another fashion moment for autumn, with more substantial shapes, Mary Jane straps and polished flat silhouettes appearing alongs...