In December I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that’s been an uphill battle. And since I’ve been sick, I’ve struggled with what to wear to work. Yeah, I know that sounds crazy. Me….struggling with style?

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a huge advocate of heels. I LOVE me some cute heels. Blame it on working at a shoe store in high school. In fact, I was so pro-heel that I was anti-flat. I always felt that being petite, I needed the heel to give me some presence and stature, and to make my legs a little longer. Plus, heels are just sexy. Then I got sick. Owning only heels, I spent a good 2 months wearing sneakers, flip flops, and moccasins to work. No matter where you work, in an office environment, this is unacceptable. And then I forced myself to look at flats.

While I do maintain that flats aren’t nearly as sexy as heels, they are an essential part of a work wardrobe. For one, you can wear them all day. You don’t have to wear “commuting shoes” and then switch to heels at the office. They also look great with pants, dresses, and skirts. Pair them with some skinny cropped black pants and you’re instantly as chic as Audrey Hepburn.

1. Nine West “Lovelife” flats, SALE! $39.99, Nine West; 2. Kate Spade “Polly” flats, $275, Nordstrom; Shoes for Lovely People “Blair” sandals, $110, Piperlime; Maloles “Zoe” flats, SALE! $155, Net-a-Porter