The second grid is where Margaux shoes get more personality, and I think this is the fun part of the brand. Burgundy reads as a neutral to me, especially in autumn, so The Phoebe in burgundy python embossed is the pair I would wear with navy tailoring, gray knits or dark denim. The Parlor Mule in the same burgundy python is the heeled version of that idea, a slip-on with a 2.5 inch stiletto heel made with Alison Roman.

For something softer there is The Selene Flat Sandal in petal nappa. Petal pink looks lovely with an ivory trench, a white poplin shirt or a gray column skirt, and it stops the grid from feeling too serious. Marie Claire says Margaux has since expanded beyond the Demi into woven flats, slip-on sandals and heels, and this grid shows the brand playing with finish and color rather than only shape.

Then the animal prints, which I treat like a neutral if I keep the rest simple. The Roma in leopard suede is the one for jeans and a black sweater. The Alba Flats, Black Nappa Leopard Haircalf mixes smooth black leather with the printed haircalf, a good bridge if you are nervous about print, and the Alba in black nappa and zebra haircalf does the same with stripes. The Clara in chocolate leopard haircalf is the quietest of the prints, and The Brera Mule in tan zebra haircalf is the boldest.

A small fitting-room test for any of these: wear them with the exact socks or sheer tights you plan to wear, and walk across the room to see how the heel sits and whether the sides stay put. I will not tell you how any pair will feel, because that is something only you can find out. Do that test before you commit to a print, since a loud flat only works if you actually reach for it.

The third grid moves away from the ballet flat, and it is the proof that Margaux is no longer a one-shoe brand. Start with the loafers. The James Loafer Flats, Black Nappa, The Studio Loafer Flats, Black Nappa and The Marlowe Loafer Flats, Black Calf are the three flat black options, and I would pick between them by looking at the toe shape and how much hardware you like. The Louisa Loafer in black calf has a chunky lug sole, and The Marine Loafer in vintage navy suede is the one I find easier to wear with blue jeans than black.

The Jane styles are my favorite part of the grid. The Woven Fonteyn Jane Flats, Saddle Leather and The Fonteyn Woven Mary Jane Flats, Chocolate Woven Pasado Suede both borrow the woven texture from the brand's flats and add a strap across the foot. They look good with a midi skirt, a cropped trouser or a long wool coat. Check the strap sits where you want it, since a strap that lands in the wrong place is the quickest way to dislike a pair.

For dressing up, there are the pumps and sandals. The Ada Pumps, Black Nappa is the plain pair. The Colette Slingback Pumps, Dune and Black Nappa bring in the two-tone idea again, while The Roma 40 Pumps, Espresso Nappa is the brown pair for tailoring. The Flat Sandals, Natural Python Embossed and The Paloma Sandal, Black Nappa are the warm-weather end of the range.

What I would skip: do not buy a pair of heels or pumps just because they are in the same brand as a flat you love. Try each one with the outfit you have in mind, and skip any pair that you cannot picture with three things already in your closet.

Here is how I would choose a pair. Begin with the color you wear most. If your closet is black and denim, take a black nappa flat. If you lean toward camel and cream, take bone. Add one pair with more personality later, wine, petal or a print, and let it be the shoe you wear with the quietest outfit.

Next, think about the width and the size. Margaux makes every shoe in three widths and European sizes 33 to 45, so check the size guide against your own measurements and do not guess. Try them on late in the day, with the socks you will really wear.

Finally, look at the shape you reach for in real life. A founder story that starts with one flat in 2015 is nice, but what matters is whether the pair works with your trousers, skirts and coats. I would start with a flat, then move on to a loafer or a Mary Jane once the first pair has earned its place by the door. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Rothy's Shoes and Alaia Shoes.