Current Shoe Trends: What's In and Out for Fall

As the leaves turn, it's not just your wardrobe's sweaters and scarves that need updating—this season calls for a footwear refresh too.

To guide you through the must-have and avoidable shoe fashions for the upcoming months, we reached out to three expert stylists. Their insights revealed what shoes you should embrace and which ones to set aside.

Suede is Making Waves Everywhere

Patrick Kenger, the visionary behind Pivot and a lead stylist, predicts suede's rapid expansion in popularity. This textured material brings immediate warmth and a gentle touch to any outfit, making it a top choice whether you're dressing casually or refining your look.

For relaxed days, opt for suede sneakers. Should you need something more polished, a quality pair of suede boots will do wonders.

Peep-Toe Styles Return to the Spotlight

Footwear featuring toe cutouts, commonly known as peep-toes, are resurfacing this season, according to Kenger. These shoes are perfect companions for a variety of outfits including trousers, dresses, or even cropped pants, lending themselves well to a return to this classic style.

Forget the Season Rule: Boat Shoes Venture into Fall

Breaking the traditional summer mold, stylists are advocating for the continuation of boat shoes into autumn. Andie Sobrato from the San Francisco Bay Area highlights their characteristic stitching and lace-ups, which inject a retro, youthful vibe into ensembles.

Styling suggestions include pairing with cuffed jeans and oversized shirts or trying patterns like midi socks with pleated shorts for a fresh, preppy feel.

Essential for Autumn: Knee-High Boots

A quintessential fall item, knee-high boots remain staples of the season. According to Kenger, this year’s designs are not only stylish and adaptable but also unexpectedly comfortable.

For a chic yet effortless outfit, he suggests wearing them over skinny jeans coupled with a snug sweater.

Mules and Clogs: Slip Into Versatile Fall Footwear

Mules and clogs are set to become prominent this autumn, asserts stylist Taylor Greeley. The evolution of this trend now includes variations like platforms, sporty slides, and elevated suede clogs, alongside minimalist mules with sleek designs creating a refined touch.

Wave Goodbye to Chunky Styles

According to Greeley and Kenger, bulky boots have lost their edge, being replaced by more slender, streamlined versions. Combat boots are now seen as overly cumbersome, prompting a transition towards riding boots, cowboy boots, or more simplistic modern designs.

Dimming the Shine: Metallics Are Out

Although metallic finishes once aligned with the comeback of early 2000s trends, Kenger now finds them outdated. Instead, he suggests a shift towards satin, which offers a refined softness more suited to fall’s nature-inspired palette.

Simplicity Over Logos in Footwear

This season, the spotlight in footwear turns away from flaunting brand names. Greeley emphasizes the appeal of rich textures and hues, predicting a decline in logo-centric sneakers and loafers. Expect to see more in earthy tones, elegant leathers, and deep hues that stand independent of branding.

Square-Toed Footwear Takes Precedence Over Pointed Toes

While the classic pointed heel retains a place in your wardrobe, Kenger and Greeley are seeing a growing preference for square-toed counterparts. For trendy fall outfits, pair square-toe loafers with trousers or opt for square-toe boots with midi skirts or leggings for a modern twist.