Come September, every publication, influencer and retailer will be sharing their top fashion trends to try this fall. I know that it can feel overwhelming to weed through all the new styles and lengthy “must buy” shopping lists—especially when it comes to accessories—which is why I’ve gone ahead and done the heavy lifting for you. Below you’ll find my shortlist of the only shoe trends that really matter this fall, plus tips on how to wear them for maximum chicness. There may be other trends out there in the next few months, but trust me, these are the five with true staying power. In that same vein, there is also one shoe style I recommend stowing in the back of your closet for now to avoid looking behind the times. Read on for all the stylish details.
The 5 Shoe Trends You’ll See Everywhere This Fall (& One That’s Officially Done-zo)
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1. Burgundy and Red
Red is the 2024 trend that just won't quit (not that I want it to), but this fall I'm seeing deeper, darker shades popping up just as often as cherry red. Brighter hues are best done in smaller doses, like a retro sneaker or Mary Jane flat. On the flip side, you can never have too much burgundy, so go forth with boots of any height, chunky loafers, slingback heels—really any shoe style will do.
How to Style Them:
This is definitely the easiest fall shoe trend to wear, as both burgundy and red go with pretty much anything and everything. My favorite way to style bright red shoes is with some baggy or wide-leg jeans and a flirty blouse. Adding a second pop of red (lipstick, handbag, sweater) is also a winning touch. As for burgundy, I like to lean into the luxurious vibes and pair it with cashmere sweaters, wool trousers or silk slip dresses.
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2. Moto Inspired
I started to see an uptick in motorcycle boots last fall, but the trend has since evolved to encompass other shoe silhouettes too. Grommets, buckles and studs all lend an edgy vibe to ballet flats and loafers, while skinny stiletto heels (of any height) do the same for pumps and boots. And while black is definitely the most classic color option, burgundy and red fit the bill just as well.
How to Style Them:
These tough-glam shoes are more versatile than you might think. You can go the obvious route and wear them with other fashion-minded punk pieces, like mini skirts, slip dresses, distressed knits and all things leather. Or you can try an “opposites attract” approach with a slim-fit knit midi dress, tweed skirt suits or diaphanous maxis. Because moto boots make such a statement on their own, they’re a great shoe with which to really have some fun and throw sartorial caution to the wind.
Shop Moto-Inspired Shoes
3. Super-Saturated Sneakers
Retro sneakers, like Adidas Sambas and Onitsuka Tigers, have replaced chunky dad shoes as the sneaker of the moment. But while 2023 saw a rise in classic color combinations, this autumn we're going all in on super saturated styles. Think electric purple with cherry red or turf green with traffic cone orange—the bolder the better.
How to Style Them:
Wearing super-saturated colors like these takes a bit more effort than classic black-and-white styles, but a great place to start is with some classic blue-wash jeans. I suggest then adding another bright pop up top—you can match one of the colors of your shoe, or go for something totally different—to create a hi-vis sandwich effect. If you’re feeling bold, swap the jeans for another vibrant piece to create an attention-grabbing color-blocked ‘fit.
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4. Ballet Flats and Mary Janes
You’ve heard it time and time again, but flats are here to stay. Mary Janes are still the most popular style, but there’s now a much wider range of options available to shop than the past few seasons, including dainty ballet flats, square toes, pointy-toe slingbacks and more.
How to Style Them:
The beauty of flats is that they go with just about everything, from wide-leg trousers to silky midi skirts to raw-hem jeans. To avoid looking too twee, I recommend sticking with elevated staples, like dark-wash denim in a straight-leg silhouette or a midi wrap dress.
5. Silver
Silver footwear has become something of a staple on the streets of NYC, whether you prefer dainty flats or knee-high boots. I’ve also been seeing tons of silver sneakers, combining this party-ready color trend with retro styles. Much like burgundy, this metallic hue works for any shoe silhouette, big or small, so have some fun picking out whichever footwear seems more fun and fits in best with your existing wardrobe.
How to Style Them:
Balance the inherently fancy vibes of metallic silver with more toned-down basics, like a button-up blouse and jeans or tailored trousers and a white tee. Have some fun experimenting with opposing styles (hot tip: boho midi dresses look surprisingly chic with silver ballet flats) to find what works best for you.
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6. SKIP: Slouchy Boots
This throwback style has proven to be a flash in the pan rather than a long-lasting trend. It’s not so much that you’ll look totally out of place if you pull on a pair of slouchy boots, it’s just that other styles are much trendier. Try sporting cowboy, moto or riding boots instead, if you want something that has a bit more personality than your average knee-high boot.
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