The Cat’s Meow
It’s safe to say that the kitten heel is officially back—the low-heeled style has become a mainstay on the runways and in insiders’ wardrobes for the past few years. Comfortable and sophisticated, the kitten heel is ideal for work, play, and everything in between—especially when you snag a classic black pair from Aeyde, Reformation, Manolo Blahnik, or Miu Miu.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
This early fall, animal print is just another neutral—and the return of leopard seems to be everywhere from silky skirts to fab footwear. Step into something pointed and polished, like pumps from M.Gemi and Saint Laurent, or pairs of easy flats from Isabel Marant and H&M that skew a bit more casual. Moral of the story? Leopard is the only print worth playing with this season.
Hello, Moto!
It’s no secret that biker boots are a beloved cold weather wardrobe essential, equipped with strong leather and a sturdy heel to combat any wintry mixes. Lately though, the street style scene has deemed the edgy moto the ideal late-summer, early-fall footwear option, sporting them with everything from mini shorts to flowy poplin skirts. Go the classic route in black boots from Ganni or Paris Texas or choose a distressed brown choice from Frye or Acne Studios.
Back to Basics
The once-modest black ballet flat is now a must-have transitional footwear option. Just look to this fashion darling for proof. From minimalist Mary Janes from The Row to Maison Margiela’s covetable Tabis, the below flats will inject a classic feel into your autumnal wardrobe. Wear yours with a playful, patterned midiskirt and don’t forget about your little white sock, either!
Red-Hot
It’s not uncommon for Vogue editors to become completely transfixed by a fresh-off-the-runway shoe trend. During Copenhagen Fashion Week, Vogue Shopping’s senior market editor, Madeline Fass, slipped into a pair of red-hot strappy heeled sandals from Jil Sander’s spring 2024 collection that gave us all instant heart eyes. Not to mention that when it comes to classic autumnal colors like browns and blacks, bright red offers a welcome twist.
Festive Flats
There’s no debating it: crystal-embellished flats are still the season’s hottest shoe style! While Alaïa’s viral Mary Janes hold onto their top spot in our closets (and shopping carts!), other seriously strong contenders include studded flats from Loeffler Randall and Tory Burch to 3.1 Phillip Lim’s dazzling block heels. Bring the party day or night with these festive footwear finds!
Rock the Boat
Chic loafer options for women continue to ripen each season, and this year we’re eyeing an array of reinvigorated iterations—more specifically worn-in pairs of boat shoes from Miu Miu to Jeffrey Campbell. Preppy and polished, this nostalgic style (which some might refer to as a “dad shoe”) is here to stay, and rightfully so. Style yours with a cute cardi and miniskirt for the full after-school look.
(Retro) Sneaking Around Town
Renowned Scandi girl, Pernille Teisbaek, knows an It item when she sees one. And this fall, she’s crowned Miu Miu x New Balance’s retro sneakers as the season’s most-wanted. With in-stock quantities hard to come by, find alternate vintage-inspired offerings from Nike, Dries Van Noten, and New Balance that give the former a run for their money.
Out West
Cowboy boots are an undeniable signature of Scandi-girl style—and this Copenhagen Fashion Week was no different. Owing much to Danish-based brand Ganni’s influence, the fashion crowd two-stepped into black and white iterations, classic brown boots, and even ruby red offerings. Giddy up in the below with everything from flirty white dresses to Western-inspired denim this fall.
A Touch of Boho
The boho fashion revival is no longer just runway-approved. The street style scene has adopted the free-spirted style in full force, with all eyes on these clunky yet chic clogs. Chloé’s platform clogs come straight off the catwalk, while more approachable (and some might even say more walkable) options from Ancient Greek Sandals, Re/Done, and Golden Goose are just as good. Like this industry insider, wear yours this fall with a printed dress and minimalist handbag.
The ’90s Are Calling!
In a long list of wardrobe essentials—think plain white tees, classic blue jeans, the LBD, and more—we’d argue that there’s one more staple worth adding to this list: a simple yet sleek flip-flop. Yes, the sandal whose heyday harks back to the ’90s and early aughts is back and better than ever with chic minimalist takes from the likes of Massimo Dutti, The Row, and Nili Lotan. Even in the in-between seasons we suggest sporting yours with lightweight knits and tailored trousers for a cool contrast.