Fall is creeping around the corner, which means it’s officially go time for that cooler-weather wardrobe prep. We’ve already given you an overview of some of the biggest moments of the season, but we thought we’d take a second to focus on some of the fresh shoe silhouettes that will take over as well. For an expert opinion on the looks that will hold strong in the coming months, we tapped Ana Correa, associate accessories and footwear editor at trend-forecasting Mecca, WGSN. But here’s the thing, she didn’t just share the footwear picks worth trying, but also the styles you could consider storing away as well.
In full transparency, many of the shoe trends that are on their way out just so happen to be the "basic” styles many of us have in our wardrobes. Think standard ballet flats and the like. Of course, if you adore said silhouettes, by all means, continue to wear them, but if you have a desire for an especially forward-feeling autumn shoe offering, the shopping advice from Correa will be most beneficial.
Keep scrolling to uncover the five key fall footwear trends to try and toss as you jump-start your fall wardrobe.
In: Slingback Flats
Out: Classic Ballerina Flats
"As consumers gravitate toward comfort, the ballerina flat is upgraded in more elevated designs to match both casual and dressed-up looks. Pointed toes, squared vamps, and slingback straps, in particular, serve as key updates for a more elegant silhouette. Color plays an important role in trans-seasonal appeal: Neutrals are the best performers, but accent tones like millennial pink, lilac, and red drive newness." — Ana Correa
Shop slingback flats:
In: Western Ankle Boots
Out: Standard Booties
"Cowboy details come to the forefront for fall as the main update for standard ankle boots. Block-cone heels and Western hardware are key for this style. Pointed toes and neutral tones offer the most commercial appeal." — Ana Correa
Shop Western boots:
In: Block-Heel Pumps
Out: Sky-High Stilettos
"This core style serves as the perfect item to wear all day long. Block heels in mid-heights are key for a comfortable yet elegant silhouette. Tactile materials add newness like suede, croc, and popular velvet." — Ana Correa
Shop block-heel pumps:
In: Elevated Combat Boots
Out: Basic Winter Boots
"Weather-resistant styles are key for winter drops, but as consumers demand versatile and practical picks, the combat boot serves as the perfect style. Fitted, slimmer uppers paired with metallic hardware elevate the overall silhouette. Heeled and flatform clogged soles are key for its practicality." — Ana Correa
Shop combat boots:
In: Knee-High Boots
Out: Over-the-Knee Boots
"Knee-high styles are key to hold an elegant silhouette rather than over-the-knee boots. Opt for a minimal, no-hardware design and bring freshness with soft, patent, and embossed leathers. Round toes with block heels offer the most commercial direction." — Ana Correa
Next, if you wear jeans nonstop, these new fall shoe trends are a must-try.
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