MomSkoop
Fall fashion is right around the corner, and your shoe choices can make or break your seasonal wardrobe. Fashion experts have clear opinions about which footwear deserves space in your closet this autumn. While some classic styles are getting exciting updates, other tired trends are ready for retirement. Let’s explore what professional stylists recommend wearing and avoiding for the upcoming cool weather season.
1. Chunky Loafers Are Having a Moment
Forget dainty flats – this fall is all about substantial loafers with thick, platform soles. These practical shoes blend preppy tradition with modern edge, offering both comfort and style for everyday wear.
The updated silhouettes feature exaggerated proportions, chunky hardware, and unexpected materials like patent leather and suede. Pair them with anything from cropped jeans to midi skirts.
Fashion insiders love how these shoes add a touch of academia-inspired style without sacrificing walkability. Black remains the most versatile choice, but rich burgundy and forest green options are gaining popularity for the season.
2. Ballet Flats Return With Modern Updates
Ballet flats have pirouetted back into the spotlight, but with fresh twists that make them feel completely new. Square toes, slight padding, and subtle embellishments distinguish this season’s versions from their predecessors.
The modern ballet flat offers surprising versatility – wear them with wide-leg trousers for work or with a midi dress for weekend brunches. Comfort remains key, with many designers incorporating cushioned insoles.
Stylists particularly recommend styles with ankle straps or in unexpected textures like quilted leather or velvet. This nostalgic favorite has evolved beyond basic black to include jewel tones perfect for autumn’s rich color palette.
3. Knee-High Boots Dominate Cool Weather Dressing
Knee-high boots have claimed the top spot for fall footwear this year. The latest iterations feature sturdier heels, subtle slouching, and rich textures that work for both special occasions and everyday wear.
What makes these boots particularly appealing is their leg-lengthening effect when paired with midi skirts or dresses. The sweet spot hits just below the knee, creating a flattering silhouette for most body types.
Fashion experts suggest investing in a neutral leather pair first, then adding a statement color or pattern if your wardrobe allows. Many designers now offer wider calf options too, making this trend more accessible than in previous seasons.
4. Western-Inspired Booties Add Edge
Cowboy influences have galloped into mainstream fashion with western-inspired ankle boots becoming a must-have for fall. The modern version features subtle nods to ranch life – think pointed toes, angled heels, and minimal stitching details.
These boots work surprisingly well with feminine dresses, adding unexpected contrast to floral patterns and soft fabrics. The ankle height makes them practical for unpredictable autumn weather while still showing off your favorite jeans.
Most stylists recommend choosing versions in neutral suede or distressed leather for maximum versatility. Unlike full cowboy boots, these refined alternatives transition seamlessly from weekend errands to evening outings without feeling like costume pieces.
5. Lug Sole Shoes Provide Practical Style
Chunky, ridged bottoms aren’t just for hiking boots anymore. Lug soles have invaded everything from loafers to Chelsea boots, creating footwear that handles autumn’s unpredictable weather while looking deliberately fashionable.
The appeal lies in their practicality – these substantial soles provide excellent traction on wet surfaces and add a bit of height without the discomfort of heels. The contrast between refined uppers and rugged bottoms creates visual interest.
Fashion professionals suggest pairing these substantial shoes with more delicate clothing to create balance. A flowing dress or tailored trousers prevent the look from feeling too heavy, while the shoes add an unexpected edge to otherwise classic outfits.
1. Ultra Pointy Stilettos Are Fading Fast
The needle-sharp, sky-high stilettos that dominated red carpets are taking a backseat this season. These uncomfortable showstoppers are being replaced by more wearable options as fashion embraces both style and function.
Stylists point to several reasons for their decline – health concerns about long-term foot damage, changing workplace dress codes, and a general shift toward comfort-focused fashion. The exaggerated points that once seemed sophisticated now read as dated and impractical.
If you still love heels, experts recommend pivoting to block heels, kitten heights, or shoes with substantial platforms under the toe to distribute weight more evenly. Your feet will thank you, and you’ll still achieve that leg-lengthening effect without the pain.
2. Clear Plastic Shoes Are Finally Out
The see-through shoe trend has finally fogged up for good. Those transparent vinyl heels, mules, and boots that were everywhere a few seasons ago have lost their appeal due to practical concerns and changing tastes.
Stylists cite multiple reasons for their departure: they’re uncomfortable (creating condensation and blisters), difficult to keep clean, and ultimately unflattering on most feet. The novelty factor has worn off, revealing the style as more gimmicky than timeless.
If you loved the barely-there look, stylists suggest pivoting to nude leather or mesh panels that create a similar effect without the drawbacks. These alternatives provide the illusion of transparency while offering more comfort and longevity – a much better investment for your fall wardrobe.
3. Wedge Sneakers Are So Out
Once popular for its sporty yet elevated look, this hybrid style combined the comfort of a sneaker with the lift of a wedge heel. While it had a moment of fame in the early 2010s, it now feels bulky and out of place compared to today’s sleek, minimal silhouettes. Modern fashion leans more toward clean lines, refined flats, and chic block heels that offer both comfort and polish. Wedge sneakers, on the other hand, tend to make outfits appear dated and less sophisticated. For a fresher look, many have replaced them with streamlined sneakers or elegant loafers.
4. Logo-Heavy Designer Sneakers Lose Appeal
Those flashy, logo-covered designer sneakers that commanded attention (and hefty price tags) are no longer capturing stylists’ hearts. The oversized branding and chunky silhouettes that defined luxury streetwear are being replaced by more subtle options.
Fashion experts attribute this shift to logo fatigue and changing perceptions of conspicuous consumption. Consumers increasingly prefer quality craftsmanship over obvious status symbols.
Instead, minimal sneakers in premium materials are gaining traction for fall. Clean lines, thoughtful details, and versatility matter more than recognizable logos. If you invested in logo-heavy footwear, consider saving them for occasional wear rather than making them your everyday choice – they’ll likely return to favor eventually.
5. Over-Embellished Footwear Takes a Step Back
Shoes dripping with crystals, pearls, studs, and other decorative elements are receiving the cold shoulder from fashion experts this fall. These maximalist styles that once dominated Instagram feeds now feel excessive and impractical for everyday wear.
The shift reflects broader movements toward mindful consumption and versatile wardrobes. Heavily decorated shoes often limit outfit options and can quickly look dated compared to more restrained designs.
If you still crave visual interest, stylists recommend choosing footwear with one thoughtful detail – a unique buckle, an interesting heel shape, or subtle texture play. This approach delivers personality without overwhelming your look or limiting the shoe’s wearability across multiple seasons and occasions.