Now that fall has officially arrived, you’ve probably already started swapping out your sandals for more appropriate autumn styles. Even if the weather still feels like summer, shoes are a great way to make any look more fit for fall – even if you’re just wearing a t-shirt and jeans. The right footwear can help you transition from season to season effortlessly, no matter the time of year. And if you’re looking for shoes that help you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to styling, these 7 fall shoes aren’t just for this season; they’re ones that you can wear all winter long and still look chic.
1. Black Loafers
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Winona Lug-Sole Penny Loafers
A pair of black loafers has a permanent place in my capsule wardrobe – and I’m not ashamed to admit I own multiple pairs (one with a slim profile, and one with a lug sole). When I’m shopping for shoes, I’m always thinking about two things: comfort and style potential. If they don’t have both, they’re not coming home with me! Black loafers happen to get an A+ in both of these categories.
The great thing about leather loafers is that they tend to get even more comfortable the more you break them in. You can also choose the perfect heel height for you, whether you prefer something with a flat heel or a thicker lug sole style – whatever’s most comfortable to you.
And then, of course, there’s the styling potential. Loafers are timeless, classic, and polished enough to wear to the office, or easy enough to dress down with jeans or a mini skirt on the weekends. And that’s not all! This is one of the best shoes to take you from fall to winter. All you need to do is pair them with tights or crew socks for chilly weather, and you have the perfect transitional shoe that will help you style outfits with ease all the way until spring.
2. Ballet Flats
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Ballet Flats with Cap Toe
French women love their ballet flats for the feminine touch that they add to any outfit. They’re also comfortable to walk in, which is especially important for Parisians and those who use public transportation or have walking commutes.
If you love a classy, feminine vibe when it comes to your footwear, ballet flats are the shoe for you. They add an elegant vibe to any outfit, even just a striped tee and denim. And if you want to wear them to work, they’re the perfect complement to midi skirts, trousers, and long dresses.
In the fall, you’ll probably opt to style them as is, or with a pair of no-shoe socks. But in the wintertime, you might need to add another layer for a bit more warmth – tights will do the trick here to make them more comfortable for chilly temps, and they’ll still look just as chic.
shoes | skirt | sweater | glasses | watch | tights | earrings
3. Ankle Boots
banana republic factory
Vegan Leather Dress Bootie
The official first day of fall might land on September 22, but to me, autumn has officially arrived when I start spotting ankle boots being worn out and about! That’s when I know that fall is truly here to stay, and the time for cozy knits, dark-wash denim, and chic jackets has begun.
Even though ankle boots might as well be synonymous with the word “fall”, that’s not the only season that they’re perfect for – you can wear your ankle boots all through the winter, too – especially if you live in a climate like the Midwest in the wintertime. Leather or faux leather ankle boots are easy to wipe clean, which is ideal when you’re dealing with snowy or rainy weather. They also give you plenty of protection against the cold and offer good support if you’re walking on slippery ground.
This is an easy shoe to adapt from fall to winter. You can always wear socks underneath them, or tights. Style them with wide-leg trousers, jeans, dresses, skirts, you name it. Ankle boots are a chameleon, and can pair well with almost any cold-weather outfit. Plus, there are so many variations to choose from! Chelsea boots, a sleek heeled version, or something in suede or a pattern are all great options.
4. Mary Janes
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Slingback Mary Jane Heels
For those who love to add a vintage twist to their outfits, Mary Janes are a great shoe style to consider. This classic style can be worn as a flat or as a heel, and comes in both single and double-strap varieties. When it comes to shoe trends, Mary Janes will stand the test of time – but there’s no denying they’re having a moment right now, too!
Brands like French favorite Sézane have helped to reintroduce the Mary Jane to popular fashion with their classic Paula Babies. Mary Janes might not be new, but there are so many fresh ways to style them that they feel like the perfect way to add a classic touch to your outfits while also embracing a fun take on nostalgic style.
In warmer weather, you can wear them alone, but in the cooler months, try wearing them with tights. If you want to style them the Parisian way, go for a pair of patterned hose to mix things up!
shoes | tights | bag | skirt | sweater | earrings
5. Slingback Heels
nordstrom
Sam Edelman Fauna Kitten Heel Slingback Pump
If you love shoes with a sleek profile and an elegant silhouette, then you’ll definitely want to add a pair of slingback heels to your fall and winter capsule wardrobe, if you haven’t already. This shoe is effortlessly elegant and is a modern take on the classic pump that we all know and love.
It’s also one of the most flattering shoes you can wear in fall and winter! The pointed toe and slingback strap allow an uninterrupted visual line to extend all the way down your leg to the very top of your feet, which means your legs will look both longer and slimmer while wearing them.
From holiday parties to office days to a night out with friends, slingback heels have your back. Add a pair of tights underneath, and you have a classy, elegant look from now until the end of winter.
6. Sneakers
dick’s sporting goods
Reebok Women’s Club C Grounds UK Shoes
Now, let’s step into something a little more comfortable! Sneakers can be worn all year long, but there are certain styles that are even better for fall and winter. For example, white tennis shoes might not hold up well during inclement fall and winter weather (dirty leaves, rain, snow, etc., will be working against you). Instead, go for a darker color, a fall-appropriate texture, or a pattern for the upcoming season.
Whether you opt for a leopard print shoe or maybe even suede sneakers, you’ll probably be styling them with longer bottoms in fall and winter, like straight-leg jeans or a maxi skirt. With this being the case, try opting for a pair of crew socks to wear with them to keep more of your legs warm. You can even try adding a pop of color in your socks – this was a popular styling trick that we spotted on our last autumnal trip to Paris.
shoes | pants | coat | sweater | earrings | bag
7. Knee-High Boots
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New Stevie Knee-High Boots in Leather
Another classic shoe has taken center stage once again this fall – the knee-high boot. From riding boots to boots with a stiletto heel, the knee-high boot has reemerged for more time in the seasonal spotlight. Although it’s a timeless piece of footwear, thanks to trends like the equestrian and British countryside aesthetic, it’s being styled in fresh ways this year for an exciting take on a well-known shoe.
The great thing about knee-high boots for colder weather is that this style has built-in coverage. No matter the temperature, you can probably stand to wear them without tights – although tights and leggings do add even more warmth! You can also layer them over skinny jeans for an even cozier look in the middle of winter – it’s in part thanks to this shoe that skinny jeans are popular again.
These Boots Were Made for Walking Into Winter
When it comes to footwear, you don’t want to sacrifice comfort or style – that’s where these seven pairs come in! They’re all classic enough to complement your fall and winter capsule wardrobe, without looking out of place in either season. Plus, they’re comfortable enough to wear no matter where you’re headed.
Speaking of the classics, who has better style inspiration for timeless looks than Audrey Hepburn? Up Next: How to Get Modern Day Audrey Hepburn Fashion Style with 10 Outfit Ideas
