Fall has arrived! Time to put away those barely-there sandals, deep six the bargain bin flip-flops and get ready to hit the shops. Just in time, we’ve got the goods on what to look for when it comes to Fall footwear.
1. Switch It Up
Although the ‘no white shoes after Labour Day’ rule has gone the way of the Dodo in recent years, it’s still important to switch gears when Fall officially arrives. Autumnal trends tend to be opulent and sophisticated rather than flirty and fun, so upgrade your look to include a range of stylish shoes that properly reflect the tone of the season.
2. So Strappy
Good news for sandal lovers! Strappy little numbers can make the transition to Fall, too. Come Autumn, break out the saucy little numbers when heading out on the town in the evening – but avoid wearing them at the office or to business meetings. Be daring and sport a deeply hued pair with super high heels to your next gala event.
3. Colours and Textures
This year, break with tradition by buying a pair of buttery suede pumps or animal print flats to add to your collection of ho-hum black and tan shoes. Add splashes of deep, Fall inspired colour in shades like these: burnt red or orange, apricot, amber, rust and mustard.
4. Marvelous Metallics
Metallic clothing and accessories have entered the realm of the chic! No longer just for the disco theme party, you can wear metallic finish shoes to the office or out in the evening. Shoes are an easy place to start adding metal inspired tones to your wardrobe. Shop for shoes in shades that evoke warm copper or elegant brass as well as versatile gold and silver colours this Fall. Soft reds, pinks, greens, blues and yellows are available in metallic finishes, too.
5. High Stepping
Nothing says Fall like a lovely knee high boot. And the possibilities are endless. Flat, platform, stiletto, wedge heel…it can be tough to choose! Black is practical, but chocolate brown will also fit well into any wardrobe. Later in the season, you may want to pick up a pair of suede, fur-lined boots to carry you into winter. A style tip: boots always look fantastic with wool skirts and long, belted jackets.
6. Get the Down-Low
Ankle boots are always adorable and they look great with jeans. Look for pairs in funky colours such as apricot or vermillion. Also check out mid-calf stiletto boots, which look and feel best in suede. Low stiletto boots are a perfect match for well tailored trousers. Nab a pair in salmon, mahogany or pumpkin to add colour to your wardrobe, especially if your office attire consists of classic charcoal, grey or brown trousers.
7. Ballerina Style
Hunt down ballerina flats in not-so-demure patterns and shades such as animal prints or metallics. These adorable slip-ons can also be found with embellishments such as bows, satin ankle ribbons, beads, gems or buckles. Not a fan of flats? Kitten heel ballerina shoes are an easy find, too, and you’ll appreciate the comfort after a late night or a long day in high heels.
8. Pump it Up
Pumps add panache to each and every outfit they grace. But they don’t always have to be so very sophisticated. These days, pumps are available in a range of fun colours (including bubblegum pink) and styles (think Mary Janes with a high heel) that are as fun loving as you are. If you want a little more adventure, try pumps in florals, plaids and polka dot prints.
9. Pretty Platforms
Feeling daring? Add a quirky edge to your fall wardrobe with a platform pump or boot. Thick, chunky and perilously high platform shoes and boots make a comeback on the runways every Fall. But if the idea of super high platforms gives you vertigo, a wedge-heeled boot will do the trick, too.
10. Get a Leg Up
No discussion about footwear is complete without giving hosiery an honourable mention. As the days grow shorter and cooler, bidding bare legs goodbye becomes a must to serve both fashion and function. Try sheathing those legs in sexy stockings, cozy leggings, patterned tights or sophisticated sheers. Play with colour and pattern on your legs to give your fall footwear more high fashion mileage.