6 Key Footwear Trends to Experiment With This Fall

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The days of summer are quickly waning and with the approach of a new season, and the blessed fashion-friendly transitional weather comes the absolute joy and opportunity of new shoes. As a wise person once said, September is the January of fashion. So why not start off fall with a fresh pair of heels that are as fabulous as they are on-trend. Here, 6 of our favorite shoe trends to experiment with this fall.

KITTEN HEELS

The humble kitten toe used to get a bad rap, but these days a modest heel can carry some serious fashion weight. Not only does a minimal heel—under 2 inches—add a prim touch to a casual outfit, but the discreet lift also gives an understated polish. For example, it's a heel height that works just as easily for a day at the office as it does for a low-key outfit that needs just a little bump up to be dinner hour appropriate. Consider the shoe a transitional season heavy-hitter, with wonderful options that feature t-straps, slingbacks, or Mary Jane iterations. Librarian shoes, these are not.

Leather T-Strap Sandals

Sarah Flint Kitten Pump

Ines Pump In Black Leather

J'Adior Slingback Pump

THIGH-HIGH BOOTS

The thigh-high boot reigned supreme in the naught-aughties but it's back and better than ever—and not just made for pop stars on tour. Rest assured, in 2023 the style is a way to add sophisticated interest to a layered look, not just with height, but with juxtaposed proportions, peek-a-boo silhouettes, and of course, texture. Pro tip: create a layered effect with skirts with high-slits, or have a pair peek through from a killer coat. Or, layer under your luxurious knit dresses. The sky is truly the limit.

Cami Over-The-Knee Boot

Maryana Over-The-Knee Boots

Elle Suede Boot

Letizia Boot

TEXTURE

Gone are the days where texture in footwear could only be achieved with different leathers, exotics, and suedes. The easiest way to look fashion-forward in 2023 is to add a furry shoe—and you'll notice, the varieties are endless. Need to pump up your simple classic button down and high waisted jean look? Why not opt for the fuzzy shoe?

Teddy fabric slippers

Faux-Fur Leather Pumps

The Faux Fur Trim Ballerina Flat

The Marion Sandal

COMBAT BOOTS

The elevated combat boot (with many luxury options a la Brunello Cucinelli and Prada) is about to have its day in the sun. Not only is the style highly functional, weather agnostic, and so comfortable, it's the quickest footwear fix for an outfit that needs a bit of edge.

Suede and calfskin boots

1460 Mono Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots

Mallory Boots

Monolith leather and Re-Nylon boots with pouch

POINTED TOES

After years of rounded and almond toes reigning supreme, the pointed toe shoe is back and better than ever. Talk about the easiest way to look sleek (and not to be messed with). The key with the 2023 silhouettes is a level of curvature elsewhere in the shoe, whether that's the heel or at the vamp and top line. Don't be afraid to go for bold, like with a pair of silver heels. Metallics and a pointed toe? That's fashion bonus points for 2 trends in one.

Avangarda Pointed Toe Pump

Begum 95 crystal-embellished silk slingback pumps

Boris Slingback Pump

Nite Out 110 mirrored-leather pumps

SLOUCHY BOOTS

Much like the thigh-high boot, we are welcoming the slouchy silhouette into our closets with a warm embrace? Why, you ask? Easy question. A little bit of scrunch popping out from the bottom of a maxi skirt or dress adds a whole lot of effortless je ne sais quoi. Plus, you don't have to worry about readjusting your boots constantly throughout the day.

Blair Thigh High Boot

95mm suede slouchy stiletto boots

Geni Slouchy Calfskin Mid Boots

Raquel Boots

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