Yes, you can find somewhat practical footwear this fall. For instance, lady loafers and block heels are offering a more comfy way to go retro, and platforms—everything from office-friendly maryjane versions to club-worthy concoctions—give you a more stable boost under the season’s flared pants. But if you’re looking to draw real attention, here are eight trends to watch. This is the footwear to pull on when you want to make a statement—and maybe just a little trouble.
Fashion collages by INGA LIM.
1. Naughty By Nature. Maybe it was the influence of Fifty Shades of Grey that inspired all the bondage-inspired details that appeared in many ready-to-wear collections last year and are now punching up footwear. Look for chains, ropes, skin-revealing cut-outs and boots that lace to way up there. How to wear it in real life: Tame a sultry ankle or knee-high boot by pairing it with a more restrained outfit such as a wool skirt or tailored A-line dress.
Clockwise from left: Giambattista Valli, Monique Lhuillier, Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli.
2. A Hairy Situation. We didn’t know whether to smile or run when furry, Muppet-like coats came down the runways last year. Either way, we shouldn’t be surprised that our shoes are now growing beards. Furry shoes aren’t particularly wearable, but they are conversation starters. How to wear it in real life: It doesn’t matter what you wear these puppies with, because they will steal the show. But we recommend limiting the fur to your tootsies, and avoiding the rain—because who wants feet that resemble drowned rats?
Dusty lavender fur mules by Maison Martin Margiela.
Clockwise from left: Salvatore Ferragamo, Vionnet, Dolce & Gabbana and Tibi.
3. Head Over Heels. From lipstick tubes suspended in Lucite to metal angles worthy of Frank Lloyd Wright, the details are in the heels this season. So whether you’re sporting one of fall’s minimalist pantsuits or a rocking a flashy ’80s-inspired dress, quirky heels add serious interest at ground level. How to wear it in real life: Pair the shoe with a likeminded outfit—a mod maryjane with a ’70s-inspired mini dress, for instance—to avoid mixing metaphors, and keep themes and architectural elements to a minimum.
Center: Versace yellow slingbacks. Left, top to bottom: Maison Margiela, BCBG, Roberto Cavalli, Monique Lhuillier. Right, top to bottom: Dolce & Gabbana, Jason Wu, Simone Rocha, Salvatore Ferragamo.
4. New Kids On the Block. Color blocking reaches a pinnacle this season, with suede patchwork, ’70s-ispired color combos and geometric patterns all competing for your attention. You’ll find this vibrant look on everything from ankle booties and block-heeled loafers to thigh-high boots and pumps. How to wear it in real life: While designers showed these blockheads with rainbow-patterned coats and other kaleidoscope-worthy ensembles, we suggest restricting your outfit to one or two hues and limiting the multicolored look to your tootsies. The effects will be mesmerizing but not maniacal.
Clockwise from left: Fendi, Miu Miu, Prabal Gurung, Just Cavalli.
5. String Theory. This look has been stringing us along for the past few seasons, but now fringe has moved from ready-to-wear to footwear. You don’t have to be a cowgirl to love western-inspired ankle boots, mules that seem to have been adorned with party streamers, and other attention-grabbing looks. How to wear it in real life: Again, keep it simple and limit this detail to below your ankle. Head-to-toe fringe screams rodeo, not Rodeo Drive.
Clockwise from left: Proenza Schouler, Rebecca Minkoff, Burberry Prorsum, Matthew Williamson.
6. Fancy Flourishes. If you’re one who likes to embellish, this is the season for you. Ornamental details like flowers, rhinestones, glitter and even plastic flowers can be found on everything from maryjanes to mules. Perfect for holiday dressing or date night, these adorable adornments can add some oomph to your wardrobe after a summer of flip-flops and espadrilles. How to wear it in real life: No limits here. It’s party time.
Clockwise from left: Studded slingback from Tory Burch. Green velvet maryjanes from Dolce & Gabbana. Rhinestone embellished block-heels from Céline. Floral rhinestone maryjanes from Dolce & Gabbana.
7. The Skinny. Knee-high, over-the-knee and thigh-high boots were all the rage last fall, and they’re back this year, slinkier and more form-fitting than before. Gals with skinny calves rejoice, because this babies will finally stay put, and those with curvier silhouettes may also find the added stretch flattering. How to wear it in real life: Pair a sky-high boot with a midi skirt or skinny jeans, or punctuate a mini skirt with a more classic knee-high version.
Clockwise from left: Calvin Klein black thigh-highs, Emilio Pucci black-and-white boots, Alberta Ferretti cinnamon suede thigh-highs, nude over-the-knee boots by Alexander McQueen, mod blue stretch boots by Bottega Veneta.
8. Cut It Out. Designers have been shaking their booties at us for the past couple years, but fall’s versions are hipper than ever. Taking a cue from the fun cut-outs we’ve been seeing on dresses and separates, these slip-on or zip-up looks run the gamut from casual to dress-up, but what they’ve got in common are carefully placed slashes and punch-outs that flash a little skin in just the right places. How to wear it in real life: Keep the look long and lean by rocking these booties with skinny jeans or allowing textured tights to peek through.
Clockwise from left: Nicole Miller, Julien Macdonald, Gianvito Rossi, Sebastian.
