With the onset of a new season comes the exciting prospect of new footwear. Fall specifically calls for the transition to styles with more coverage. Perhaps you favor a chunky loafer that you can pair with white socks as the temperature drops. Maybe you prefer comfort and stick to sneakers. Or you could be a fan of classic ankle boots that you'll be able to rewear for years to come. Regardless of personal taste, the options are endless. In case you're in need of a little guidance, we've polled our staffers for some suggestions of footwear to invest in this fall.
Layla Passman, Social Media Associate
Cosmo 2.0 Loafer
I bought these platform loafers last winter and wear them with almost anything. You cannot go wrong with a black loafer and white sock combo. I especially liked to wear them with dresses or skirts for a more vintage look. For fall, I'll start pairing them with tights and straight leg pants. Not only are these super comfortable to walk in, but the platform gives every look I wear a bit of a '90s edge to it, which I'm always looking for in shoes. While chunky loafers are definitely trendy right now, I really see them as a timeless shoe that goes with almost everything. This pair from Vagabond are super comfortable, long lasting, and don't need a lot of breaking in.
Boxcalf
I had been waiting to buy these Mary Janes for so long and they kept selling out! Thankfully, I snagged a pair during Nicole Saldaña's last drop. This shoe brand from Portugal is known for their modern take on classic styles like Mary Janes. I was in the market for a chunky pair to go with socks and printed tights (something I'm trying out this fall) and these black lug-soled ones are perfect. The velcro closure also brings me back to the Mary Janes I used to wear as a kid. Similar to the chunky loafers, these give me a grungy '90s vibe that I'm always looking for in shoes—they fit best with my style while remaining versatile.
Audrick Heaven by Marc Jacobs Croc Shoes
I've been daydreaming about the Marc Jacobs Heaven and Dr. Martens collab since they came out. The cult-following of both brands means they're sold out everywhere. Rightfully so, since the collaboration takes classic Dr. Martens styles and gives them the youthful edge of Marc Jacobs' Heaven. The high-shine croc-textured leather, thick rubber sole, and adorable flowered details on the lace holes give total '90s nostalgia—something that Heaven always does right. These also come in a boot version—perfect for the transition into the colder months. I'd pair these with any sock and trousers, or a pleated skirt to dress it up. Don't be afraid to choose fun patterned socks into the mix, as well!
Camille Freestone, Associate Style Editor
Whitney Weejuns
Specifically for the early days of fall, loafers typically occupy the greatest space on my seasonal shoe rotation. I prefer a super classic silhouette that errs more towards the menswear side of the spectrum, so these are perfect. Plus, you cannot beat the price.
Perugia Ankle Boots
Regardless of trend cycles, a low-heeled black ankle boot is a necessity every single year. Stockholm-based ATP Atelier always has a great selection of footwear that is simple yet modern—and won't look dated in a year's time. I've had a pair similar to this one for over three years, and I don't plan on retiring them any time soon.
7a Vintage Marlborough Hunt Riding Boots
It's no secret that riding boots are back en vogue again. So instead of spending a bunch of money on a new pair, I went back to the source. I purchased a vintage pair from Etsy that were originally actual riding boots versus a designer's take on the style. I can't wait to start working them into my fall ensembles.
Leya Kaufman, Head of Sales
Verona Knit Sneakers
I could see myself wearing these shoes everywhere from my desk to date night. The era of working from home in socks is also officially over and I can think of no better way to celebrate than with these sneakers. I love how the pearl and crystal-embellished strap is just a bit over the top. After all, life is just too short to wear boring shoes, right?
Classic Legacy Gore-tex Shoes
I also live in classic sneakers year round, but the start of a new season offers the perfect excuse to add a new pair to my collection. This retro-inspired pair offers the perfect mix of "then & now" to build into my fall wardrobe of muted tones, neutrals, and warmer hues. They're perfect.
Kolbie Chain Bootie
Fall and Stuart Weitzman will always be synonymous for me. Every year, they reimagine one of my favorite classics and this time, they did it with a velvet take on the Kolbie bootie. This style has proven itself to be comfortable, functional, and effortlessly chic. So, I don't need too much convincing when it comes to these…
Jess Sisco, Production Director
Moss Platform Loafers
I've been on a month-long hunt for new loafers—a pair that has a little something extra to differentiate them from the classic style. Enter the edgy yet refined Yuul Yie Moss platform loafers from their City Walkers fall collection (dreams really do come true!). Appropriately named, this collection shifts the spotlight to the audience and is dedicated to those strolling through the city. Being a city dweller myself, I feel it's my duty to carry out that vision and take these babies out on the town. But, how do I choose between the colors?!
Andy Mid-calf Boot
Freda Salvador can do no wrong in my eyes, and these boots are no exception. They are taller than your average Chelsea boot, which is great for the cooler months. The contrast of leather with a clear rubber sole is *chef's kiss* and gives an unexpected flair. This will be my third pair of Freda Salvador shoes, and they won't be my last. I guess you could say I'm becoming quite the fan.
997H V1 Sneakers
When it comes to sneakers, I tend to lean toward the classics in solid colors: white Nikes, black Vans, and tan Reeboks. But these New Balance sneakers are giving me life. The faded multicolor panels are retro cool and still neutral enough to keep me in my comfort zone. Manifesting myself in these sneakers with wide-leg trousers and a graphic tee this season.
Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Editor
Louise et Cie Jacori Mixed-material Boots
Finding a pair of knee-high boots to add to my shoe rotation is a priority for me this fall and this pair from Vince Camuto is currently at the top of my list. The mixed-material pattern lends texture to the boots, making them even more aesthetically-pleasing, plus the flared, block heel means that I'll actually be able to walk in them.
Waffle One Sneakers
For days where I don't feel like putting a ton of thought into my ensemble, I turn to a pair of bold sneakers to anchor my look. You can confidently pair these retro chunky sneakers with any outfit in your closet—from a knit dress to a white tee and jeans. Who knew that neon orange and light lavender was such a good color combo?
Intrecciato Raffia Mules
These baby pink heeled mules currently live in my mind rent free. Not only is the color incredible, but they also feature Bottega's signature weave pattern, giving the mules texture and dimension. Plus, these heels don't come with any straps, which means fewer blisters.
Photo: Getty
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