Fall Footwear Classics

A change in every fashion season is always filled with expectation and excitement. It gives us the impetus to reorganize closets and make way for the new. 

This fall, shoe lovers and collectors will be glad to learn that the classics are making a comeback. If you have some sitting in boxes in your closet, it’s time to give them a polish and take them out for a spin. If you don’t already own one of the boot styles trending now — riding, moto (motorcycle), cowboy — start shopping, because they will never grow old. 

This season is for the classic girl (riding boots and ballet flats), the girl with a little edge (buckles and moto and sculptural details), and the girl who doesn’t fit into a box and goes with what appeals to her. Step into fall in a strut that is uniquely your own. 

Mary Janes & Ballet Flats

Both possess a demure sophistication that is timeless, and, therefore always relevant. This season they are everywhere. The best ballet flats of the moment have more structure than the worn-in pairs we rocked in in 2010. Adding a Mary Jane strap or buckle helps to zhuzh up a simple flat.

Kitten Heels

The fashion crowd’s favorite shoe for low-key polish. This season it’s in the spotlight.

Moto Boots

Another timeless fall trend is the rugged boot. But while the Dr. Martens’ lace-up combat look has been reigning supreme in recent years, for 2023 we’re seeing a subtle but important shift toward more of a moto vibe. Think less ‘90s grunge and more motorcycle chic in the vein of the late great Vivienne Westwood.

Riding Boots

The return of this classic preppy style is tied to the quiet luxury trend. Riding boots typically feature low heels (if any), sleek leather uppers, and often the addition of a buckle around the ankle or up near the cuff. 

The New Wedge

A sturdy counterpart to those spindly kitten heels that get stuck in pavement grates and floorboards, the sturdy wedge is back with a vengeance for fall, proving that they’re here to stay. These aren’t your typical wedge. Expect to see new iterations of the old classic in sculptural shapes, strapped up a la Mary Jane etc.

Cowboy Boots

This simplified variation has the feeling of a classic cowboy boot, just with fewer details (monochromatic and little-to-no stitching).