I know, it doesn’t feel like we had much of a summer before autumn has even started, but with the ever unpredictable British weather not quite giving us the tropical temperatures we imagined for 2023, we’ve been getting into autumn planning a little earlier this year. But no worries, the shops are already full of the cosy pieces that we spend all year counting down to wearing again, so while we prepare to shelve the linen, dresses and shorts we got some wear out of on holiday at least, it’s also time to start taking stock of which autumnal pieces we’ll be factoring into our wardrobes again, starting with the all important shoes.
Unlike clothing, the benefits of a good shoe is their year round wearability. Now might not be the perfect time to wear a heavy duty wool coat or a tiny string bikini, but you will always need a covered shoe to keep you prepared whatever the weather might bring. Granted, not all styles fall into this category (and I’ve been caught in the rain in barely-there sandals more times than I’d like to share), so to save your feet from seasonal woes, I’ve thought long and hard to put together a list of all of the pairs of shoes that you can buy now, wear now, and still be wearing in autumn (and possibly winter too). Sound good?
As a stylist and editor, I’ve taken the time to think about the pairs that are not only well worth your money, but I would genuinely wear day to day too, so you can expect comfort, cost, and style factor to play into this selection. But, I’ve also thought about the pieces that stand the test of time too, so if you’ve come in search of MSCHF’s big red boots (or big yellow Crocs for that matter), you may be disappointed. These are the anti-trend shoes that you can wear long past their TikTok expiry date.
Some of the choices are obvious, the loafer, for example, is a staple for good reason, but there are also a couple of additions that might surprise you, but they all make perfect sense. So, looking to up your shoefie game? Keep scrolling for the 7 pairs of shoes you can wear now with your summer dress, and again in autumn with a cosy knit and jeans. Now that’s what I call versatility.
Style Notes: If there was one shoe that I could wear all year round, it would have be the loafer. Granted, it is not the kind of shoe that is first choice into your holiday suitcase but until temperatures reach 29 degrees in the UK again, it is smart style that looks equally good with a bare leg as it does with tights.
Smart and simple.
Good in black, but great in bold red.
These will go with everything.
Hereu are designing such good pairs right now.
The exact pair I have in my wardrobe right now.
Style Notes: Ah trainers, where would our wardrobes be without you? From laidback weekend outfits to office-appropriate hump-day looks, there’s nothing a good pair of trainers can’t do, and you’ll never regret having a pair in your roster come rain or shine.
These go out of stock as quickly as they come in.
I will never take for granted the ease that comes with velcro.
A fashion editor favourite.
Retro in the very best way.
I’m desperate to get my hands on these.
Style Notes: It’s no coincidence that one of the biggest and bestselling shoes in the last couple of years has been the Birkenstock clog, and thankfully for us, other brands are taking note. This closed-toe-slip-on hybrid is everything you want in transitional weather, and manages to keep you cosy and cool all at the same time.
PSA: the Bostons are back in stock!
Such a cool girl heel.
So French, non?
These are every bit as comfy as they look.
I love the deep khaki green colourway too.
Style Notes: Praise be to Prada for making the slingback sexy again. This once dated shoe has had a very fashionable makeover in recent years, and often comes with the kind of wearable heel height that you can comfortably wear all day. And what other shoe can channel boss energy at only 2.5 inches?
Perfection personified.
An undeniably chic pair that no one will believe are from the high-street.
There’s also black, but patent brown stand out from the crowd.
The pair to launch a thousand copies.
Every wardrobe should have a quick and easy flat.
Style Notes: I have a secret that I’m unashamed to admit. On every evening that I’m wearing heels I have a pair of ballet pumps stashed in my bag (and I can’t be alone in that). These slip on wonders are great for busy days spent on your feet, and it’s only a positive that they look so good while doing it too. Look at the Instagram feeds of any of France’s best dressed, and I guarantee you’ll spot a pair of ballet pumps in the mix, they’re a Parisian style staple.
Take two major trends (the ballet flat and the mesh shoe), mix them together and voila, one perfect Mary Jane.
So easy to style.
Another “could be designer” dupe.
Imagine how good these would look like straight-legged blue denim.
The prettiest way to wear flats after dark.
Style Notes: Until the temperatures are low enough for a knee-high boot, I have a classic ankle boot on reserve. They are impossibly cute with mini skirts and floaty dresses, but look even better with jeans a jacket, so should the weather be a little greyer than expected, it’s time to call in old faithful–the timeless leather ankle boot.
I love everything about this boot.
Just look at that heel.
A classic you’ll wear for years to come.
I predict we’re going to be seeing a lot of white boots this year.
Just the right hint of western.
Style Notes: It feels like the fisherman sandal is still a relative newbie to the style circuit, but now we’ve seen them, we can’t let them go. My favourite thing about the caged sandal? They are perfection with dresses, but, they are also made to be worn with socks, so as soon as the run comes, just add an extra layer to stay dry.
A cult classic in their own right.
I cannot get enough of the suede Queenies.
But the red would be so cute with charcoal grey socks.
The squidgy, chunky sole prioritises comfort first.
Up Next, Autumn Is Coming—12 Simple Items You Won’t Want to Be Without
