If there’s one thing I know after analysing and writing about fashion for the past 12 years, it’s that shoes have the power to change the tone of any look. Whether you want to elevate your basic jeans-and-t-shirt combination up or want to knock back a pretty dress, shoes will help you do so in a very efficient way. Footwear is also one of the easiest ways to dip your toe into the new season. Take right now, for example—I’m willing to bet that you’ve already begun swapping out the majority of your sandals for closed-toe shoes instead to better outfit yourself for the sudden chilly weather. Aside from practicalities, shoes are a no-brainer way to make your looks feel more current, too. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at shoes that fall into this category; cue Shoe mircrotrends for autumn 2023.
First things first, let’s clarify what constitutes a microtrend. Essentially, microtrends are small offshoots from the overarching trends we seen on the biannual Fashion Month runways. In this instance, we’ll be referencing the collections that were showcased for autumn/winter 2023 back in February and March. Obviously when we first see what’s in store for the coming season, we’re six months away from actually living it, so it’s natural for the big trends to evolve and drill down into niche subcategories. This is where microtrends are found. And being the shoe obsessive that I am, I wanted to determine which shoes are going to make my outfits look trendiest this season.
Using our trend report in tandem with Instagram outfits, I found six shoe microtrends I know will be big for autumn 2023. From the boot update that makes tucking your jeans into them so much easier to the fabrication that’s sweeping everywhere from Chanel to Mango, I believe there’s an autumn shoe microtrend for you, regardless of your aesthetic. Thus bringing me to my final point; there’s zero point investing in trends (be they micro or macro) if they don’t feel intrinsic to your Style. They should evolve it, not be a complete departure. So, consider what you see carefully and determine whether there’s a place for them in your wardrobe or not. If there is, you’ll find shopping for each as you go.
Style Notes: Birkenstock Bostons have been some of the most difficult shoes to get your hands on this year, so, really, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that fashion people began sourcing other clunky clogs; clogs so cumbersome one can’t help but shuffle in them. When temperatures dip, style them with chunky socks.
The contrast sole gives these extra edge.
Experiment with a fun print.
They’re back, but I guarantee they won’t stick around for long.
Style Notes: Boot trends tend to enjoy a longer shelf life than other shoe styles, but this is a boot that has serious staying power. I’ve noticed so many pairs with wide calves are cropping up, which is great news considering I always struggle to get boots over my ankles. The desired look is one of being deliberately slouched and, should you want to tuck your jeans or trousers into your boots, there should be enough room to do so.
Chic with a capital “C”.
Our shopping editor owns these boots and raves about them.
Staud releases its Wally boots every autumn, and every autumn I want to buy them.
Style Notes: Last year we witnessed the return of rhinestones on shoes but, for autumn 2023, it’s all about OTT studs; the sort closely resemble bubbles. A.W.A.K.E. kickstarted this trend, but I’m starting to see it crop up all over the market, on everything from sandals to Mary Janes to heels.
These look so high end.
You’ll see these all over Instagram this season.
Because sandal season isn’t over just yet.
Ballet flats have been trending hard this year as it is and, although it defies logic, given than autumn is typically wetter in weather than summer, people have recently begun forgoing leather pairs, embracing silky and satin fabrications instead. You’ll want to check the forecast before you wear them out—watermarks will never be chic—but I find myself quite taken with this pretty, more traditional way of wearing ballet flats.
So pretty (and a great price).
When it comes to designer, Miu Miu’s ballet flats are some of the most in demand.
How gorgeous is this shade of emerald green.
Style Notes: The ’90s gave us many shoe trends, but one that’s been overlooked up until this point is buckles and, often, the straps that accompany them. For the ultimate Y2K pairing, wear a set with cargo trousers and an asymmetric vest top.
So fierce.
These come in a handful of cute colours.
These were made to be worn with camouflage or pinstripe trousers.
Style Notes: A recurring theme when it comes to autumn 2023’s shoe microtrends is tactile fabrics (as seen above by way of satin ballets). Now, there’s another to discover. Denim might populate our wardrobes but our shoe collections have remained largely unaffected. Prepare for that to change this year, as so many brands are serving up denim-clad footwear. Here’s looking at you, Chanel…
These are ’90s perfection.
A loafer trend I didn’t see coming.
Tick off three trends in one with denim, multi-strap Mary Janes.
Next Up, Experts Agree: These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Really Count
