When the temperatures start to drop; the kids head back to school; and the hoodies make their way out of our closets and onto our backs, it's time to start thinking about fall shoes.
Notice that I didn't say "fall shoe trends."
That's because, no matter what the trends are, we're still going to wear different types of shoes in fall than we do in summer. Some of those things are never going to change.
The Difference Between Trendy and Classic
For example, boots and booties are always going to be more popular in fall and winter than they are in spring and summer. Despite the fact that it's become increasingly popular for warm-weather footwear, the same can be said for suede. And, even though many of us will continue wearing certain sandals into the cooler months -- like women's evening sandals -- the vast majority of people are going to put away their flip-flops for the season.
To further illustrate the difference between fall shoe trends, and fall shoe classics, think about this: If you were to buy a pair of basic, black, no-frills, dress shoes, you could wear them season after season, year after year, without ever feeling dated.
But, if that same pair of black shoes had ultra-thick platform soles, or (for guys) an elongated, square toe box, then you might only get a year or two out of them before you started to feel like they were out of fashion.
And if you were to buy even the most basic of shoe styles in metallic purple or neon yellow, then their shelf life would be even shorter.
So, Why Not Skip the Trends Altogether?
Some people do.
In addition to the fact that it makes good sense economically, a lot of people prefer to cultivate a wardrobe that is independent of seasonal and annual trends. Others just really like the look of shoes and boots in classic styles and basic colors.
But, there's something about change that excites the rest of us. Even a small change to the type of shoes we're wearing can make us feel adventurous, youthful, and relevant. And, buying a new pair of shoes is a lot easier than making a bigger, more permanent, change, like switching careers or moving to another city.
Below, I'm going to delve into a few of the constants of fall shoes. Those elements you can bank on year after year.
Classic Fall Boots
It used to be simple: unless they were worn as part of a uniform, or out of some occupational necessity, boots were mainly worn in fall and winter.
Over the last decade or so, however, fashion boots (and booties, for women) have been available all year. The styles that are schlepped in spring and summer are usually lighter in color. They're offered in pale to mid-tone neutrals like light gray, sand, tan, nude, and beige. In women's boots, warm-weather styles also often feature open-toes or backs.
But, even with the popularization of summer boots, they're always going to be an autumn and winter mainstay.
If you want a pair that will see you through cooler seasons for several years to come, look for simple, streamlined styles. Avoid trendy details and embellishments, and stick to basic, darker colors like black or brown.
Men will want to look for a pair of classically-styled ankle boots, since they can be worn with a wider variety of outfits. When the conditions are really extreme, switch to a pair of dedicated winter or snow boots while outside, and save your fashion boots for indoor wear.
Women will get the most wear out of un-embellished, knee-high boots in black, or a pair of simple black ankle boots. Either heels and flats are fine, but if you if you're looking for boots that -- style wise -- will stand the test of time, skip trendy shapes (like wedge or chunky high heels), and instead look for styles with low block heels, or low to mid-high dress heels.
Popular Shoe Styles for Fall
Some shoes -- like most sneakers, loafers, and oxfords -- are really multi-seasonal. Unless they feature components that are impractical for cool weather, like lightweight canvas uppers; or would look out of place in fall, like shoes with a neon checkerboard pattern; there's no need to swap them out based on the calendar.
Other shoe styles, you'll probably want to put away until next spring or summer. Those include: flip-flops, flat sandals, jelly shoes, and summery boat shoes.
Choosing the Right Materials
Though some materials are better suited to fall and winter, what a pair of shoes is made from usually has little to do with whether or not it will be considered trendy.
Instead, seasonal shoe trends are usually dictated by other elements, like colors, prints, embellishments, detailing, and overall design.
In other words, a classic style of shoe will not look outdated down the road, just because it's made with a certain material. Unless, of course, that material happens to be something very non-traditional, like the plastics that are currently being used in shoes made with 3D printers.
It's also not likely that, next fall, you'll see a headline stating that "suede shoes are all the rage," or "leather shoes are hot," -- unless there's some sociopolitical angle to the article.
Leather and suede have always been the most popular choices for fall shoes and boots. And, despite having a wider selection of fabrics to choose from than ever before, that status hasn't changed. Although today, we're also fortunate enough to also man-made versions of those two materials at our disposal.
Heavier weight canvas shoes can also be worn well into fall, and, in milder climates, throughout winter.
Shearling (sheepskin) footwear is also an extremely popular choice. And, in the higher end markets, so are shoes made from reptile or exotic skins.
Those options pretty much cover what's available in men's fall shoes.
Women, on the other hand, have a few more choices, including velvet, brocade, and tweed. All of which make an appearance every few years or so. And, for evening wear, silk and satin are always available.
Fall Shoe Colors
Every fall, there is one or two colors that are considered particularly hot -- especially in women's shoes. Some of the most recent examples have included dark purples, berry shades, and mustard yellows.
But, as a general rule, earth tones are always going to be the most popular colors for fall footwear. Your safest bets are browns; orange- and red-based, mid-tone tans; and dark greens. Other shades that are always popular in autumn are navy, red, burgundy, medium to dark grays, and, naturally, black.
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