I’ve been thinking about, and shopping for, fall shoes since early August so I could put this list together for you. I started with the trends, tried most of them, and then landed on what I actually liked to wear the most. This guide only includes what I personally love and wear the most, not necessarily all of the top fall shoe trends.
Flats and Sneakers
My most worn type of shoes is a pair of flats or sneakers. When I was younger, I cared that I was short and would almost always where heels to seem a little taller (and to get my jeans to half fit). Now, I pick comfort over everything and opt for flat shoes until it turns too cold and I have to swap for boots.
Ballet Flats
There are mixed feelings about the return of ballet flats, but this is one trend I’m very excited about. I love flats in general and wore ballet flats heavily when they trended years ago. The modern fits have a slightly longer toe and while it’s not required, I see the majority of them with the standard bow at the top.
Shutz Arissa Flat in Honey Beige
If you can only buy one pair of shoes for the season go with this pair. The color goes with everything and they’re so soft and comfortable. The leather is lightweight and will wrinkle in the toe when you walk. They also have an extended toe box, but I find them to be true to size.
Budget Friendly Ballet Flat Option Here
Shoes TTS | Sweater XXS | Jeans Petite 24 | Bag
Other ways I’ve worn ballet flats:
Outfits are linked in my Casual Fall Capsule Wardrobe Post
Loafers
I wrote a post about loafers a couple of months ago and admitted at the time that I was slow to adopt the trend. Since then, I’ve found that I can’t stop wearing my loafers.
Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer
I have a pair of beige and black Loraine Loafers from Sam Edelman. If I was going to choose one pair to wear I would personally pick the “soft beige” pair. The color is the most versatile and for some reason, that pair is a little bit softer and more comfortable than the black pair (although both are still very comfortable). I don’t typically wear socks with my flats, but I do with loafers. This pair of socks doesn’t show and keeps things comfortable!
Budget Friendly Loafer Option Here
Shoes TTS | Blazer Petite 00 | Top Petite XXS | Similar Bag | Jeans Petite 24
Other ways I’ve worn loafers:
Outfits are linked in the Fall Workwear Capsule Wardrobe Post & Four Ways to Wear Leggings
Sneakers
When it comes to having a pair of sneakers for fall, that’s really up to your personal style and what you may already have in your closet. I personally love to wear my white Veja Esplar sneakers, but there are so many great options! I also love the way black converse look, but I don’t personally own a pair.
Veja Esplar Sneakers
I bought these sneakers last year and have loved wearing them ever since. I’m often asked if they’re comfortable, and yes, they are! For reference, I wore these on a trip to Disney where I did a ton of walking and was comfortable all day long. When I first bought them I tucked the laces under the insole and have worn them that way ever since. They’re easy to slip off and on and there isn’t a ton of extra laces hanging around. I find them to be true to size, you’ll need to check the sizing chart for your size equivalent.
Budget Friendly Sneaker Option Here
Shoes TTS | Similar Bag | Coat Petite 00 | Jeans Petite 24 | Sweater XS
Other ways I’ve worn sneakers:
Boots
For this post, I focused on the boots in my closet that I find to be the most versatile and most worn. I didn’t include a knee-high boot in this post because I haven’t settled on any that I really love. Stay tuned for more on that.
Sock/Slim Booties
With denim trending away from skinny jeans if you’re going to buy one pair of booties this year, make it a slim or sock bootie. The slim shaft fits under straight jeans but also works with every other type of jeans, as well as dresses and skirts.
Steve Madden Calabria Bootie
I bought these boots last year and loved wearing them. They are a little harder to find this season, but I did find them available on Zappos still. I sized up 1/2 size in this pair and am wearing the “sand” suede option that looks much darker online than it is in person. If your size isn’t available in the Steve Madden boot, this Vince Camuto pair fits similarly.
Boots Size Up 1/2 Size | Jeans Petite 24 | Sweater XXS
Other Ways I’ve Worn Steve Madden Calabria Boots:
Ann Taylor Block Heel Boots
If you need a boot to wear to work, go with this dressy pair from Ann Taylor. They run true to size and look great with trousers and black denim. If you need a waterproof option, Blondo boots are waterproof and still look dressy enough to wear to work. The only downfall is I haven’t personally tried them to give you a review of fit.
Boots TTS | Blazer Petite 00 | Similar Top | Jeans Petite 00
Other Ways I’ve Worn Ann Taylor Block Heel Boots:
Wide Leg Pants Petite 2 | White Sweater XXS | Jeans Petite 00
Chelsea Boots
I really love how comfortable chelsea boots are and appreciate that they are waterproof. When it comes to styling them, they can be worn under straight jeans, but I personally only feel comfortable in them with a pair of leggings. They look really chunky with jeans and between my short legs and the shape of my hips, I just can’t seem to find the right proportions on me. That being said, if you feel great in them with jeans, please do! Last winter I wore them quite often with leggings, and would add long coats on top. This pair in particular is from Target. There is a breaking-in period with this pair in the ankle but they are true to size.
Boots TTS | Sweater XXS | Similar Bag | Coat Petite XS | Leggings XS Short
Other Ways I’ve Worn Chelsea Boots (different pair pictured):
I’m pretty settled on this collection for fall, but if I come across any other great options I’ll be sure to share.
-Brooke
