6 Fall Shoe Trends the Fashion Set Is Already Adopting

We're finally approaching fall, arguably the best part of the year. With it comes the prospect of exciting new trends, the ability to layer again, and a newfound motivation to get dressed up. But there's one pitfall to shifting seasons: transitional weather. No matter where you live in the world, there's always a bit of a fight to be had internally about what to wear when it's in that midseason point, especially regarding footwear. Do you embrace wearing boots in the heat and sweat it out? Do you still wear your favorite summer sandals despite being over them? Can you get away with wearing suede shoes in the middle of August? Discerning the best shoes to wear during the transition into fall is not an easy decision.

But there's no need to fret. Ahead, I've dug through fall/ winter 2022 collections to identify the season's biggest trends. And I've edited it down to the six shoe styles that are not only popular among the fashion set right now but are ideal for transitional weather. Buckle up, babes—you're about to step into fall in style. 

1. Ballet Flats

ICYMI, ballet flats have sauntered back into style this past spring and are staying on stage for fall. Need further proof? Look to the F/W 22 collections of luxury houses like Miu Miu, Khaite, and Proenza Schouler that took classic satin and leather ballet flats and gave them a modern take through fresh hues and fun styling. 

It's not just the runways that have brought ballet flats back into the fold; so has the fashion set. This shoe trend has quickly glided into every It girl's closet because of its versatility and wearability. Whether you wear them with a white dress on a hot summer day or style them with jeans or a trench coat in early fall, ballet flats—with their ease and chicness—make life much easier. 

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2. Moto Boots

Boot trends for fall? That's a given. Boots that make you feel like a baddie? Well, only moto boots can do that. F/W 22 collections marked the return of many "tough" trends like grunge, heavy-duty leather, and of course, the main attraction: moto boots. From Alexander McQueen's black pointy buckle-adorned booties to Courrèges knee-high moto boots in various hues, it's crystal clear that this fall we're being asked to step into our villain era. 

And let the record show that the fashion set has headed this call already. Need proof? Just look how Balenciaga's Knee-High Cagole Leather boots have become a fast favorite over the past few months, even in the dead heat. If this style's speedy ascent is a sign of anything, it's that moto boots will be fall's baddest trend (in a good way). 

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3. Mary Janes

When you think of Mary Jane shoes, do baby flats come to mind? If you are, I get it. But let the record show that this shoe style has grown into its own through F/W 22 collections. Just look to how Bottega Veneta showed crocodile Mary Jane heels with architectural heels and Versace spiced it up with multiple straps, a high-pointed platform, and a patent finish. The result is a shoe trend that honors the style's playful origins but is in no way playing games. 

Of course, while this shoe style has gotten a mature upgrade in recent runway collections, this style allows us to still be playful through styling. The fashion set has embraced this style by pairing it with prep-inspired looks and quirky suiting that's ideal for transitional weather. And the perfect reminder that a little playtime with a great pair of shoes is always a good move. 

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4. On Point

While the past few seasons have focused heavily on square-toe shoes, it seems that we're angling towards something new this coming season. F/W 22 collections brought back hard angles in footwear, as reflected in boots and heels with architectural structures, but most poignantly in pointy-toe shoes. From Coperani's slingback heels to Prada's Mary Janes, it's evident that we've reached a new point in footwear. 

That new point is seen in how the fashion set has begun to embrace sharp-toe shoes again. Suddenly, a relaxed suit or tank dress gets an element of an edge when pointy-toe shoes are added into the mix—proving that the key to looking on-point in transitional weather is by opting for this shoe style.

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5. Prep School

Remember that feeling of going shopping for back-to-school clothing as a kid? You may be well past that stage in your life, but you can still tap into the nostalgia thanks to the return of preppy aesthetics. Now, if you're still unsure of how to earn an A+ when tapping into this trend, then you'll want to start with your shoe choice. The easiest way to lean into the polished preschool look (seen in the F/W 22 collections of Tods, Gabriela Hearst, and Miu Miu) is by opting for a prep-inspired shoe like loafers or derby shoes. No matter which style you land on, you'll ace the assignment without a doubt. 

Of course, we should note that polished footwear has been poppin' off with the fashion set for a while now. Still, it's not too late if you have yet to jump on the bandwagon. Simply invest in a pair of loafers or derby shoes with unique details to make the style stand out from the crowd and earn a few extra points. 

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6. High Shine

Party shoes, revenge shoes, whatever you want to call them, have been at the forefront of the fashion's lexicon for the past few seasons. In part, you can blame the rise of risqué shoes on the shifting state of the world, but when it comes down to it, it's just because there are some amusing footwear trends at the moment. The most recent one is high shine. Spotted in the form of silver oversize bow sandals at Loewe and gold square-toe heels at Jil Sander, it's evident that metallic shoes had their shining moment in F/W 22 collections.

Frankly, we can't think of a better way to step into fall than in a pair of fun metallic shoes, and clearly, we're not the only ones. With the fashion set steadily rocking metallic platforms, heels, sandals, and boots, it's safe to say that this style will continue to dominate for the rest of the year. 

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Next: If You Want a Major Wardrobe Glow-Up in 2022, Phase Out These 6 Shoe Trends