One of my goals for this blog is to help you create a wardrobe that you not only love and feel confident in, but that is functional and wearable. With that in mind, I’m sharing some fall pieces I consider essential for a woman’s wardrobe. Previously, I rounded up the best fall layers and in this post, I’m rounding up the best shoes for fall 2024. These are the footwear styles I recommend having in your closet to create functional and versatile outfits. You don’t need all of these shoes, but pick and choose ones that work well for your lifestyle.
The Best Shoes For Fall
The Plain White Sneaker
The white sneaker in a slim, sleek style is a timeless shoe that is casual and comfortable. It can easily be dressed up or down. I like styling mine with sweatshirts and tees for casual weekends, but also with feminine dresses and skirts for days I want to dress up a little. I highly recommend these ones from Frēda Salvador. They are pricey, but I’ve gotten so much wear out of them. Use code STITCHANDSALT15 for 15% off. For a more affordable option, this pair from Everlane (pictured in the photo below) is another nice alternative.
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The Casual Athletic Sneaker
Because I’m a mom who is often walking to school and the park, I like having a second sneaker option that feels a bit more casual. I’m calling this an athletic sneaker, but it’s not a shoe I would work out in. I recommend saving your exercise footwear for exercise only! My favorite styles in this category include the New Balance 327 (seen above), the New Balance 574 (below), the Adidas Samba or Gazelle, and the classic Chuck Taylors.
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The Ankle Boot
This type of shoe is definitely my most worn when the weather drops below 50 degrees. Ankle boots can be tricky to style. I will say, it’s maybe time to donate those in your closet with a wide low shaft which will make your outfit look dated. For a chic and timeless style, look for a pair with a tall and skinny ankle shaft that tucks under your jeans without showing any skin between the hem of your pants and the top of your boot. My favorites for this year are this pair shown above from Sézane that have a tall heel, this pair from J.Crew and this pair from Madewell that both have a pointed toe and kitten heel, and this pair from Everlane which are made from a knit material.
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The Loafer
Loafers are such a chic and polished shoe option for fall. I love styling them with an oversized button down or a feminine cardigan like in the outfit above. Chunky styles were very trendy the past few years, but the slim and sleek classic style we know and love is making a comeback for fall. This penny loafer shown above is from Frēda Salvador. They are pricey but the craftsmanship is beautiful (code STITCHANDSALT15 for 15% off your first purchase.) I also own a few older pairs from Madewell which are always great quality at a decent price. I’ve linked similar options from the brand below. I also just received this gorgeous pair from Larroudé. They are a timeless sleek style that have memory foam inserts so they are super comfortable. I know I’ll be wearing them for years!
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The Ballet Flat
Ballet flats made a huge comeback in the last few years, and I don’t think they are going anywhere. Instead of the rounded short toe box of the 2010’s, look for a ballet flat with an elongated toe which looks more modern and flattering. I usually prefer wearing these with a cropped pant. My absolute favorites are this pair from Frēda Salvador which I own in tan and black. I love the woven texture and comfortable fit. I also have this pair from Everlane and this pair from Madewell which are both well made and pretty affordable as well. I love styling these with more masculine pieces like button downs and blazers.
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The Mary Jane
This style of shoe, which gets its name from an early 1900’s comic strip character, has a strap across the instep. These are very popular right now. I love when classic styles become trendy again. You can find them in flat and heeled varieties. I own a few styles of Mary Jane’s including this heeled style from Sézane (shown above), this affordable flat style with an elastic strap from Madewell (these are so comfy!), and this adorable red pair from Frēda Salvador (so fun!) There are so many colors and styles available right now; I’ve linked several more cute Mary Jane options below.
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The Chelsea Boot
Chelsea boots are a popular casual style boot with elastic on the sides and typically a pull tab on the back to make them easier to get on. Interestingly, they got their name because of their popularity in the Chelsea neighborhood of London during the 50s and 60s.
The pair pictured here from Frēda Salvador are definitely my most worn and my most comfortable pair. These are water resistant and perfect for a rainy climate like mine. I also own this sustainably made pair from Nisolo, a great brand to support. I’ve linked a few more options below.
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The Lace Up Boot
This casual boot style with laces up the front and a low ankle shaft are also sometimes called combat boots. They aren’t quite as popular as the Chelsea boots I talked about above, but I still love this style. I own this pair from Sézane, and they are somehow chic and edgy at the same time. I love styling these with contrasting pieces like a feminine blouse or cardigan.
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The Knee High Boot
A knee high boot is another fall shoe staple. If you like wearing dresses and skirts in the colder months, knee high boots are for you. I don’t own a pair yet, but I just ordered this pair from Schutz after having them on my wishlist for years! I really like the block heel style which is easier to walk in than a traditional heel. These also have a wider shaft that leaves some wiggle room in the leg. They come in tons of colors and get great reviews. I plan to style these with my slip skirt and sweater dresses in fall and winter. I’ve linked some more alternatives below.
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The Slingback
Slingbacks are another classic and timeless shoe style. They come in flats like the ones I’m wearing above (these are old from Marc Fisher) and heeled styles. Slingbacks typically have a pointed toe and a strap around the ankle. I think these are a nice option for work and also for date night. I just purchased this leopard print pair to style this holiday season. I also recommend this pair from Madewell which I own in silver. Here is a slingback flat option that is similar to the pair I’m wearing above.
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The Pump
Even though I don’t wear them very often, I think every woman should have a pair of black pumps in her closet for special occasions. I prefer a block heel style because they’re much easier to walk in. This is the pair I’m wearing in the photo above. They are really affordable, but I wouldn’t wear them on a night I plan on standing for long periods of time. I’m eyeing this pair which are better quality and reviews say are very comfortable.
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The Clog
For the woman who prioritizes comfort, clogs are for you. I own this merino wool pair from Rothy’s that has a really soft footbed. You can also go with the classic Birkenstock or try a more affordable option like these. There is also a shearling option that looks so cozy. If you’re on a budget, this pair from Target gets great reviews.
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Read More:
The Best Layers For Fall
Parisian Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Thirty Real Life Fall Outfits
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