FYI, These Are the Only 4 Shoes You’ll Need This Fall

The latest must-have sneaker is the retro skate sneaker. These easy kicks are a step up from classic white kicks, but not quite as funky as chunky-soled dad sneakers or super sporty styles. Think along the lines of Adidas Stan Smiths, Onitsuka Tigers and Vans Old Skool sneakers. Of course, there are also plenty of designer versions to shop, too, if you’re in the mood to splurge; Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Loewe and The Row all featured skate-inspired footwear in their fall ‘22 runway shows.

How to Style Them:

These shoes can be worn with almost anything in your wardrobe—work trousers, wide-leg jeans, silk slip skirts, midi dresses—so feel free to play around. If you want a super trendy combo, try wearing your sneakers with a ‘90s maxi skirt and a slim-fit T-shirt or tank top. Add a cropped jacket as the temperature drops.

Shop the trend: Adidas Gazelle Sneakers ($100); New Balance CT302 Sneakers ($90); Puma Cali Dreaming Sneakers ($90); Veja Esplar Logo Sneakers ($140); Axel Arigato Genesis Vintage Sneakers ($270)

Boots of all kinds are trending this fall, but the number one style to rock is definitely over-the-knee boots. Spotted at Bottega Veneta, Isabel Marant and Brandon Maxwell, these thigh-high styles are both sexy and practical, keeping your legs warm once the weather starts to cool off without requiring pants or maxi-length dresses. They’re the perfect shoe to pair with mini skirts, especially if you’re wary about showing too much skin, and we expect to see them making a major return this year, in all heel heights including flat styles.

How to Style Them:

Our favorite way to style over-the-knee boots is with skirts and dresses that hit within an inch of the top of the boot to show a tiny peek of skin. But they also work well with leggings tucked into them and topped off with an oversize button-up shirt or sweater. The one thing we’d advise against pairing with your thigh-high boots is jeans. They don’t tuck in as comfortably as leggings or tights, so save them for another day.

Shop the trend: Mango Track Sole Boots ($200; $170); Rule London Exclusive Rey Boots ($139); Miss Selfridge Rio Boots ($62); Simon Miller Tall Mojo Boots ($545); Brother Vellies Brandy Boots ($965)

This throwback style is back in full force, with classic flats a la Miu Miu and pumped-up platforms a la Marc Jacobs being the leading variations for 2022. Styles with multiple straps or exaggerated buckles are also trending, so feel free to pick pairs that feel a bit funkier than their prim predecessors.

How to Style Them:

To offset the preppy nature of Mary Janes, try pairing them with either casual basics, like raw-hem denim or a boilersuit, or sexier pieces, like a slinky slip dress and a longline cardigan.

Shop the trend: Sam Edelman Michaela Flats ($130); Steve Madden Mingle Heels ($100); Carel Kina Heels ($495); Trotters Sugar Flats ($100); Nodaleto Bulla Babie Heels ($850)

The number one biggest shoe trend of the season? Platform heels. Almost every other trending style (including the three above) also have a chunkier heel. The most popular iterations include a round or almond toe and either an ankle strap or a Mary Jane-style mid-fit strap. Although recently Barbie pink versions have been blowing up on Instagram and TikTok, we suspect classic black will reign supreme come fall.

How to Style Them:

Similar to Mary Janes, it’s best to take an opposites attract approach with these. Wear them with easy denim or straight-leg leather pants to tone down the party vibes. Or, if you are headed out on the town, show off those stems with a minidress or skirt.

Shop the trend: Call It Spring Foxy Heels ($60); Bershka Satin Heels ($80); Laroude The Dolly Platforms ($285); Schutz Lenne Leather Sandals ($138); Loeffler Randall Rivka Heels ($450)