As a fashion editor with a penchant for chic footwear, I know a thing or two about what sort of qualities to look for in a fall work shoe. Aside from choosing the obvious feature—a closed-toe silhouette—I tend to favor autumn’s quintessential color palette, defined by rich shades of pumpkin spice, caramel, and chocolate. Fabrics that offer extra warmth, like leather and suede, are also an absolute must.
Regarding specific styles, a peak inside my capsule wardrobe will reveal a well-considered variety of work shoes. Of course, I’ve got my fair share of classic staples—including chunky loafers, knee-high boots, and sharp slingbacks. But I’ve also embraced this season’s most viral shoe trends, such as ballet sneakers, suede mules, and boat shoes. Spotted on the respective Fall 2025 runways of Simone Rocha, Gucci, and Monse, these styles have since found a prime spot in my collection.
Ahead, discover all the fall work shoes that I've worn and loved, plus other options that I’m currently coveting. Whether your corporate style reads casual, or leans more toward the polished end of the spectrum, you’ll find everything you could possibly need below. I’ve even added a few styling tips for your convenience, so you won’t have to overthink your office-friendly outfits.
Coated in velvet, these Sam Edelman Mary Janes feel so polished. The gold buckle fastened along the strap adds a prim-and-proper touch.
Suede boat shoes are making waves, and if you don’t believe me, just ask any fashionable New Yorker: The nautical-inspired trend has taken the Big Apple by storm! I’ve been styling my Madewell pair with cardigans, trench coats, and jeans.
To know me is to understand that I love a ladylike shoe. Constructed with a pointy toe box and delicate straps, Mango’s slingbacks embody a demure attitude.
If you see me in the Marie Claire office this fall, chances are I’ll be walking around in these Reformation Claudette boots. Designed with a streamlined silhouette and a neutral colorway, it’s hard not to wear them every day.
I asked Marie Claire’s resident shoe expert, Julia Marzovilla, about her favorite work sneakers, and she pointed me in the direction of Adidas Sambas. “The classic black-and-white option goes with just about everything,” she says. “They transition well between seasons, so you can wear them throughout the year.”
I can easily see myself wearing these Everlane booties with a soft sweater, a pair of tailored trousers, and a double-breasted coat. Copy this outfit formula for a simple look that you’ll want to style on repeat.
No assortment of fall work shoes is complete without classic pumps. This pair from Marion Parke is crafted with a cushioned sole, so racing from one meeting to the next won’t pose a problem.
I’m partial toward a slip-on silhouette that doesn’t require a ton of effort. That’s why Free People’s Avenue mules rank high on my wish list.
Marie Caire’s beauty writer, Ariel Baker, recently asked me about my go-to loafers. I swiftly recommended this pair from Stuart Weitzman, featuring a glossy patent finish.
Veronica Beard’s Riviera sneakers are super sleek, which makes them ideal for the office. Follow my lead and team these kicks with slacks, a T-shirt, and a shearling coat.
I can’t seem to resist chocolate brown. It's a delectable shade that dominates my wardrobe every fall—and this season is no different.
Looking for a pair of heels that you can wear from your desk to drinks? Consider Tony Bianco’s Zaaki shoes, drenched in a gorgeous shade of cherry red.
Priced at $80, Zara’s suede ballet flats are a true steal. Snag them now, before they sell out.
For those moments when I want to put a girlhood twist on my work outfit, I’ll reach for Vivaia’s Sneakerinas. The satin laces are undeniably charming.
