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The Fall 2021 Shoe Trends To Slide Into Now

Name: Leather Knee Boots
Brand: Khaite
Price: 1200.00 USD

Good news: Practical yet fabulous cold-weather footwear never goes out of style.

By Julia Gall

Mar 5, 2021

BRIDGET BURNS

If one fashion category served as an indicator of the current mood about getting dressed, it would be footwear. Like many things during this year at home, shoes were scrutinized and, eventually, edited out our lives. Pairs that were borderline uncomfortable or unworn for months were banished to the closet or donated in favor of house shoes and easy-to-slip-on flats for the times we left the house. While many of us have embraced a freeing life empty of high heels, with no turning back, it doesn’t mean they are going away for good. Designers recognized this, but cleverly offered consumers very strong go-to options we’ve seen before—like lower-heel slouchy boots, platformed boots, and lug-soled oxfords for those who long for a little height. They also took into our at-home dressing into consideration with fuzzy slipper styles that have an indoor/outdoor appeal. So, whether you need a refresh of one of these reliable trends or want to double down on flats in lieu of stilettos, swipe through to see how we’ll be stepping into fall.

COURTESY OF GABRIELLA HEARST, KHAITE

Slouchy Boots

While this style has been around the block a few times, we love it as a textured staple in a monochromatic look. Plus, it's so easy to wear with leggings (a lockdown staple we’ve yet to be able to part with). Arbiters of chic style, Gabriella Hearst (left) and Khaite (right), both agreed that slouchy is the way to go for tall boots this season.

Leather Knee Boots

Khaite net-a-porter.com

$1,200.00

SHOP IT

New York-based It-brand Khaite strikes gold again with this low-heeled boot that has just the right amount of slouch.

Elle Slouch Knee High Boot

Free People Nordstrom

$248.00

SHOP IT

These super-slouchy boots pack a ton of texture. Pair with a camel knit dress for a pulled-together monochromatic moment.

Sunday Morning Boots

Tamara Mellon tamaramellon.com

$795.00

SHOP IT

Shoe royalty Tamara Mellon has dubbed these round-toe slouchy boots as the next covetable throw-on-and-go style from her namesake line.

Shushan Slouchy Suede Pull-On Boots

Manolo Blahnik bergdorfgoodman.com

$965.00

SHOP IT

I know, I know, an investment white boot? Get your cobbler on speed dial because these will need regular maintenance. However, a pair of Manolos are forever if you take great care of them.

COURTESY OF PHILLIP LIM, SIMONE ROCHA

Punky Oxfords

A nod to '80s British counterculture, this heavy-soled lace-up is making the rounds again once more for this upcoming fall. Seen in earth tones like this olive green at Philip Lim (left) and with serious platform height at Simone Rocha (right), designers pulled out some interesting twists on this edgy staple. Trade in your trusty loafers for this heavier-soled silhouette to elevate a slouchy suit or floral print day dress.

1461 Quad Platform Derby

Dr. Martens nordstrom.com

$150.00

SHOP IT

It doesn’t get more classic than a pair of Docs, but we love this version in a refreshing pop of white to wear with autumnal neutral tones.

Che 111 Shoes

Sincerely, Tommy Sincerely, Tommy

$86.00

SHOP IT

Chocolate brown literally goes with everything and is a little less severe than all black. Try these with a plaid suit and you won’t regret it.

Suede Lug Sole Oxfords

Proenza Schouler Proenzaschouler.com

$795.00

SHOP IT

Light beige suede softens the look of this pair for sure, but the heavy sole still keeps up with the edginess of this trend.

Bethie Leather Oxford

Schutz Schutz

$103.60

SHOP IT

This easy pair from Schutz is basically begging for a slouchy wool sock to pair with it.

COURTESY OF COACH, PROENZA SCHOULER

Fancy Fuzzy Slippers

This is a trend to tread lightly (and quite comfortably) with, as the designers at both Coach (left) and Proenza Schouler (right) intended. The options for slippers are more widely available than ever, but be discerning about your choice. When looking for a furry slipper that is also appropriate for the outside world, make sure the soles are substantial. Wood or leather soles rather than something soft-soled means they are intended to stand up against pavement. Another tip to look like you’re not just wearing your indoor shoes outdoors: Pair them with a polished dress or peeking out underneath an oversized suit for an unexpected pop of texture.

Caela Curly Lamb Fur Flat Slippers

Vince neimanmarcus.com

$175.00

SHOP IT

The square and narrow toe from this lamb fur Vince pair will read less like “Is she wearing her slippers?” and more like: a chic shearling mule…that also happens to be just as comfortable.

Ansley Slides

Rag & Bone Shopbop.com

$186.93

SHOP IT

While the casual round-toe shape may remind you of your favorite granola-vibe clogs, the buckle detail and trimmed shearling elevates the whole shoe.

Women's Iminan Shearling & Leather Slippers

Aquatalia Bloomingdales.com

$221.25

SHOP IT

We love the luxe contrast between the leather and shearling trim on this pair. Try adding a wooly oatmeal-colored sock when the temperature is chillier.

Curly Goat Lamu Sandals

Brother Vellies Brothervellies.com

$315.00

SHOP IT

These pastel fuzzies from Brother Vellies will be the pop of color needed to energize a neutral toned look.

COURTESY OF PRADA, BROTHER VELLIES

Power Platforms

Platforms made the rounds on runways this past Spring as more stable and comfortable alternatives to stilettos. Unlike those in natural materials like wood and straw espadrille styles, the platform returns for Fall in heavy, dark colored leather boots, shown at Prada (left) and Molly Goddard (right). Opt in for these if you’re looking for a strong and impactful way to add some height under a dress or with extra-long cuffed jeans.