From preppy and practical to pillow-like pumps, your feet won’t have to forgo comfort this fall! Designers are giving us a dose of different styles, and the options are endless. So slip off your stilettos, and put your best foot forward as Bobbie Thomas, “Today” style contributor and author of “The Buzz” for In Touch Weekly, walks you through this season’s hottest trends.
Smart & sassy
Pump it up this fall with loafer heels, Mary Janes, and T-straps that are fashionably flirty but still office appropriate!
While classic designers like Tod’s, Burberry, and Coach have been hailing the loafer pump for years, this season less conservative collections such as Fendi, Gucci, and Juicy Couture sent the secretary trend down the runway. From polished to playful, many labels are offering this preppy-chic look (Kors by Michael Kors ‘Dolly,’ $185, ShopBop.com; Edward Paul ‘Jante,’ $37, LoveMyShoes.com; Tod’s ‘Jodie,’ $465, 800-457-TODS; Coach ‘Krystle,’ $198, 866-262-2440; Pura Lopez ‘Python,’ $499, FootLux.com; Sam Edelman ‘Kody,’ $97, Zappos.com).
And whether your style is sweet or sassy, make an outfit memorable with a pair of Mary Janes! If you are thinking ‘silly schoolgirl,’ think again. Trendsetting shoe guru Manolo Blahnik gave the style a modern makeover that is sleek and sophisticated, with many brands following in his footsteps (Daisy Fuentes ‘Wallstreet,’ $50, Kohls.com; Nine West ‘Mauve,’ $89, NineWest.com; Cole Haan Nike Air ‘Afina,’ $275, ColeHaan.com; Nina ‘Liesel,’ $80, NinaShoes.com).
Or try T-straps for an instantly smart solution to any shoe dilemma. With lots of fabrics and color combos, these sharp shoes will add an unexpected accent to your look (Nina ‘Maddy,’ $80, 312-781-1100; Via Spiga ‘Epoch,’ $179, at Macy's 800-343-0121; J. Crew ‘Alice,’ $178, JCrew.com; Nanette Lepore ‘Tempting,’ $380, 212-219-8265).On a final note, don’t be afraid to pick up a peep toe or strappy sandal. Yes, that’s right — it’s an open season as footwear is jumping into the layering trend, with opaque tights, legwarmers, and more. Try chic knee-highs, scrunchy knits, or colorful trouser socks that peek out of a loafer.
Highs & lows
From fancy flats to sky-high platforms, this season you can find shoes for every occasion at every height.
For footwear that keeps them grounded, celebrities are clamoring for Chanel's and Lanvin’s designer flats.But now more than ever, we’re seeing an explosion of fabulous flats at every price. London Sole leads the way with over ten different styles and limitless color options (London Sole leopard ‘Pirouette,’ $185, LondonSole.com; London Sole ‘Ballet Sneaker, $180, LondonSole.com), while many other cobblers can help you add texture to your toes for a luxe fall feel with satin, plaid, or suede flats (Jeffrey Campbell ‘Love Fabric, $69, Zappos.com; Steve Madden ‘Pangol, $80, SteveMadden.com; Newport News ‘Pleated Suede, $29, Newport-News.com; Dolce Vita ‘Point’ & Crystal Ballet Slippers, $50-105, shopIntuition.com).
While this is great news for those gifted with height, the petite squad can rejoice that on the other end of the spectrum, platforms are also hotter than ever and the sky’s the limit! Louboutin’s red-hot platforms have been on high demand for red-carpet ready stars, while Miu Miu’s Vernice Baroque patent wedges($760, available at select Neiman Marcus stores) have stomped all over your favorite fashion magazines, and Betsey Johnson has elevated funk to a new level with her hot heels (Betsey Johnson ‘Vera,’ $155, at Macy’s 800-343-0121).
But who said sky-high had to hurt? You can get a lift without giving up your leg support! In her last collection for Easy Spirit, Tara Subkoff has designed dreamy suede platforms that make you feel like you’re walking on air (Tara Subkoff ‘Leah,’ $430, EasySpirit.com), while Cole Haan has infused Nike’s Air technology into pillow-like pumps (Cole Haan Nike Air ‘Anabel,’ $275, ColeHaan.com). And don’t walk past wedges! They can be a great grounding option with a few extra inches for the weary (Aldo ‘Liselotte,’ $99, AldoShoes.com). Looks like twinkle toes just got taller!
Bootie-licious
It’s a shoe, no, it’s a boot, wait it’s a sh-bootie! That’s right, shake your sh-bootie ladies, as this season's biggest boot trend is actually a shoe-boot combo. From sleek to granny chic, Bebe, Urban Outfitters, Baci, and Newport News are all offering the fashion-forward booty-ful option (Charles Albert canvas wedge, $58, Urban Outfitters 800-282-2200; Bebe suede ‘Janice,’ $139, Bebe.com; Newport News ‘Suede Button,’ $44, Newport-News.com; Newport News ‘Faux Leather,’ $25, Newport-News.com; Baci ‘Delia,’ $86, Zappos.com). And good news, the fashion-forward look will keep your feet warm this winter. They look best in basic black, and paired with dark opaque tights.
Meanwhile, Balenciaga had supermodels and stars like Kate Hudson literally ‘hoofing it’ with their bold ankle boots. While the idea of ankle boots strikes fear into the hearts of most women, these puppies are actually the answer to your skinny jean woes. Not only will the style elongate your gams, but they’ll add weight to the bottom of your silhouette. Stuff your skinnies into slouchy ankle boots to balance out your hips! (Aldo ‘Nellida,’ $130, AldoShoes.com; Report Signature ‘Rosetta,’ $184, ReportShoes.com; Paul & Joe ‘Velvet Bootie,’ $686, 608-255-2570; Aldo ‘Kadee,’ $120, AldoShoes.com; Newport News ‘Bow Trim,’ $39, Newport-News.com; Brian Atwood ‘Dylan,’ $610, Saks.com)
Shoes news
Hallelujah! Footwear is following in fashion’s footsteps, as high-end designers are pairing up with mainstream stores to offer options that embody their signature styles at more affordable prices. Abaete for Payless pleases with embellished d’Orsay pumps, detailed ballet flats and super-high boots ($20-45, Payless.com), while Nine West has partnered with various designers including Vivienne Westwood and Thakoon for limited-edition collections($75 and up NineWest.com).
And for the Carrie Bradshaw in all of us, the shoe-obsessed soul (sole) can partake in the ultimate indulgence — a new pair of shoes every month! Ashley Dearborn’s shoe club delivers a custom package to your door each month for a year. Who wouldn’t want to be in her shoes! You get a varied selection of heels, boots, flats, flip-flops all according to a questionnaire. For details and to order, please call 212-625-8595 or visit AshleyDearborn.com ($3500 with shipping/handling included).
Last but not least, many luxury labels have created couture heels to leave you with a lasting impression as you walk away. From Christian Louboutin and Salvatore Ferragamo to Prada and Miu Miu, high-end heels have been encrusted with gems, crystals, beads, and more. Why not try a little homemade holiday glamour with do-it-yourself glitz? Deluxe designer shoes provide inspiration and the perfect solution to that favorite pair of tattered pumps you’ve been hanging onto. Let the crafty girl out, and bedazzle! A little gem glue, some crystals, and yes — glitter will add a dash of dazzle to your holiday party.