Step into fall in style, with this year’s top footwear trends


If shoes make you swoon, autumn is your Super Bowl. It’s the season when designers roll out their take on the trends, from flats to heels to boots.

Not every trend that you’ll see online or in the fashion rags is going to fly here in Rain City (suede desert boots, I’m lookin’ at you). And not all of our local boutiques have given up the ghost yet on summer — some had a few fall shoes in stock, while others are still waiting for theirs to arrive. 

But if you’re already obsessing over sky-high wedges and platform oxfords, here’s your look at the best in fall footwear — and where to get it.

First up: the aforementioned wedges. From boots to sneakers, this is the must-have heel type for fall. At Strut, on Phinney Ridge, I fell instantly in love with the Eric Michael Madrid boots — a caramel-colored, lace-up tall pair with a highly walkable low wedge ($246). I also really like the Tsubo Fadir, an edgy pair of sneaker wedges that would look super cute with black tights and a denim midi skirt ($125).

Fabric-covered wedges are everywhere, and Dolce Vita has a suede pair in black and taupe called the Pura — at $89, you can treat ‘em and take ‘em out in the elements without too much angst. If you’re looking for something more durable (and more classic), Ann Taylor has a really sleek, sexy pair of ankle booties with a wooden wedge heel for $228. 

OTBT’s Rockdale bootie combines the also-hot oxford look with a chunky wedge heel, and a suede tongue that does this paper-bag thing when you lace up. That not only looks cool — it feels better on your foot than a stiff leather tongue. Very ingenious, and $148 at Re-Soul. And over at Edie’s, on Capitol Hill, you’ll find the well-priced, 4-inch Seychelles Copenhagen loafer wedge for $120.

While we’re on the subject of oxfords, I’m kind of in love with this tartan-plaid, blue-tipped pair from Anthropologie ($168). Dolce Vita’s got a pair of super-preppy tasseled loafers for $79, in not-so-preppy colors like gold and black patent (as well as nut brown and bone). If you’re looking for something menswear-inspired with more height, check out the chunky heel on this otherwise sensible-looking loafer from Report Shoes ($99).

Chunky heels (also called stacked heels, in certain circles) are one of my favorite trends this fall. On the lower end of the heel spectrum is the pleated shaft, knee-high boot from Aldo ($180), and from Donald’s dear daughter, Ivanka Trump, there’s the uptown, 3.5-inch-heeled Kamila, at $260. The Jada, from Dolce Vita, is a great bootie with a thick, wooden heel ($187). It comes in taupe, cognac and black. 

Other than spiked cider, boots are the best darned thing about autumn, wouldn’t you say? And there’s a myriad of delicious choices this year. Equestrian-inspired boots are still popular, and I’m crazy about Corso Como’s quilted “San Angelo” boot ($259 at Nordstrom) and Hudson’s beautiful-but-tough, Caville side-zip black boot ($388 at Edie’s). For versatility, you just can’t go wrong with Eric Michael’s black leather Tuscany boots, swathed in brown faux-leather buckle straps ($224 at Strut).

Don’t worry — I haven’t forgotten about flats. (I’m a mostly stay-at-home mom — you think I’m wearing 3-inch platform loafers to the playground?) Ballerina flats are still in vogue, and I’m loving the Indigo snakeskin flat that Market Street Shoes has in ecru, red and black, for $100. Halogen, Nordstrom’s brand, marries a pointed toe with color, two big trends for fall, with the Cristina flat, for $99. I’m partial to the coral — so cute with cuffed denim or skinnies — but they also come in black, white and nude.

This season’s flats come with plenty of embellishments, too: animal prints, bows and metallics among them. I like the outsize, floppy bow on this Libby Edelman flat ($69) and the buckle on these leopard-print numbers, from Fossil ($68). Anthropologie has a beautiful collection of flats, and I really like Gold Lining Flats, which combine shimmer with lace in a pretty, sophisticated way ($168).

Color is another big trend for fall — and I’m not talking about forest green and rich-colored rust, either. I mean cobalt and lemon yellow and lots and lots of red. If you’re hesitant to wear yellow or bright red against your face, try it below the waist with eye-catching shoes.

The red on this basic kitten heel, from Dolce Vita, is a great way to dress up your neutrals this fall — and the price is right at $79. This Betsey Johnson shoe combines three great trends: a wedge, platform heel and a beautiful bright blue ($129.95). And I’m this close to pulling the trigger on these adorable vintage-y Poetic License heels, in yellow ($97.95). Hey, I’m not at the playground every day.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company


Article source: http://www.nwsource.com/shopping/fashion/step-fall-style-years-footwear-trends?prmid=4917

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