September 15, 2025

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I Ordered 15 Pairs of Shoes for Fall—These Are the Ones That Made the Cut

Shoes can make or break an outfit, so when the seasons start to change, I like to freshen up my lineup with a few new styles. Over the past few weeks, I ordered 15 pairs of fall shoes to try, and these are the ones I’m keeping.

You may notice a theme here — it wasn’t intentional, but every pair I kept is some shade of brown! Brown is definitely the hottest neutral footwear trend this season, but I didn’t set out for all of my new shoes to be brown. I’ll still be mixing in a few other colors from last year’s lineup for variety.

You’ll also notice there aren’t any boots here. I have plenty of thoughts on those too, but I’m saving them for a future post. Today’s roundup is focused more on transitional styles, though several of these will carry you well into fall.

7 Pairs of Fall Shoes Worth Adding to Your Closet

Of course, most women don’t need seven new pairs of shoes each season, but with my line of work, I like to keep my collection up to date so I can link them for you.

Jeffrey Campbell Fathom Flat in Tan

at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s (8.5) // EVEREVE Aiden V-Neck Vest (M) // Paige Anessa 31″ (29) // Mulberry Amberley (option)

I was instantly drawn to the shape of these flats. The minimalist design, gently squared-off toe, and subtle V-shaped vamp make them feel modern and chic. They come in several colors, but I chose this caramel shade in a glazed leather finish. It pairs beautifully with my Mulberry crossbody bag I picked up in London last spring. It’s a splurge, but if you like the look, Quince has a great woven crossbody in a similar color.

Style Tip: I like to have a handbag pairing for every pair of shoes in my closet. They don’t have to match exactly, but they should complement each other, either in similar tones or colors that play well together.

You can find these shoes at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, and they run true to size.

Dolce Vita Roslyn in Leopard Mesh

at Zappos, Shopbop & Bloomingdales (8.5) // KUT from the Kloth Kelsey (8) // PAIGE Syrie Top (M) // AllSaints bucket bag

These might just be my favorite shoe addition this fall. They’re such a fun way to add a pop of pattern and texture to simple outfits, and they’re surprisingly comfortable too. The wider buckle strap is adjustable, so you can get a secure, customized fit.

Style Tip: A statement flat like this works best when the rest of your outfit is fairly simple — let the shoes do the talking!

You can find them at Zappos, Shopbop & Bloomingdales, and they run true to size. Also, Nordstrom Rack has a similar pair for less.

Black Suede Studio Gabby Loafer in Hot Fudge Suede

at Black Suede Studio and Shopbop (39) // LNA Loma Sweater Tee (M) // MOTHER Insider Flood (31)

I’m a huge fan of loafer mules, and I’ve missed seeing them the past few seasons, so I was thrilled to spot them making a comeback. This pair is particularly sleek and polished, with minimalist vamp-strap styling that feels timeless. They remind me of a black suede pair of Rebecca Minkoff loafer mules I loved and wore for years. They’re also an amazing quality suede, and leather lined inside, which feels amazing on the foot.

Style Tip: Loafer mules are a versatile option that work with both jeans and tailored trousers. I especially love them for adding a relaxed, modern vibe to my denim outfits.

These are getting harder to find in suede, but you can still track down a few sizes at Black Suede Studio and Shopbop, or go for the leather version at Nordstrom or Saks. Fit-wise, they run small. I’m almost always a 39 in EU sizes, and this pair is snug but just fits.

adidas SL 72 OG Shoes in Preloved Brown

at adidas and Nordstrom (8) // KUT from the Kloth Ashton Barrel Jeans (6) // LOFT Heathered Ribbed Wedge Sweater (M) // Clare V. Midi Sac (similar at Quince)

The only sneakers in this lineup, I’m really excited about these low-profile runners from adidas. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and have a sporty vibe that instantly elevates casual looks. They come in tons of color combos, but I’m especially loving this Preloved Brown with red accents.

Style Tip: When your outfit feels a little too polished, swap in a pair of retro-inspired runners for a more relaxed, modern finish.

You can find these at adidas and Nordstrom, and they run big. I went with the size 8, even though I usually need an 8.5 or 9 in running sneakers.

Vince Camuto Cobby Mule in Burnt Sugar Verona

at Nordstrom, Macy’s & EVEREVE (8) // KUT from the Kloth Ashton Barrel Pants (6) //  LOFT wedge sweater (M) // Tory Burch bag

If you’re looking for a suede mule that’s a little more affordable than the Black Suede Studio pair, this option from Vince Camuto is a great find. It has a softly gathered look with a touch of gold hardware on the vamp strap for subtle detail. They’re comfortable, and this Burnt Sugar Suede is such a versatile neutral. They also come in a few other colors if you want something different.

Style Tip: Speaking of handbag pairings, these work especially well with my new Tory Burch Romy Suede Shoudler Bag.

You can find these at Nordstrom, Macy’s & EVEREVE, and they run true to size. I normally size down half a size in mules, which I did here.

PAIGE Wren Slingback Pump in Leopard

only at Nordstrom (8) // EVEREVE Bevan Crew Neck Sweater (M) // Paige Anessa High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Utility Pants (29) (option/option) // Freja New York Hudson // J.Crew Earrings // similar link bracelet

With leopard making a comeback this fall, I was excited to find this pair of low-heeled slingback pumps at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The elongated toe and d’Orsay cut give them such an elegant look, while the luxe materials and subtle leopard pattern feel both modern and classic. I especially like how they pull together a black top and brown pants in this outfit.

Style Tip: Leopard is a timeless way to mix black and brown in one look — it instantly bridges the two and makes the pairing feel intentional.

These run true to size, and they’re available exclusively at Nordstrom.

Splendid Ruth Mary Jane in Chocolate

at EVEREVE & Nordstrom (8) // KUT from the Kloth Lorelei Denim Jacket (M) // Z Supply Long Weekends Tank (M) // Sanctuary The Marine Cropped Wide Leg Pants (8) // Clare V. Midi Sac (option)

Finally, another pair of Mary Janes made the cut! I never thought I was the Mary Jane type, but something about the cut-out design and squared-off toe makes these feel more wearable and modern. I also love the deep chocolate brown — it’s perfect for styling with fall outfits. They pair beautifully with my Clare V. woven crossbody, too.

Style Tip: Chocolate brown is one of the most versatile shades this season — try pairing it with camel, black, or even jewel tones for a chic fall look.

These run true to size, and you can find them at EVEREVE & Nordstrom.

Shop the Post

And that’s a wrap on my fall shoe haul! From playful Mary Janes to sleek loafers and sporty runners, these seven pairs are the ones that have earned a spot in my closet this season. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on boots soon, but in the meantime, I hope this gave you some inspiration for transitional styles you can wear now and well into fall.

Do you have a favorite pair from the lineup? Or is there a style you’re excited to try this season? Let me know in the comments. I always love hearing what’s on your radar!

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18 Responses

  1. Excited suede mules are in as I own several already. Not excited about mary Jane flats since with a 9.5/10 size shoe they make food look really long so hoping to find other choice for ballet style. Yeah for animal print slingbacks two things I love, slingbacks and animal print.

  2. I added a pair of maryjane slingbacks and a pair of booties to my shoe wardrobe. Both are a caramel suede. I also have my eye on a pair of leopard heels, but I’m waiting to see if they go on sale. I don’t wear heels a lot, so I don’t like to pay full price for them. 🙂

  3. I love the slingbacks. I wish I had more need for dressier styles. I also like the sneakers, but I bought a brown, suede pair during the Nordy sale. As for all the flats, I’ve never been able to find a pair that’s both comfortable and attractive enough. It’s a combination of plantar fasciitis (haven’t had a flare-up in years, thank goodness), high arches and a big foot. I wear a 10.5 to 11. I just admire others’ flats from afar.

  4. Thanks for this post! I am really looking forward to seeing the boot post also. I have a size 5 foot so have to be quick and know what to buy. Love this post!!! I need boost your height shoes and boots if you find some that don’t read 3.5 inches or totally flat. Bonnie

  5. I’m in NZ so we’re moving into Spring in this part of the world. Even if the colours of your choices are a bit more autumnal I still really enjoy seeing what’s coming and often the shapes and styles work for Spring. Thanks for your expert tips and effort. My workplace is smart casual so the loafer mules and MaryJanes really appeal. I want to go to Iceland …

  6. Jo-Lynne I’m curious what you see in the UK for trends. I was in London during the summer and Mary Janes were everywhere on the locals riding the subway.
    Also, these mesh & woven/perforated styles are so cute but not for those who have to wear sock liners in their shoes. Such a bummer!

    1. I don’t feel like I’ve been in areas where I can get a good gauge, but I’ll keep an eye out in London. Wider leg, full length jeans definitely stand out as being worn by the more fashion forward people.

  7. I like the suede mules and actually have a pair. My problem is it’s hard to keep them on my feet. I don’t know if it’s the shape of my foot?????? I feel like I’m walking out of them and have to scrunch up my toes for them to stay on. The fit as far as sizing is correct and they’re not an inexpensive pair of shoes. Any suggestions?

    1. It really depends on the shoe, and how it fits your foot. I have some that are easier to walk in than others. The easiest ones to walk in usually have a longer vamp (cover more of the foot) or it’s shaped more to fit the foot, if that makes sense. I find the higher priced pairs typically are made better to walk in, like the Black Suede Studio pair is super comfy, but pricey.

  8. Are a glossier finish of leopard print pumps okay verses suede? Also booties… I know you said you’d touch on that soon, but I’m dying to know! Last question, tall boots, yes or no for fall and winter?

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