When I got home from my Nashville trip last week and started unpacking, I realized it was time to do a major overhaul of my closet and get myself set up for fall. I spent most of my time on my shoe shelves, so today I thought I’d share my favorite fall shoes and boots so far this season.
My Process
When I switch my closet over for a new season, I go through each section piece by piece and weed out everything I’m not wearing. When it came to my shoe shelves, I removed the transitional styles that I’m not reaching for and all last vestiges from my summer wardrobe that I was hanging onto for those occasional mild days. I’m at the point now that even if it gets warm again, I’m probably not going to wear sandals.
That freed up some extra room for the boots I brought up from storage as well as a few pairs I’d been debating about since the #NSale back in July. (I keep anything I’m undecided about in a section of my bedroom with the other things I’ve ordered and need to photograph or try on. I like my closet to hold only the items I am currently wearing. It makes it so much easier to get dressed and put outfits together when I’m not overwhelmed.)
I have adjustable shoe shelves, so I rearranged them so everything fits neatly, and now it’s so nice to walk into my closet and see everything that I’m wearing this season and nothing that I’m not. So without further ado, these are the ones that made the cut, or at least my favorites in each category.
My Favorite Shoes & Boots for Fall 2024
My Favorite Fall Sneakers
I live a casual lifestyle, so stylish sneakers are a must, and I have several styles I reach for on the regular. I have more sneakers than I featured here, but these are my favorites and the ones I wear the most.
Vince Oasis in Milk/Midnight Blue
at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s // at Saks // at Shopbop
The Vince Oasis is probably my most-worn pair at the moment. The low profile style is on trend, and they’re so luxe and comfortable. They remind me of the Adidas Samba that’s so popular right now, but I like that it’s not the exact same shoe that “everyone” is wearing.
VEJA Esplar in Black & Sable
at Nordstrom // at Neimans // at Shopbop
I’ve been wearing this style for years, and I still love it. I have two pairs, one with black accents and one with beige (sable), and I swap them out depending on my outfit. They take some breaking in, but once they are, they’re very comfortable, although not as padded as the Vince and the Paul Green.
Paul Green Hadley Platform Sneaker
These are my go-to when I want a clean white sneaker I can walk miles in. They’re super luxe and comfortable right out of box, and they go with everything from dresses to jeans. I usually wear these when I travel, for that reason.
I’d also like to add a brown pair of sneakers to my closet very soon, so I included a pair in the graphic at the top of the post. I’m debating between the Vince Oasis runners in Camel or this Elm Wood color, or I may try the rag & bone Retro Runner in Mushroom. I also like these Golas at Evereve, but I hate to pay their $6.95 shipping (they only charge for shoes), so I’m going to try to get to the mall this week and check them out in-store.
I’m also keeping the P448 John and P448 Monza in my closet for now, although they seem more summery to me. And I still have those red Pumas that I styled a few weeks back, but I don’t find myself reaching for them that much. They’re pretty bold for my Plain Jane sensibilities, but I’m not ready to give up on them just yet.
I also didn’t list out all of my running and exercise sneakers; I keep those on my bottom shelf since they’re not really part of my fall wardrobe, but I have a couple pairs of the Brooks Ghost 15 and On Cloud 5 Runners.
Clogs & Mules
During this transition season, I often opt for clogs or mules when I’m not wearing sneakers. I like how they bridge that gap between summer and fall since they cover your toes, but they’re open in the back.
Kork-Ease Darby Clogs
I still have these Kork-Ease Sudbury Clogs, although I haven’t worn them as much this year because I have newer styles that I’m enjoying. I don’t dare part with them, though, because sometimes they’re exactly what I need.
Matisse McCarthy Mule in Espresso
I added this pair of croc-embossed heeled mules to my wardrobe this fall, and I love them. They look like a bootie under full length jeans, but they’re easy to slip on and go, and they look cute with cropped pants.
Splendid Liza Pointed Toe Slip On Flats in Ermine and Macchiato
at Nordstrom // on sale at Bloomingdale’s
Click to Shop // Click to Shop
For a flat mule, I’m loving these Splendid Lizas this fall, and they’re 25% off at Bloomingdale’s right now. They’re comfortable and easy to walk in, and the pointy toe looks good with both straight and wide leg jeans. I couldn’t decide if I’d wear the grey or camel more, so I ended up keeping both.
Dolce Vita Havan Loafer Mule
Click to Shop // Click to Shop
These were an #NSale purchase, and I have them in both the silver and brown, but I haven’t worn them much. Maybe I will now that our weather is cooling down. They’re marked down to $37.50, if that’s something you need. They’re actually quite comfortable, and I like them a lot.
In addition to those, I did keep the Dolce Vita Havan Loafer Mules from the #NSale in both the silver and brown, but I haven’t worn them much. Maybe I will now that our weather is cooling down. They’re marked down to $37.50, if that’s something you need. They’re actually quite comfortable, and I like them a lot.
Loafers & Ballet Flats
Ballet flats and Mary Janes are starting to edge out loafers and menswear-inspired shoe styles this fall, although I think loafers will always be relevant.
similar loafers // stripe sweater // old Fidelity denim
I still have my black Gucci loafers and taupe loafer mules in my closet, although the prices have increased significantly since I got mine. The Sam Edelman Loraine is very similar to the loafers.
Franco Sarto Emma Pointed Toe Slingback Flats
I love these textured pointy toe slingback flats for elevating my denim outfits.
Sam Edelman Cohen Pointed Toe Slingback Flats
Click to Shop // Click to Shop
I also like this Sam Edelman version a lot. I have them in both the red and leopard.
In addition to those, I just got in these Schutz Arissa Square Toe Ballet Flats in the brown, but I haven’t had a chance to photograph them yet. I also still have those Sam Edelman Marilyn Cap Toe Ballet Flats in the silver that I haven’t decided about yet.
My Favorite Fall Boots
Once the weather cools down, I wear ankle boots probably more than any other shoe style, so I like to have a variety. In fact, I have three shelves of ankle boots in my closet right now.
Veronica Beard Lada Chelsea Boots
These boots were an #NSale purchase, and they’re back on sale at a huge discount. They’re such nice boots, and comfortable too. I finally wore them for the first time last weekend, and I walked all over two airports and then the Green Hills Mall, and my feet were very happy. The quality is amazing, and the sleek style with low slanted heel are both on trend and very practical.
This Espresso color is a nice shade of chocolate brown, and they also come in black. Right now, these boots are marked down to $178 from $475, so if they’re something you’re considering, I’d grab them before they sell out.
Franco Sarto Alexandria in Black & Taupe
For a versatile black leather boot with a low heel, I absolutely love this pair because they’re comfortable and can be dressed up or down. Unfortunately, they are selling out in all colors.
Blondo Emmalyn Waterproof Bootie in Tan Leather
I also purchased these Blondo booties during the #NSale, and I love that they’re waterproof. They have a nice pointy shaped toe for wearing with wide leg jeans and flares, and this caramel color is a really nice neutral. They’re marked way down and still fully stocked, so grab a pair, if you haven’t already! (Size up, if in between.)
Dolce Vita Annika Boots in Dark Brown Suede
For a tall boot this fall, I love this pair with the pointy toe and chunky kitten heel. Unfortunately, it’s selling out, but I found this one and this one as similar options. This one is pretty too.
Dolce Vita Azalea Pointed Toe Bootie in Brown Suede
I love this Western-inspired style with the stacked kitten heel for spicing up a simple outfit. The Brown Suede that I have was discontinued, but they still have the Camel Suede, which is a nice option.
I also have some boots from last year that I can no longer link, and sadly, the rag & bone Walker Chelsea Boots sold out. I also didn’t feature my UGG Ultra Mini Boots because I more or less just wear them as slippers.
My Favorite Heels for Fall
For my last category, I like to have a few pairs of heels for dressier occasions, and slingbacks are trending this year. I love a slingback or a mule because I have a wide toe box and narrow heels, so I have a hard time keeping traditional pumps on my feet. Plus, I just think slingbacks are really pretty and flattering.
Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps
at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s
Click to Shop // Click to Shop
I have the Bianka in this leopard print, as well as a gorgeous red patent, but I don’t reach for the red very often. Maybe I will as we get closer to the holidays. I do love these leopard print ones, though, and that black slanted heel is a fun detail.
Vince Bianca Slingback Mid Heel Pumps
at Bloomingdale’s // at Nordstrom
This is a similar style to the Sam Edelman Bianka (ironically, they have almost the same name!) but I love the croc embossed black leather. It also comes in a smooth leather, but I think the croc is so pretty, and I love how it adds texture and detail to an outfit. These shoes are also on a deep discount at both Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, but they’re lower at Bloomies.
Dolce Vita Kanika Kitten Heel Pump
Finally, I fell in love with these shoes when I was shopping at the Evereve in my local mall. The color is a perfect neutral with my light skin, and they have such a pretty shape. Plus, the low heel keeps them walkable.
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20 Responses
Just wondering what size you are wearing in the pistola Lennox bootcut Jean in the pic with the leopard sling backs? Are they true to size? Do you suggest sizing down? Also do they have a nice stretch to them? I’m not a fan of rigid denim.
Thank you 😊
They are super soft and stretchy and I love them. I have the 29, but these days, I’m sizing up to 30 in some styles, so I would say they may run slightly big.
Do you find the Veronica Beard boots hard to get on and off?
It’s a bit of a challenge, but not too hard with socks. I wore thin ribbed crew socks with them when I went to Nashville.
I was looking at those Veronica Beard boots, but was concerned that they didn’t have a zipper. I sometimes struggle with the pull on Chelsea boots! Have you found that they are easy to pull on and off? Thanks!
It’s a bit of a challenge, but not too hard with socks. I wore thin ribbed crew socks with them when I went to Nashville.
I live in Oklahoma. I am seeing SO many slingbacks and mules. My question is are they only going to be a transition shoe for fall? When it is cold are we putting slingbacks and mules away or wearing them with hosiery?
I think we will see them with hosiery.
If you try the Golas at Evereve when you go to the mall, please let us know how the sizing is. I love those tennis shoes and am needing a brown pair, they only come in full sizes and I range from 9 – 9 1/2. Wasn’t sure if I needed to size up to a 10 in these.
This is perfect timing and so helpful! I’ve been struggling with transition shoes! I’d love to wear a small to mid-heel that’s comfy with jeans. Is there such an animal? Some of my jeans are too long for flats and I can’t do a big heel.
A lot of these are mid-heels. What type of shoe are you looking for?
Something dressier than a tennis shoe, casual like a flat, but a little bit taller and comfortable to walk around it. Which of the mid-heel mules would you say is most comfortable?
You have a great selection that fits in with your lifestyle. I’m still wearing my Birkenstocks and I actually wear them year round because my feet are the happiest when they aren’t cramped in closed toe shoes. I found a pair of reasonably priced brown low profile sneakers, with some arch support, on Amazon that I can’t wait to wear. I want to wear my boots more this year than I have in previous years. Like you, the boots and clothes that I won’t wear regularly are in my play house where I can easily access them if the need arises. I hope you are having a great day!
Ginger, have you tried the Birkenstock “Buckley”? I have those and love them. Super comfortable and look really cute with straight leg jeans AND you can wear cute socks when it gets really cold, or you can get them with fur inside for warmth.
Ginger, could you please tell us the name of the brown sneakers on Amazon? My feet need the arch support and I’d love to have options other than my Birks.
Thanks!
I don’t know what’s happening, but I didn’t click on any to add to my cart. Usually that’s a guarantee of sorts, but not a one. I’m not a pointy toe, ballet flat, kitten heel kinda gal. I live in SoCal, which could explain some of it 😉.
I’ll keep watching for more shoes. Thx.
Please please please do a try on post when you are deciding on the brown sneakers!!!
So glad to see brown and warmer tan shoes coming back in style!
I hope to see you style the Gola sneakers from Evereve and comment on sizing. I want to purchase but don’t live near an Evereve store so will need to pay the shipping. I want to know which size to order and your comments on fit and comfort.
I would love to see you wear those Veronica Beard boots with dress pants!