Even though it’s still August, our weather here in the northeast has turned cool and crisp and quite fall-like lately, and it has me excited to start wearing more transitional footwear. When I’m ready to ditch the summer flip-flops, but I’m not quite ready for boots, these are the shoes I’m going to be wearing.
The Best Transition Shoes for Fall
We already discussed shoe and boot trends for fall 2024, so you can check that out if you want more information about what’s in style this season. This post is specifically about the types of footwear that are best for transition season.
#1. Mules & Clogs
I love mules and clogs for fall because they have a closed toe and an open back. I mean, it doesn’t get much more “transitional” than that.
Dolce Vita Havan Loafer Mule (7.5) // MOTHER Rider (29) // Vince sweater (S)
A preppy loafer mule like the Dolce Vita Havan that I’m wearing above has a more tailored vibe, and I’m also excited to see more of the sleek pointed toe styles popping up, like the Splendid Liza. It comes in this on-trend cheetah print, as well as a solid chestnut, taupe, and black (which are on sale.) It also comes in velvet and this fun fur-lined version.
Splendid Liza Mule (8) // Evereve stripe sweater (M) // Pistola Monroe (29)
Then there are heeled mules like the Veronica Beard Leslie Pointed Toe Bit Loafer Mule and the Sam Edelman Brynne Pointed Toe Mule, and I’m also a huge fan of the block heeled pointy toe mules that look more or less like a back-less ankle boot. The Matisse McCarthy comes in a gorgeous espresso croc embossed leather, and the Vince Camuto Greta Western Clog has a really fun flame-edge applique and metal hardware at the toe.
#2. Fashion Sneakers
Vince Oasis Sneaker (8) // PAIGE Gemma High Rise Slim Jeans (29) // RAILS jacket (S) // cashmere sweater (S)
Fashion sneakers are always a good transitional footwear option when you need casual wear, and of course you can even pair them with dresses and skirts to create interest through juxtaposition.
The lower profile styles like the VEJA Esplar and the Vince Oasis I’m wearing above pair well with everything from flares to crop straight leg jeans, but court styles and retro runners are still going strong, too. I prefer those with cropped or ankle length jeans that expose a bit of ankle.
similar rag & bone Retro Runner // old jeans & sweater
While a clean white sneaker is a classic that never really goes out of style, colors are making a comeback in athletic footwear this fall. I’m especially loving the autumnal tones that are out right now, like the rag & bone Retro Runner I’m wearing above, and I also have my eye on the New Balance 327 in this fun Marsh Green.
#3. Slingback Pumps
Veronica Beard Casie Slingback Pump (8) // Pistola Monroe (29) // Halogen sweater (S) // JW PEI handbag
When I need a dressier shoe, I love that slingbacks are back in style this season because they have the classic elegance of a pump, but I find them easier to walk in because they don’t tend to slip as much in the heel. You can find slingbacks in flat styles, stiletto pumps, kitten heels, and low block heel styles like the Veronica Beard Casie Slingback Pump I’m wearing above.
I also really like the Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump, which is on sale right now at Nordstrom!
Sam Edelman Bianka // KUT from the Kloth Meg (6) // Sanctuary sweater vest (S)
#4. Ballet Flats & Mary Janes
Marc Fisher Ubet Ballet Flat (8) // AG Mari (29) // RAILS cardigan (S)
I’m a longtime fan of ballet flats, but they’ve been on the back burner for the past few seasons, and I’m happy to welcome them back into my footwear rotation! They’re such a nice, classic pairing with straight leg jeans, and I’m also seeing them worn with wide leg jeans and flares this season. Mary Jane flats are also huge right now, and they can be styled in a similar way.
I struggle a bit with Mary Janes, personally, although I like them on other women. They just feel a little too twee for my personal style, but I might be able to pull off this snake print style. I feel like the print gives them a bit of an edge that off-sets the quaint style. They sold out at Evereve before I got my hands on a pair, but I just found them at Nordstrom. I’ll link up some other options below.
#5. Loafers
Jeffrey Campbell Velviteen Bit Loafer (similar style) // FRAME Le High Straight (29) // old Madewell sweater
Loafers are a classic shoe style that has been popular over the past few years, and they’re still going strong, but I’m seeing less of the lug sole loafers and chunky styles and more of the classic streamlined styles.
The ones I’m wearing above are an older style, and I’m still seeing some of the bit hardware out there, but I’m also happy to see more options without it. The Dolce Vita Beny Loafer and Vince Naomi are very comfortable and should be highly versatile with the various denim silhouettes that are popular this fall.
As always, with footwear and any other wardrobe item, wear what you like and what aligns best with your personal style, but hopefully this post gives you some outfit inspiration for transition season.
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13 Responses
Great inspiration! I hope that I can find a pair of mules with arch support. I hope that you and Caroline are having a great day!
Hi Ginger…..I have that same problem. Let me know if you find any and where. Usually Vionic gets some but my problem on top of that is size 5 and I’m petite , like 5 foot. I got a pair of braided ones that are half way cute from Easy Works by Easy Street at JC Penney’s in a 5 that has a heel in the Spring. Happy Shopping! Bonnie
Love your glasses. Do you happen to have a link to those?
They’re Longchamp.
You read my mind as this was exactly what I’ve been looking for: shoes! I’m looking for a comfortable, cute, supportive cognac or medium brown shade loafer to wear in a variety of ways as well as a cute black slingback. I will check out a few of your suggestions here. Another note: Welcome to the AWAY bigger carry-on club! I love mine and I believe it was a game changer for me going COO on long trips. 🙂
I like high heeled slingbacks and mules but not so much the flat versions. Otherwise I don’t care for clogs, loafers or ballet flats/mary janes. I love flat sandals and Rother pointed flats for warm weather, but I find it so hard to find cute flat options in the cold weather, since most boots and shoes look too chunky or are just unattractive (to me). When riding boots were trending I wore those all the time under jeans and later, over skinny jeans, but that was like 10-15 years ago and I haven’t found anything since, lol.
*Rothy, not Rother.
After a dry couple of months, the weather has turned in the Seattle area. Today is rainy with a high of 60 degrees, so I broke out my loafers and paired them with a cotton sock. I have several pairs of transitional shoes as they are well-used here. I had been meaning to wear my old, silver flats since they’re “in” again and finally did the other day. It’s nice to have options so thanks for the recommendations.
I like the sleeker styles! I wear between a size 10 and 11 and many styles make me look like I’m wearing the box. LOL. (My daughter, who wears a 12-13 has the same lament.) But I can find shoes I love; it just takes some work. I tried at least 8 pairs of HOKAS before I found one with a sleeker profile and I think they’re more comfortable than my ON Clouds so I’m glad I didn’t give up. Last winter I finally found a pair of loafers I like, but they definitely have a chunky profile. I may replace them. I have never found ballet flats I like in my size. The manufacturers don’t seem to consider proportions in sizing. I often find there isn’t a large enough toe box and end up with the dreaded toe cleavage. I also don’t find flat shoes supportive. Since I phased supportive, stylish shoes into my closet, I haven’t had a single flair-up of plantar fasciitis. Enjoy your time with your daughter, Jo-Lynne!
Can we talk about how to style silver flats? Struggling a little bit with the (super squishy true to size) Sam Edelman Mary Jayne flats I own now…
They go with anything, really. They’re a neutral, and I even think they’re more versatile than brown or taupe because they a don’t really read as warm or cool. I like how Evereve styled them HERE.
Hey Jolynne! Are Dansko clogs trending. I know they look clunky and heavy but they are really lightweight. I only wear them with my jeans. Sorry this is late. Have a great day!
Linda W.
I would not say they are trending, but depending on the style, they’re kind of a classic. If they work for you, I would just style them with other current pieces.