Shoes That Are Going to Be Everywhere This Autumn

If there’s one thing that signals the changing of the seasons, it’s the shoes.

One minute we’re living in sandals and trainers, and suddenly we’re thinking about loafers, boots, ballet flats and all the other shoes that make an autumn outfit feel instantly more polished – or is that just me?

This autumn, there are plenty of new footwear trends I’m excited about, however as I’m in my current minimalism phase, the good news is that many of autumn’s biggest trends are actually incredibly wearable and you probably already have them.

Ballet flats aren’t going anywhere

If you invested in ballet flats over the last couple of years, you are going to get a lot of wear out of them over the next few months.

They’re continuing to be one of the key footwear styles for autumn, with classic ballet pumps joined by suede versions, more structured shapes and feminine details.

The great thing about a ballet flat is that it works with so much of your existing wardrobe.

Try them with straight-leg jeans and a knit for an easy everyday outfit, or pair them with a midi skirt or tailored trousers when you want something a little more polished.

I have lived in mesh ballet flats all summer, and I aim to spend most of autumn in a brown leather stye.

The loafer gets a new season update

Loafers have become something of an autumn wardrobe staple, and they’re back again this season, but we’re moving beyond the simple black loafer.

Expect to see more textured finishes, richer leathers, croc-effect finishes and even animal prints. My personal favourite is a suede loafer.

There’s also something particularly good about a loafer for this time of year. It gives you that polished, put-together feeling without looking like you’re trying too hard.

Wear yours with tailored trousers, jeans or a midi skirt. And don’t be afraid to experiment with socks particularly as we move further into autumn.

If your wardrobe is more classic or minimal, a simple leather loafer is probably the most worthwhile investment. If you like a little more personality, this is a great trend to play with through texture or print.

Mules are your transitional-season best friend

Mules might not be the first shoe you think of when you think about autumn, but they’re actually perfect for that awkward period between summer and the colder months.

The open back means they still feel light and effortless, while a leather or suede finish makes them feel much more autumnal.

They’re particularly good with jeans, trousers and longer skirts, essentially anything where you want the outfit to feel relaxed but still considered, and they are super easy to slip on as you’re running out the door.

If you’re not quite ready to give up your summer wardrobe, mules are an easy way to make those pieces feel more appropriate for the new season.

T-strap shoes are the new Mary Jane

We’ve had a good run with Mary Janes, but this autumn a t-strap could be the new take. When I was about 5 years old, my grandmother took me shoe shopping and I remember her buying me t-strap shoes and feeling utterly cool and chic – I feel the same way about them now!

The style has a similar feminine feel to a Mary Jane but with a slightly more elongated, elegant shape. Designers including Khaite, Rabanne and Jacquemus have embraced the silhouette, making it one of the more noticeable footwear trends for AW26.

I’d wear them with a pair of straight-leg jeans and a simple knit for a more casual take, or with a midi skirt when you want to lean into the feminine side of the trend.

Smart lace-ups are replacing some of our trainers

For years, trainers have been the default choice for almost everything, but this autumn, we’re seeing a shift towards smarter, substantial shoes, particularly leather lace-ups, Derbys and lug-soled styles.

They are essentially the middle ground between a trainer and an overly formal shoe.

They’re practical, comfortable and substantial enough to work with autumn layers, but they instantly make an outfit feel more considered.

Try them with wide-leg jeans, tailored trousers or even a feminine dress for that contrast between masculine and feminine dressing.

The kitten heel is back

The kitten heel is having a moment and I’m SO happy about it.

For autumn, we’re seeing kitten heels with more modern details, interesting hardware and updated silhouettes.

They’re ideal if you want a little height without committing to a high heel and they can work surprisingly well for everyday outfit – plus I can’t for the life of me walk in heels anymore so kitten heels really are my new best friend.

Think kitten-heel pumps with jeans, a low heel with tailored trousers or a pointed-toe style with a cute skirt.

Suede is having a moment

There’s something about suede that instantly makes an outfit feel like autumn, and this season it’s appearing across everything from ballet flats and loafers to boots and mules.

It’s also an easy way to add texture to a neutral outfit.

If your wardrobe is mostly black, cream, navy and denim, try introducing a chocolate brown, tan or burgundy suede shoe.

You don’t need to change your entire wardrobe to make the trend work.