Working Girl
The office was top of mind at Dries Van Noten, Tory Burch, and Toteme, who all decided to modernize the classic work pump. For fall/winter 2024, they made the traditional three-inch stiletto look cool and fashion-forward by tightening the vamp and reimagining the heel, expanding the definition of what one might consider a polished office shoe. More accessibly priced styles by Everlane, Yuni Buffa, and Reformation mirror that design sentiment.
Boots That Reach New Heights
Over-the-knee boots defined Chemena Kamali’s debut fall runway show for Chloé. It was the sixth most-viewed show of the season on Vogue Runway, and Kamali sent down styles in a range of buttery leathers—hazelnut brown, camel, burgundy—that offered welcome coverage and contrast to the diaphanous skirts and dresses they were paired with. Buyers instantly approved—they’re predicting Chloé’s to be the bestsellers of the season; a crystal ball moment echoed by Vogue columnist and app contributor Gab Waller, who shared in her September Hot List that they were “the comfiest OTK boots she’s ever tried.” Elsewhere, the style was proposed at Gucci, Fendi, and Ferragamo—all included in the latest fall drops. Get a similar look for less with options from Staud and Reformation.
Walk on the Wild Side
Spots and stripes were on the prowl. They came in long, wavy lines (Jacquemus); as solid spots flecked on white (Alaïa); and dark rosettes on golden tan coats. But something about these animal prints felt less daring than usual. They took on a timeless undertone, hinting at a versatility that’s most often reserved for a trusted black flat or boot. One of the most desired pairs for the season can be found at Toteme; Mansur Gavriel and Zara offer a more restrained way into the trend with printed ballet flats.
The Bikeriders
Every fall/winter season requires a great black boot—and for 2024, it’s the moto or biker-inspired style. Recognizable for its buckle detailing or silver harness, designers proposed various updates to this classic yet always edgy option. Miu Miu and Prada toughened up its boots with laces, buckles, and alternately, and a lived-in patina; Valentino and Hermès sought to incorporate an air of classicism with a pull-on design that featured minimal hardware and clean, stacked heel. Beyond these covetable runway styles, find similar everyday moto boot offerings at Frye, Loewe, and Paris Texas.
Statement-Making Mary Janes
The sweet and dainty Mary Jane outgrows its youthful connotation in favor one of that turns heads. Thick straps, conical heels, glossy leathers, silver grommets, and bold studs all help achieve this look-at-me-now effect. A few standout styles can be had this season from Bally, Ganni, Valentino, Loewe, and Chloé—all below.
Fancy Feet
We’ve been here before, but there’s something about the rich, jewel-toned pumps and feather-trimmed flats that feels particularly right for the season. At Prada the satin kitten heels felt the most prim; at Erdem the most playful, while at Saint Laurent, the crystal-embellished stilettos completed the designer’s vision of “noirish after-dark glamour,” as Vogue’s Nicole Phelps previously described Anthony Vaccarello’s show. Viewed together, however, these styles make a strong case for incorporating everyday preciousness into your wardrobe. Wear them day or night—and look to the recent Prada spring 2025 runway for an unexpected styling tip: Pair your choice of fancy footwear with something thoroughly practical. May we suggest denim and a barn jacket?
Ballerinas Take Flight
There’s no denying the enduring appeal of the ballet flat, but a heeled silhouette was proposed for fall/winter by Jacquemus, Alaïa, and Simone Rocha. Pieter Mulier favored a towering, pencil-thin style; Simon Porte Jacquemus said “encore” with a stacked double stiletto. Simone Rocha referenced the graceful dancers’ pointe shoes for design inspiration (a gathered square toe box and elastic band), but finished off with a Lucite heel—a cheeky move that was to be expected from the Irish designer. These three runway styles made it into retailers’ fall deliveries, but if a more subtle interpretation is preferred, look to Sandy Liang, Everlane, and 3.1. Phillip Lim for ideas.
A New Kind of Loafer
The idea of the loafer got toyed with a lot for fall. Gucci aimed high with a flatform style that divided opinions but certainly raised the bar; Tod’s looked beyond the tassels and sent down a fully fringed design that epitomized eccentric maximalism—the leatherwork also pushed the envelope on craftsmanship. Somewhere in the middle you’ll find toothy lug-soles (Victoria Beckham), sharp brogues (Ferragamo), and twee, heeled creepers (Louis Vuitton). These aren’t your classic loafers and that’s exactly what makes them so fun. For everyday options that feel kindred in spirit, JW Anderson, GH Bass, and Madewell deliver.
Category is: Cozy
The idea of all-day comfort was put forward by many. At Miu Miu, a leather hotel slipper felt like a revelation in laissez-faire cool; at Carven and Staud, plush footwear was reimagined in extreme (allover) and restrained form (trim with tufts of faux fur). Slip into any one of these styles, from Proenza Schouler to Loulou Studio, and you’ll likely feel the same way as you do about your matted house slippers: a pair you never want to take off.
