YOUR BEST FOOTWEAR FORWARD
A look at some of the top trends this fall in the show department
After a summer of espadrilles, flip flops and leather sandals, forgetting about your toes for awhile and skipping your biweekly pedicure is definitely the silver lining to the (dark and stormy) clouds ahead.
Plus, there’s no denying a new pair of shoes brings with it the promise of a stylish season ahead, a feeling of optimism, and a buzz of excitement about the future. Whether you’re the type to wear them straight away or more of a save-them-forthe-right-moment kind of gal, take a step in the right direction with our guide to fall’s top five shoe trends.
1. Long & lean
For some women, a new pair of boots is the fashion equivalent to the leaves turning red: it happens as soon as September hits and it’s something you simultaneously celebrate (a new fall wardrobe) and dread (winter is coming). Luckily, this season is all about boots, and there’s plenty of choice in that department.
“Tall boots were dominant on the runway and are a personal favourite of mine,” says Suzanne Timmins, fashion director for Hudson’s Bay Co. Whether you go ’70s-inspired à la Burberry, tasselled and patchworked like at Lanvin, or over-the-knee and painted-on as at Dior, these boots are all about making a statement.
“Proportion is key when wearing this season’s tall boot,” says Timmins. “They look great with midi skirts, dresses and longer coats — just watch that your hemline doesn’t stop short of the boot.”
2. Fancy flats
Go ahead, call us practical, call us comfortable — but if the latest flat shoes are anything to go by, you definitely can’t call us boring.
“Flat shoes tend to come and go, (but) I believe this time around they have staying power,” says Timmins. “Women of all ages have adopted the trend for sheer comfort and mobility.”
Kathy Acimovic, director of brand development at Aldo, agrees, citing the adoption of the trend by the fashion elite, many of whom are devout high heel wearers, as added evidence that the flat is here to stay. “Victoria Beckham, Carine Roitfeld — even Barbie is down with flats,” she says. “I don’t see this waning anytime soon. If anything, it’s going to get even better.”
Case in point: elegant flat slingbacks and mules, intricate lacing, pointed toes and other refined details.
3. Throwback
The summer’s obsession with the ’70s continues this fall, and it’s easy to see why.
“The ’70s, as an era and a trend, are effortless,” says Acimovic, who suggests fringed trims, patchwork details, and camel hues as easy ways to get in on the trend.
“The trick is to keep it looking modern and not literal,” she says. “Try complementing your footwear with minimalist shapes.”
Love the flower child references? “Platforms have a distinct ’70s influence,” says Timmins. “Wear them with tights or socks, a pair of wool culottes and an oversized sweater for a modern spin on a retro style.”
4. Heel boy
If you can’t stand the thought of an entire season in flats, worry not: heels always have their place. In the boardroom, a pair of black pumps by one of the shoe greats — Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Gianvito Rossi or Christian Louboutin — is guaranteed to make you feel more powerful, while heeled sandals are still the most popular shoe for soirees, parties and galas. And for those in-between days? “My go-to for a little day glamour is the sexy kitten heels seen at Nicholas Kirkwood, Paul Andrew and Louis Vuitton,” says Timmins.
5. Sneakerheads
Sneakers have become a mainstay in our footwear repertoire — they’ve been around for actual calendar years, rather than fashion seasons — and while the styles have run the gamut from Isabel Marant’s original wedge trainers to Chanel’s couture sneaks, this fall continues to celebrate the classics.