Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and as we embrace the crisp autumn air and the return of fall fashion, the question arises: what footwear will we be rocking? From timeless loafers to box-fresh sneakers and even sandals that aren’t quite ready to be retired, Vogue editors are ready to transition their shoe game into the cooler months. Let’s dive into their favorite fall-friendly footwear picks:
The Fall-Friendly Sandal
Chloe Malle, Editor of Vogue.com, champions the grown-up Birkenstock for September in New York City. She loves the espresso leather style with a hammered gold buckle, perfect for a playground run or a day at the office. It’s a stylish way to hold onto summer vibes while embracing the autumnal mood.
The Boat Shoe
Senior Shopping Editor Talia Abbas is trading in her summer flip-flops for a pair of chocolate brown boat shoes from Bally. She appreciates the timeless appeal of the style, finding it a perfect balance between trendy and classic, making it a worthwhile investment. The dark brown hue adds a touch of excitement compared to the traditional black.
The Velvet Thong Sandal
Madeline Fass, Senior Shopping Market Editor, is a devoted flip-flop wearer and is still debating whether to transition out of them entirely. The ease and versatility of flip-flops, especially with a wide-leg trouser, make them hard to part with. However, she’s also considering a velvet pair, which she believes feels more appropriate for fall.
The Wide Boot
Conçetta Ciarlo, Associate Manager, embraces the boots even before their official season. She received compliments on her Schutz boots styled with jorts and an oversized button-down, proving that boots can be stylish even in the late summer months. So, bring on the boots!
The Classic Keds
Arden Fanning, Beauty Editor at Large, is back on her Keds beat! The classic sneakers work with everything, and she loves customizing them for different looks. She finds herself skipping through the streets, ready to take on the day in her Keds.
The City-Approved Heels
Leah Faye Cooper, Digital Style Director, is a fan of zipper details and is drawn to slingbacks with a sleek A-line midi skirt and a crisp white button-up. She also loves a velvet platform in the perfect shade of brown, perfect for the office, dinner dates, and everything in between.
The Satin Flip Flop
Madeleine Schulz, Vogue Business reporter, believes that a leather flip flop is the perfect transitional shoe. They look chic with jeans or a maxi/midi skirt, and a jumper thrown over your shoulders on cooler evenings. It’s a way to prolong those summer beach vibes while still maintaining a stylish look.
The Earth-Toned Boot
Maya Layne, Entertainment Associate, suggests looking for boots with earthy tones, textured elements like bouclé, leather, or suede, and the ability to withstand temperatures between 50 and 72 degrees. Her pick is the Dico Julia boot from Anonymous, which embodies these qualities. The light brown color is a perfect bridge to the moodier winter hues, and the lack of hardware keeps the boot feeling sturdy yet light. Any moto boot can seamlessly carry you through the fall months.
The Mary Jane
Alexandra Ditch, Commerce Producer, considers September and October the best months in New York City, and the Mary Jane is her go-to shoe for those comfortable days. She recently snagged a pair of Le Monde Beryl Mary Jane flats, knowing they’ll be a staple throughout the fall.
The Edgy Flats
Rose Carlisle, Special Events Assistant, believes that transitional footwear is an unsung hero of seasonal style. Her favorites are the Tony Bianco lug-sole loafer and Ganni’s pointed-toe buckle flats. These edgy flats effortlessly pair with layered looks as the weather turns crisp.
