The Ultimate Fall Shoe Guide

I am always asked, “What’s in style now?” Or, “Can I still wear these?” There are numerous opinions about ‘what’s in’ and ‘what’s out’ and so many goods available in stores. I get it – it truly is hard to decipher today’s style code. You’re not crazy for feeling overwhelmed!

Voila! Here is my Ultimate Fall Shoe Guide 2011 Edition for you. It’s a breakdown of the top trends in shoes for this fall/winter season. I’ve categorized the hottest shoe trends by styles, materials and colors. Within those trends, you can choose your preferred heel height, whether to include a platform or not, plus select a closed round, square, almond (my favorite), or pointy toe or another favorite, a peep-toe…and all at your ideal price point. The choice is yours to make!

In fact, you’ll find that many shoe designs this season incorporate multiple trends. Feel free to mix and match to your heart’s content within these general trend guidelines. I want you to feel confident with your selections!

Yes, you can certainly still wear your black leather flats, pumps and boots. But this guide breaks away from those classics and gives you plenty of new and exciting options. The right shoes can certainly give you an extra boost of confidence as you walk in to give your next sales pitch, run errands on the weekend, or glide into each holiday party.

Now, you won’t have to question ‘what’s in’ or ‘what’s out’; you’ll have the answers!

STYLES

FLATS

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Flexible Flats: Elizabeth and James Kimi Flat $198, available at Nordstrom.
Tuxedo (flats or heels): Steven by Steve Madden Madee Slip-on $119.95, available at Nordstrom.
Bow Accents (flats or heels): Kate Spade New York Babette Flat $298, available at Nordstrom.
Chic Brogues: JCrew Camden Leather Brogues $250 $198, available at JCrew.

HEELS

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Mary Jane: Vince Camuto Jasper Mary Jane Pump $118.95, available at Nordstrom.
Loafer*(heels or flats): Aqua Boss Loafer Pumps $129, available at Bloomingdales.
Ankle Strap: Prada Bicolor Python Ankle Strap Pumps $1150, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Bicolor (heels or flats): Prada Bicolor Patent Pumps $650, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Detailed Heel (heels or flats): Vince Camuto Malaya Platform Pumps $118, available at Bloomingdales.
Front Straps: Balenciaga Strap Pump $995, available at Barneys New York.

*Note: The Loafer style can include front tassle details, peep-toe slip-on versions and more in addition to penny loafers.

BOOTS

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Shoe Bootie: Via Spiga Sheri Bootie $225, available at Zappos.
Ankle Boot: Maison Martin Margiela Suede Platform Booties $925, available at Shopbop.
Ankle Wedge: Coach Ambyr High Wedge Booties $248, available at Bloomingdales.
Biker Boot: Jimmy Choo Youth Leather Biker Boots $895, available at Net-A-Porter.
Lace-Up Boot: JCrew Owen High Heel Boots $298, available at JCrew.
Mid-Calf Boot*: Marc by Marc Jacobs Wertmuller Boots $420, available at Bloomingdales.
Flat Knee-High Boot: Salvatore Ferragamo Fersea Riding Boots $690, available at Bloomingdales.
Stacked-Heel Boot: JCrew Booker Leather Knee Boots $350, available at Net-A-Porter.

*Note: The shaft on a Mid-Calf Boot actually rests just as the calf muscle widens (ie. between the ankle and the center of the calf).

MATERIALS

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Animal Print*: Loeffler Randal Edith Platform Pump $495, available at Loeffler Randal.
Suede: Tory Burch Jude Platform Pumps $295, available at Bloomingdales.
Patent Leather: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Glenda Penny Loafers $89, available at Bloomingdales.
Metallic: Miu Miu Platform Peep Toe Mary Jane $650, available at Barneys New York.
Glitter: Miu Miu Glitter Pumps $690, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Lace: Jimmy Choo Faith Lace Peep Toe Pump $995, available at Nordstrom.
Tweed: JCrew Mona Tweed Pumps $248, available at JCrew.
Velvet: Dior Miss Dior Velvet Platform Pump $640, available at Nordstrom.
Houndstooth: Kate Spade New York Jocelyn Pump $325, available at Nordstrom.
Plaid: Tory Burch Serena 2 Flat $235, available at Nordstrom.
Crystals: Christian Louboutin Fifi Strass $3295, available at Barneys New York.
Lamé: Stuart Weitzman Bowright Pump Pewter Sparkle $375, available at Jildor.
Quilted: Brian Atwood Quilted Patent Leather Platform Pump $650, available at Nordstrom.

*Note: Animal Print includes snakeskin, leopard, tiger, ostrich, tortoiseshell, alligator, cheetah, zebra and more, genuine or faux.

COLORS

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Electric Blue: Dolce Vita Rosetta Pump $169.95, available at Nordstrom.
Bordeaux: Halogen Allie Wedge $119.95, available at Nordstrom.
Vibrant Purple: Marc by Marc Jacobs Chain Strap Wedge $350, available at Barneys New York.
Taupe: Diane von Furstenberg April Pump $275, available at Jildor.
Red: Charlotte Olympia Polly Piped Leopard Print Platform Pump $905, available at Nordstrom.
Glacial Gray: Enzo Angiolini Haver Booties $120, available at Macy’s.
Bronze: KORS Michael Kors Rhonda Snake Sandal $295, available at Neiman Marcus.
Green: BCBGeneration Wish High Boot $198, available at Zappos.
Cognac: Rachel Zoe Annie Pumps $295, available at Bloomingdales.

What is the main reason you buy a new pair of shoes?

Top Image Credit: JCrew Mona Flannel Pumps $248, available at JCrew.