We all have our go-to fall shoes we wear year after year—classic black ankle boots, anyone? While there's nothing wrong with these staples (and you absolutely should keep wearing them!), we bet you're looking to invest in a few new shoe styles this season to keep your vibe fresh and current. The issue is simply deciphering exactly what's worth testing out and what you should avoid for the most of-the-moment look.
To help pinpoint the shoe styles that are in and out in the world of fall footwear, we tapped some of our favorite shoe designers to spill on everything you should toss and try right now. Some of these picks may surprise you, while others may be totally right up your alley (as in you'll want to whip out your credit card and add them to cart ASAP).
In: "Mid-shin boots are the perfect style this season, especially when paired with cropped denim. Velvet is also proving a standout texture for fall, and we're excited to be introducing this with a modern twist," Dear Frances designer Jane Frances told us.
Out: "You can put the flatforms away this season," Frances says.
In: "I'm really into embroidered booties or booties with fringe—anything that has more flair and movement," Rebecca Minkoff told us.
In: "For fall, I'm really excited about mules, especially our square-toed Gem or Gywnne versions on low-block heels. They are great to wear all day, for weekend or work. I'm also obsessed with white! Our Calvin mules are really cool with a pointed toe—they have a real '90s Calvin Klein vibe to them," ASKA designer and creative director Kate Gordon told us.
Out: "I'm over spiky stilettos and lots of hardware on shoes. For fall, I like something refined and chic," says Gordon.
In: "Feminine sneakers are the It shoes for this season," says Kaanas creative director Liliana Acevedo. "I'm all about the touches of metallic and embossed leather details combined with soft shades of blush and sand."
Out: "High-tops had their 15 minutes of fame, and now we're off to a softer, sportier look."
In: "For fall, I think velvet, the color crimson (almost a blood red), iridescence, and embroidered embellishments are all looking really fresh," designer and celebrity stylist Neil J. Rodgers told us.
Out: "Heavy soles and crystal embellishment are a bit tired," Rodgers advises.