5 shoe trends that are in this fall and 4 that are out, according to stylists

Fall isn’t just about finding the perfect sweaters and scarves — it’s also the perfect time to rethink your shoes.

But before you reach for last year’s staples, we asked three professional stylists which trends are worth wearing this season and which ones to skip. Here’s what they said.

Suede is trending across the board.

According to Patrick Kenger, the lead personal stylist and founder of Pivot, suede will be everywhere this season.

The material instantly adds warmth and softness to a look, making it an easy choice for both casual and dressed-up styles.

For more low-key outfits, sneakers are a great option. If you’re going for an upscale look, however, he suggests a good pair of boots.

Peep‑toe shoes are having a moment.

Styles with toe cutouts, also known as peep-toe shoes, have moved in and out of fashion over the years. But according to Kenger, this long-loved favorite is back this season.

He told BI these shoes are best paired with trousers, dresses, or cropped pants.

Boat shoes aren’t just for the summer.

According to several of the stylists we spoke to, boat shoes aren’t just a summer dockside essential — they’re expected to continue to show up through the fall as well.

San Francisco Bay Area personal stylist Andie Sobrato said these shoes are defined by their unique stitching and lace-up fronts, and add a vintage, youthful energy to any outfit.

To style them for fall, she suggests pairing them with cuffed jeans and an oversize button-up. For a preppy twist, she said midi socks and pleated shorts work well.

Knee-high boots are a wardrobe staple.

Knee-high boots are one of fall’s biggest staples. Kenger said this season’s pairs are sleek, versatile, and surprisingly comfortable.

He recommends styling them over skinny jeans with a cozy sweater for an easy, yet polished look.

Mules and clogs are this season’s versatile slip-ons.

Mules and clogs are going to be huge this fall, according to wardrobe stylist Taylor Greeley.

In addition to classic styles, she said the trend is branching out into platforms, sneaker-inspired slides, and elevated suede clogs. At the same time, pared-back mules with sleek, minimal shapes are also making their mark.

However, chunky boots are giving way to more slender styles.

Both Greeley and Kenger told BI that the days of chunky boots are behind us — at least for now.

“The rugged, bulky look of the combat boot is starting to feel too heavy,” Kenger said.

For an updated replacement, Greeley recommends riding boots, cowboy boots, or more minimal, streamlined silhouettes.

Metallic shoes won’t be as popular as they once were.

Though they were a fun nod to the returning Y2K-inspired trends, Kenger told BI shiny metallic finishes are starting to feel dated.

The stylist suggests satin as a more polished alternative, offering a softer look that fits the warmth and texture of fall fashion.

Overly branded footwear will be swapped for styles that do the talking.

According to Greeley, the trendy shoes this season won’t be about showing off labels.

“It’s all about rich hues and textures, not logos,” she told BI.

Greeley said we’ll see less logo-covered sneakers or monogrammed loafers, and more shoes in earthy suedes, polished leathers, and deep seasonal colors that stand on their own.

Pointed-toe pumps are taking a backseat to square-toed options.

Although you shouldn’t completely rid your closet of the classic pointy-toed heel, Kenger and Greely both said they expect to see more square-toed pumps and boots this season.

For a fall look, Kenger recommends pairing square‑toe loafers with trousers or square‑toe ankle boots with midi skirts or leggings.

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