The Statement: Fall’s Top 5 Shoe Trends

Posted by courtneygrace, Aug 25 2009, 07:02 PM in Shopping + Trends

While shoes are key accessories to any season, there is nothing quite like the grandeur and style glory fall bestows upon accessories. After spending the summer in sandals, there is something quite extraordinary about, let’s say, a suede cutout bootie in a magnificent jewel tone or a pair of leather lace up ankle boots to channel your inner rocker chic?. This season, shoes are all about the details, hardware, and versatile color palette and materials that make this season’s shoes particularly irresistible.

Cutout booties- As versatile as they are sexy, cutout booties are especially significant this fall. Designers have shown this irresistibly trendy shoe in suede, leather, metallic, exotic skins, open-toed and lace up - pick your poison. My favorites: Elizabeth and James 'Lola' Ruffle Bootie @Nordstrom, Loeffler Randall's Mabel Very Strappy Open Toe Booties @Shopbop, and Givenchy's Open Toe Lace Up Booties

Flat boots with hardware: In addition to the cutout bootie, there’s a great variety of low-heeled boots that feature studs, buckles, and straps galore. From the workhorse-inspired boot to the tough chic of the motorcycle boot- this fall these durable but chic boots are equally trendy as practical. My picks: 'Tamzie'@ Nine West, Candela's Studded Ankle Boots @ Saks Fifth Avenue, and Frye's Maxine Trapunto Shortie Boots @Shopbop.

Over the knee boot- The most daring of the statement shoes for fall, the height and drama of these boots are perfect over tights, leggings, jeans, or pants. Heels amp up the boldness factor while the suede lower heeled versions scream sleek and sophisticated. Chloe's Suede Over-the-Knee Boot @ Saks Fifth Avenue and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti's 'Tassel Above the Knee Boots @ Shopbop.

Shrunken Platforms- The 'shrunken' part of the footbed on these shoes gives a subtle yet distict architectural detail that sets these shoes apart from your run-of-the mill platform- a decidedly unique and femine shoe. My favorites: Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Pumps and Oscar de la Renta's Embroidered Pumps @ Saks Fifth Avenue.

Oxford Shoes- With menswear's increasing sartortial influences popping up in womenswear this season, it is no surprise that this season's shoes are reflective of these trendy boyish accents. This season pair your blazers, stovepipe pants, and boyfriend jeans with these unisex shoes for a sharp statement. My favorites: Pour la Victoire Charlie Oxford Flats @ Shopbop, Gucci Riddle Lace-UpKilt Ankle Boots @ Saks Fifth Avenue, and Steve Madden's Black Tuxxedos @ Zappos.