Black Shoes, Watch Out—This Alternative Color Is Chicer, More Elegant, and Just as Classic
Black is fashion's unofficial favorite color for a reason. Picking it is rarely the wrong answer, especially when it comes to shoes, whether you're investing in them or styling them. But hear me out—another color on the market for fall is making a strong case for the season's top shade. As it's sophisticated and seasonally appropriate, we're placing our bets on brown in all of its luxurious shades for the rest of 2024 and into 2025.
From luxe camel to saturated chocolate, heeled boots to chunky loafers, your quintessential fall shoes await you in the curated mix of rich brown footwear ahead. Lean into the earthiness of the season while still maintaining the versatility of easy, matches-everything black shoes. Below, I've broken down the best brown shoes for autumn by style for your shopping indulgence. Enjoy.
Heeled Boots
Brown boots are synonymous with transitional weather. This elegant substitute for your everyday black boots will immediately elevate and autumnize any look. Some personal favorites include a Western silhouette, a patent croc exterior, and lush suede.
Ballet Flats
Yes, ballet flats are still very in, and for chillier climates, the flats are best worn in an opulent brown. Not only do these shoes go with most looks, but they also span so many occasions. They're a very solid investment IMO.
Sneakers
As someone whose choice footwear is sneakers, the brown options are tugging at my wallet. Classic Adidas Sambas in brown? Yes, please. Go for tonal or contrasting details to make your brown sneakers more minimal or peak maximal.
Slingbacks
Brown slingbacks are a fall fashion favorite. Whether they include buckles or a T-strap, the chicness awaits. Expect to see these on all of your choice fashion follows this fall.
Loafers
You will never regret investing in a good pair of loafers. Personally, I think brown loafers are one of the best investments. With comfort and longevity, these shoes will be a go-to for as long as you want them to be.
Mules
Mules make for the perfect hybrid heels. While bridging the casual and formal gap, these shoes will take you from happy hours to weddings to nights out.
Copelyn is a freelance fashion and accessory editor who formerly worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing as an associate shopping editor. Before her time atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Copelyn was at Bustle Digital Group, working on the accessory market for cover shoots and fashion features across Nylon, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Romper, and Elite Daily. Copelyn also previously worked at InStyle and Cosmopolitan in the fashion departments. Copelyn has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her spare time, she freelances in graphic and web design in the fashion space and loves to upcycle clothing, home décor, and sneakers.
-
If Reading Brontë in Central Park Is Your Vibe, Then You're Going to Love These 28 Fall Sweaters From Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic
Striped sweaters and cashmere.
-
Wait, J.Crew Is 30% Off Sitewide Right Now—These Are the Chic Fall Pieces in My Cart
The fall 2025 collection is so good.
-
Loafers Are Great, But If You're Bored, This Is the Classic Flat Shoe Trend to Try Next
Could this be the new It flat shoe for fall?
-
After 2 Weeks in Italy, I'm Convinced I Need the Shoe Trend Every Chic Woman in Milan and Rome Was Wearing
Forget ballet flats.
-
Shopbop Lovers to the Front—These 40 Styles Are Going to Be Huge This Fall
Give your wardrobe a fall facelift.
-
This Classic Shoe Is Every Parisian's Secret to Making Jeans Look Elevated in Fall
And you probably already own it.
-
My Mom Only Shops at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls—Here's What She Sent Me to Buy for Fall 2025
She had me at under-$100 Uggs and Levi's.
-
52 Elegant Fall Fashion Finds That Whisper Wealth But Don't Top $250
Money talks.