It still isn't jackets-and-tights weather up in New York, but I'm already fantasizing about my wardrobe for the exciting new season ahead.
The simplest way to ease into the new fall season is with a chic pair of new shoes, especially ones that don't cost an arm and a leg when you're already investing in the It coats and accessories that will define the rest of the year. From elevated Western-style boots to timeless quiet luxury
adjacent silhouettes, take on the trends before everyone else with our must-have picks below. The best part? You don't have to spend your whole paycheck to get in on these new-season styles. Score.
Below, shop all the best under-$100, guilt-free shoe purchases you could make this week to gear up for the rest of fall. If you buy everything on this list, don't blame me!
H&M
Studded Cowboy Boots
Although you'd be hard-pressed to find me in a pair of cowboy boots, this studded smooth-leather pair looks 10 times more elevated than the ones I used to wear to costume parties in college.
Zara
Satin Effect Ballerinas
Adorable.
Nike
Court Legacy Lift Platform Sneaker
Although I love white sneakers, this black leather version of the iconic Nike blazers was practically created to be worn this time of year.
Steve Madden
Legaci Pointed Toe Pump
These '90s-inspired slinky pumps look exactly like a designer pair sitting on my cart on The RealReal.
Mango
Croc-Effect Ankle Boots
I'll take these in every color.
Zara
Heeled Wedges
Ever since I saw these sculptural wedges on Zara's website, I knew I had to have them.
H&M
Warm-Lined Boots
The ideal throw-and-go shoes for heading out the door to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
H&M
Cowboy Boots
I'm standing behind these chic boots.
Open Edit
Rylan Zip Moto Bootie
These Open Edit moto booties being well under $250 is quite literally my Roman Empire.
Zara
Suede Heeled Ankle Boots
Um, yes.
Zara
Studded Clogs
I just know the Scandi crowd will sell these out by this time next month.
Zara
Flat Mesh Slingbacks
Run, don't walk—there are only a few sizes left in this ultra-trendy shoe style.
Converse
Chuck Taylor Platform Sneaker
Stepping into my Rory Gilmore era this fall with these classic sneakers.
Jeffrey Campbell
Rain-Storm Platform Chelsea Boot
I always head toReplica Store for my timeless fall shoe styles. Case in point: these "buy now, wear forever" ankle boots.
UGG
Scuffette II Slipper
It's officially cozy season, and these Ugg slippers have been living in my mind rent-free.
Zara
Faux Patent Leather Pointed Toe Flats
French woman approved.
Zara
Metallic Heel Slides
I'm in love.
ASOS Design
Lioness Mesh Ballet Flats With Diamante Trim
I'm not ashamed to admit I'm solidly team mesh flats.
ASOS Design
Sia Corsage Slingback Mid Heeled Shoes
If you're shopping for ultra-trendy, eye-catching slingbacks, look no further.
Charles
Keith
Butter Patent Spool Heel Slingback Pumps
This color is everything to me.
Journee
Martine Cool Shades
Journee's new universal-nudes collection is all I'll be thinking about for the next five to seven business days.
Steve Madden
Cherish Pump
Lily-Rose Depp has a pair exactly like these, and yep, they're the epitome of French-girl chic.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.