We might be basking in the height of summer right now, but I've noticed a small group of stylish dressers already casting their eyes towards autumn. Always one step ahead, the style set is beginning to signal the trends poised to define the new season, and this week, Elsa Hosk and Alexa Chung offered a sneak peek at two of the key shoe styles about to take the lead.
Wearing a black cotton minidress, Hosk sidestepped the season's ubiquitous flip-flops and jelly sandals in favour of a pair of leopard-print ballet flats. Whilst it's a timeless motif I’ve long considered seasonless, leopard print really comes into its own during autumn. Perhaps for the way it easily complements rich seasonal tones like chocolate brown and burgundy, or for its ability to add instant depth to a simple look, this playful print adds richness to any ensemble. And this year, it’s set to be one of the defining prints of the season.
Chung, too, gave her breezy cotton dress an autumnal energy, swapping sandals for knee-high boots in sleek patent leather. The high-shine finish introduced texture and gloss, adding contrast to the otherwise soft and romantic outfit. Unlike matte leather, the patent finish imparts extra polish and dimension, making the look feel more directional. Layering on a boxy cream barn jacket—another key outerwear trend for the coming months—Chung has already mastered that tricky summer-to-autumn styling balance.
Of course, there are still weeks of warm weather to enjoy, but if you're already plotting your next-season wardrobe, scroll on to shop my edit of the best leopard-print ballet flats and patent knee-high boots to get ahead of the curve.
Shop Leopard-Print Ballet Flats and Patent-Leather Knee-High Boots:
I really can't see these staying in stock for long.
Be quick! These won't stay in stock for long.
These also come in a sleek black style.
The small kitten heel adds a little height without sacrificing comfort.
The pony hair finish gives these such an elevated edge.
Style these with a cotton mini or pair with a structure skirt.
Shop these while they're on sale.
-
The Key to Looking Rich in a Black Dress in 2025 Is Wearing This Timeless It Item With ItAlexa Chung is aware.
-
Better Than Ballet Flats (and Loafers): The Shoe Trend It Girls in NYC and Paris Will Be Wearing This FallThey're classic but fresh at the same time.
-
Back to School: 5 Collegiate Shoe Trends That'll Be Everywhere This FallChic, comfy, and compliment-guaranteed.
-
Sorry to My Classic Black Shoes, But This Printed Shoe Trend Is Defining Fall 2025Spotted on fashion people in Venice, NYC, and Copenhagen.
-
Hold the Sandals—This Is the Shoe Trend to Wear With Dresses in SeptemberAs seen on Alexa Chung.
-
The 6 Shoe Trends Well-Dressed People Are Wearing With Pants and Jeans (Instead of Sneakers)Flat and heels to pair with pants and jeans.
-
Say Goodbye to Kitten Heels—This Even-Shorter Shoe Is Suddenly Showing Up in Every Fashion Person's ClosetIt has just the right amount of height to make you stand a little taller.
-
Cooler Than a Puffer Coat—Alexa Chung Wore the Fall Trend That Makes Jeans Look ElegantShe's two months ahead of the game.
