I'm a Shoe Expert—7 Classic, Autumn-Ready Pairs That Belong in Every Capsule Wardrobe

Despite being a self-proclaimed dress person, I've piqued my growing interest in footwear over the past year. In general, I've been dedicated to watching the ebb and flow of trends for the past decade, although that's not to say I've invested in them. Instead, it's made me more meticulous and stringent about the pieces I recommend and I only do so when I agree they have longevity.

This year, I've found most of the trends have a timeless streak, evident in the continuation of styles we began witnessing last autumn (and in some cases, the autumn before). Mary-janes have stuck around, this time with a squared-off toe and the animal motif of choice this autumn is snake print which makes a change to leopard. Then, there's the chunky but shrunken block heel adorned onto ballerina silhouettes, least forgetting my most adorned footwear piece and a firm staple in my wardrobe, the heeled mule.

Marisa Martins

(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

We'll continue to be dealt seasonal-led trends in the coming month, with some pieces being as practical as they are stylish. Open-toe sandals will be swapped in place of caged fisherman sandals, boasting chunky soles (while we bid farewell to slip-on sandals). The trainers coming in are deliciously retro with some awash with berry hues (which is particularly strong this year). All in all, it's a good year for footwear. If you're considering your autumn footwear capsule, you've come to the right place. Keep reading for seven shoe styles that are set to dominate and withstand trends.

AUTUMN SHOE CAPSULE WARDROBE:

1. Animal Instinct

AUTUMN SHOE CAPSULE WARDROBE: Monikh wears Khaite shoes

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Animal print becomes a recurring theme each autumn and this year's motif of choice is snake print. It may seem bold but in actuality, it simply offers a textured look to outfits and designers are offering a very subtle take.

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2. Retro Trainers

Téjal wears Adidas retro trainers

(Image credit: @t_n_toast_)

Style Notes: Fret not if you prefer comfort over everything (which I'm sure counts for the majority). Trainers, in particular, the retro sort, have dominated many a timeline and tastemakers are doing so with the most nonchalant of pairings. Whether it's tailored trousers or slip skirts, it always seems to work in harmony.

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3. Fisherman Sandals

AUTUMN SHOE CAPSULE WARDROBE:: bubbly aquarius wears fisherman sandals

(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Style Notes: 2024 may be the year I'm endeared to fisherman sandals. Why now you ask? I've finally realised it may just be the most transitional shoe and one to extend the wear of summer footwear. As a sun worshiper, I aim to hold on to summer for as long as I can. Plus, the burgundy styles are irresistible.

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4. Block Heel Pumps

AUTUMN SHOE CAPSULE WARDROBE: Danielle Jinadu WEARING BLOCK HEELS

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Style Notes: Court shoe and itty bitty heel iterations have become one of the most directional shoes of Autumn/Winter 2024. You'll find some classic rounded silhouettes (reminiscent of the ballet flat) and scrunched-toe offerings. It's best paired with straight-leg jeans!

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5. The Reinvented Mary-Jane

Anne-Victoire Lefevre

(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

Style Notes: They may feel inherently summery but the resurgence of flats has garnered mass attention and lovers of the style are clinging on to their Mary-Jane shoes for as long as they can. If you observe A/W 2024's new ins, you'll notice the patent, and autumnal washes, demonstrating the adaptations made for the coming seasons. Pair Mary-jane shoes with jeans, for an outfit one part preppy and one part androgynous.

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6. Mules

AUTUMN SHOE CAPSULE WARDROBE: Sylvie Mus WEARS KITTEN HEEL MULES

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: While they may be this season's most coveted shoe, closed-toe mules just so happen to be another transitional style. Paired with everything from dresses to jeans, they will add a French lilt to just about anything in your wardrobe.

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7. Pointed Ankle Boots

Francesca Saffari wears ankle boots

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: Ankle boots have become as fashion-forward as they are practical. As we start to consider closed-toe and weather-appropriate options, you'll begin to see this transitional style introduced to prolong the wear of summer dresses and such.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.