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.
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 for boots boasting chunky soles and pointed heels. The trainers coming in are deliciously retro with many awash with brown suede (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 shoe trends.
Shop Autumn Shoe Capsule Wardrobe:
1. Animal Instinct
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.
Shop Snake Print Shoes:
Pair this with a pair of cream barrel jeans.
Pair this with navy knitwear.
The sleekest animal print shoes you did ever see.
2. Suede Trainers
Style Notes: Fret not if you prefer comfort over everything (which I'm sure counts for the majority). Trainers, in particular, the suede 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.
Shop Suede Trainers:
Also available in this a gorgeous cream and red.
I'm seriously tempted by these tan suede trainers.
Minimalism at its finest.
3. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Come September, when I need to consider closed-toe shoes, knee-high boots become my shoe of choice. I wear them with everything from skirts and trousers to dresses.
Shop Knee-High Boots:
Would you believe these are high street shoes?
I don't consider myself a footwear person but my love for Dear Frances' shoes would suggest otherwise.
JW Anderson offers a streamlined silhouette with contrast stitching.
4. Heeled Pump
Style Notes: Court shoe and itty bitty heel iterations have become one of the most directional shoes of Autumn/Winter 2025. You'll find some classic rounded silhouettes (reminiscent of the ballet flat) and scrunched-toe offerings. It's best paired with straight-leg jeans!
Shop the Heeled Pumps:
Christian Louboutin strikes again with two trends on one shoe.
Miista's Bibi shoes are entirely directional and on par with Hermès olive-toned courts.
Between the pony hair texture and directional print, Reformation's Terry pump is worth celebrating.
5. The Reinvented Mary-Jane
Style Notes: They may feel inherently summery but the resurgence of flats has garnered mass attention meaning lovers of the style are clinging on to their Mary-Jane shoes for as long as they can. If you observe A/W 2025'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.
Shop Mary-Janes:
The matt burgundy is well matched for the autumn season ahead.
Lili Curia is the new brand to know.
Le Monde Beryl mesh mary-janes are exquisite.
6. Mules
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.
Shop Mules:
A welcome flash of colour.
It wouldn't be a mule edit without Manolo Blahnik.
A worthwhile investment.
7. Pointed Ankle Boots
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.
Shop Pointed Ankle Boots:
Between the colour and shape, it's perfection.
2025s buttery suede in boot form.
A streamlined boot is easy to pair with jeans.
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