For the past few seasons, when fashion people have needed a sophisticated shoe they've called upon a neat pair of Mary Janes or ballet flats to do the job. This autumn, however, there's a new shoe trend that's been quietly slotting into the outfits that other mainstream styles used to complete. Whilst the aforementioned versatile styles will never be "out", fashion people are embracing the wardrobe-altering potential of the vamp shoe trend this autumn.
What Is a Vamp Shoe?
The vamp is the upper part of a shoe that covers the front of the foot, which, on many styles—save perhaps loafers—sits near the toes. However, for 2024, I'm seeing a rise in pairs with higher-up vamps (hence their name), where the design cuts off towards the middle of the foot and extends further up the sides. Creating a smoother shape thanks to the fuller-coverage design, vamp shoes are often seen in a pump silhouette complete with an almond or pointed toe, and come in flat and heeled styles, both of which I'm seeing a lot of this season.
Who Is Wearing the Vamp Shoe Trend?
Already in the wardrobes of some of the fashion people I look to the most, I spotted singer and television presenter Rochelle Humes style the elegant shoe trend for appointments in Paris during fashion week. Wearing hers with full-length trousers and a black, cropped jacket, Humes' daytime look exuded easy elegance and felt perfectly in tune with her personal style.
Another early adopter of the vamp shoe trend, model Elsa Hosk wove a light-brown heeled pair into her casual jeans and T-shirt ensemble. Instead of choosing standard ballet flats, Hosk's vamp shoe choice made her outfit feel fresher and more fashionable.
Whilst the new shoe trend is still somewhat under the radar for now, I don't think it'll be long before everyone starts clocking on. Get ahead of the curve and discover the pairs we love the most below.
Shop Our Edit of the Best Vamp Shoes:
This sage shade is so easy to slip into a capsule wardrobe.
These also come in a metallic silver shade.
These look more expensive than they are.
The buttery deer leather ensures a comfortable fit.
The small heel adds polish without sacrificing comfort.
Trust Toteme to elevate the trend further.
These also come in black, silver and red.
The oversized heel add a sculptural edge.
Style with denim or pair with a party dress.
These would look super chic with baggy jeans.
For the maximalists.
-
Hailey Bieber Already Wore the Denim Outfits That Will Define Fall 2025She's always setting the trends.
-
Oh Wow, Hailey Bieber's Go-To Denim Brand Is on Major Sale During Amazon Prime DayDon't miss out.
-
Sorry, Flats—These Anti-Trend Heels Are Every French Woman's Quiet Go-To for a Night Out in ParisA classic choice.
-
Flip-Flop Fatigue? Fashion People in Ibiza Are Wearing Bikinis and Skirts With This Flat-Shoe Trend InsteadYour new go-to summer shoes.
-
Forget the Margaux—*This* The Row Bag Will Be Carried by Fashion People With Cool Taste in 2025And it won't cost you $5000.
-
Aboard a Yacht in Sicily, There's Only One Sneaker Color to Wear With a White SundressLearn from the best, aka Naomi Campbell.
-
5 Flat-Shoe Trends I Refuse to Wear During a Manhattan Summer, and the 5 I Can't Live WithoutI'll walk a mile in these shoes.
-
Olivia Rodrigo's Outfit at Wimbledon Is Giving Uniform of the SummerA preppy spin on one of the biggest emerging trends of the season.
