Giving in and buying at least one new pair of boots in the fall is inevitable—something to just let happen rather than resist. Given how often the shoe style is worn throughout the season, investing in boots is a guaranteed net win. That being said, boots aren’t the only shoes that get ample wear this time of year. In fact, over the last few autumn cycles, I’ve noticed an equally timeless and versatile fall shoe style begin to overtake boots in the wardrobes of fashion people everywhere from Paris to New York City to Milan.
If your Instagram feed looks anything like mine, you might already know which trend I’m referring to. If not, here goes: heeled mules. Classic, elegant, and more seasonal than boots, mules are an obvious alt for boots, not just in the fall and winter, but all year round. They work just as well with bare legs as they do with fleece-lined tights and can easily be dressed up or down depending on what you decide to wear them with. (Try relaxed jeans and a white tee for a casual take and a low-cut silk tank and pencil skirt for something more evening-appropriate.) The endless possibilities make mules all the more worth it for fall and beyond.
Once you’ve bought your one pair of fall boots, scroll down to start hunting for the only shoe trend fashion people will wear even more throughout the remainder of 2024 and into 2025.
Marc Fisher has been on a tear lately when it comes to designing classic, elegant, and timeless footwear that still feels current and cool.
There's no better pair of mules in my opinion than suede Maysales (and I'm not the only one who thinks so).
This pop of red will turn any outfit French.
I swear our entire office owns these.
Sleek doesn't even begin to describe these Saint Laurent mules.
The croc effect and angled heel make these mules look way pricier than they really are.
Mango just dropped these, and I'm 99% sure they'll sell out by mid-October.
I've had these in my cart for months, just waiting for fall to finally splurge. It's time…
Square toes are making a huge comeback for fall. Just you wait.
You can't go wrong with these under-$100 Zara slides. Pair them with jeans or skirts and tights this fall.
Espresso-colored suede mules are my kryptonite.
A stunningly sophisticated choice, I must say.
I've now officially tried these on in every available color, and every time, my brain screams, "Buy them!"
I swear by Larroudé's mules. They're so comfy and classic.
How '90s Calvin Klein are these? I'm in love.
Gray satin slippers? Say less.
The office siren girls are swooning.
Everyone's going to be wearing these in New York and Paris in 2025.
Stunning—period.
The gold hardware seriously elevated this otherwise-simple pointed-toe mule.
Wrap them up!
A touch of leopard print goes a long way to make your outfit more Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Sometimes I dream about these satin mules. Can you blame me, though?
These are bound to sell out any minute. Don't lose out.
The buttery-yellow leather is so luxe and fresh.
Get them while they're on sale (which, honestly, is shocking to me).
These are flying off shelves at every retailer that stocks them.
If you love Staud's Wally boots, you'll adore these even more versatile mules.
-
Fine, I Won’t Gatekeep—These 27 Abercrombie Finds Are Too Chic to Miss (and They're All On Sale)I can't decide which fall pick is my favorite.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—These 29 On-SaleReplica Store Basics Are Instant Closet StaplesBring on chic, effortless fall outfits.
-
The New Prada It Shoes for Fall 2025 Are Here, and They're Vintagey Cool-Girl HeelsAs seen on Lily James in NYC.
-
I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—Here Are 30 Fall Finds That I'm Hands Down Most Excited About Right NowGet ready to answer, "Where'd you get that?"
-
Cozy Cashmere! Sleek Suede! Dark Denim! 32 Affordable Fall Pieces You'd Find in a Wealthy Person's ClosetOh, did I mention they're under $250?
-
I Thought I Hated Ballet Flats Until I Found This Elegant (and Blister-Proof) PairNow, I need it in every color.
-
Here They Are: The 6 Biggest Boot Trends of Fall 2025Exotic finishes! Sock boots! Western motifs!
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic, Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025Everything is under $100.
