The Fall Shoe Styles Replacing Your Summer Sandals

E! Illustration/ Naturalizer, Zara

While the cold weather has yet to fully kick in, we're ready to replace our summer sandals with fall-ready styles.

Shoes are one of the easiest updates you can make to your wardrobe ahead of a new season. Personal stylist and designer Allyssa Phillips agrees, saying, "A new accessory can make the pieces you have had sitting in your closet for years suddenly feel current again."

And since we're all wondering which shoes we should swap into our fall rotation, we asked Phillips to name the top 5 shoe trends she thinks should be at the top of your autumn wish list.

• Animal Print Booties: Old Navy Square-Toe Block-Heel Boots
• Kitten Heels: Olomisa Studded Heeled Mules
• Low Profile Sneakers: Skechers Hotshot Varsity Crew Sneakers
• Studded Ballet Flats: Naturalizer 27 Edit Carla Ballet Flat
• Cowgirl Chic: SOVANYOU Western Kitten Heel Mules

1. Animal Print

Phillips makes the argument that animal print is basically a neutral, only more fun. For that reason, she says animal print is "a great way to start incorporating print into your wardrobe if you're someone who usually stays away from it."

"Try an animal print ballet flat with jeans and a sweater, or a snakeskin boot with denim, trousers, or even a simple dress," she suggests.

Square-Toe Block-Heel Boots

A snakeskin boot like this one—which has a modern square toe and easy-to-walk-in block heel is a simple way to elevate a simple, monochromatic outfit.

Michaela Mary Jane Flat

Adding animal print to a classic silhouette is an easy entry into the bold trend. Reviewers rave Sam Edelman's Michaela Mary Jane Flat are comfortable right out of the box.

2. Kitten Heels

While some feel that kitten heels give "old lady" vibes, Phillips believes they're a chic option if you don't want to sacrifice comfort for fashion. Beyond traditional pumps, you can also look for slingbacks, ankle boots, knee-high boots, and mules.

"They‘re easy to dress up with trousers, a skirt or a dress, but I especially love pairing them with more relaxed, baggy or wide-leg denim." Phillips continues, "The contrast between polished heel and casual denim is what makes them feel modern and keeps the outfit from feeling overly dressy."

Olomisa Studded Heeled Mules

Hate stilettos? These kitten heels are equally as chic but much more comfortable. They also come in several different animal prints so you can rock two trends at once.

Leather Kitten Heel Boots

Knee-high boots are a staple in any fall shoe rotation. This suede pair has pointed toes, itty bitty heels and pairs well with maxi skirts, mini dresses, and skinny jeans alike.

3. Low Profile Sneakers

"A thinner-soled, low-profile sneaker is having a moment," says Phillips, as evidenced by the Adidas Samba and ballet sneaker obsession.

"Metallics, interesting color combinations, retro details, and unexpected textures can make the sneaker the most interesting part of an outfit," whether you pair them with elevated trousers or a feminine dress.

Hotshot Varsity Crew Sneakers

Chocolate brown and suede is a match made in fall fashion heaven. Featuring its cream accents, this sneaker is designed with a plush, breathable memory foam insole. 

KSRC Before The Classic

These striped suede sneakers have a retro feel that adds an unexpected twist to your look, especially when paired with an ultra-feminine dress.

4. Ballet Flats

Let's be real, ballet flats aren't going anywhere. But this season, Phillips says we'll see more creative iterations of the versatile shoe. She suggests looking "for pointed or elongated toes, interesting textures, prints, embellishment, or Mary Jane details."

In terms of styling, try pairing them with sportier, casual pieces. "The contrast between a feminine ballet flat and more masculine or relaxed pieces make the whole outfit feel cooler and more unexpected," Phillips says.

27 Edit Carla Ballet Flat

The classic ballet flat gets an edgy update with allover studs and a square toe. Even more, it's lined with a contoured footbed complete with arch support.

Swanky Plum Leather

Glove flats popped over the summer, and they're not going anywhere for fall. This pair is sleek, comes in an autumnal plum hue, and has elongating pointed toe design.

5. Western Details

The Western takeover isn't over yet. The key to making them look cool and not costume-y?

"Pair a Western shoe with a more modern, polished outfit. Think more Ralph Lauren and less rodeo costume. A crisp button-down and dark straight-leg denim paired with a Western shoe gives the outfit just the right amount of Western influence."

SOVANYOU Western Kitten Heel Mules

If cowboy boots aren't your thing, may we offer you these kitten heel mules instead? They have Western-inspired stitching and contrast paneling. 

Matisse Willa Western Boots

These cowboy boots are a steal considering most of them will run you upwards of $300. Available in several colorways, they have traditional Western embroidery and a low block heel.

JENNIE's Adidas ballet sneakers are finally here and selling out fast.

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