Sole Searching, Fall’s Newest Shoe Trends

By: Sharon Mosley

What should be at the top of your fall shopping list? A new pair of shoes! Or two or three! An instant wardrobe changer, this season’s hottest footwear are going to get you headed in the right direction. Step out in chunky platforms, pointy toe flats, ankle booties, loaded loafers, furry heels or T-strap pumps.

This fall, shoe designers have given us plenty of choices. In fact, many of the latest footwear might even be considered “art to wear sculpture” — so what if they sit perched prettily on a shelf in your closet? However, most of us will definitely want to show off these new styles. Just do your own sole searching and you’ll come up with lots of shoes that will add extraordinary personality to your wardrobe. Start with this list of fall favorites:

—Think texture. It’s all about the mix this year, according to shoe designer Stuart Weitzman. “For fall, I was inspired by the softer feminine side of menswear,” he says. Weitzman mixes various textures like ostrich, snakeskin, croco and haircalf to give his shoes unmistakable fashion flair. Don’t miss the furry heels out there this season…they will add a real shot of glamour to your wardrobe. Ditto for shoes swathed in elegant lace.

—Think platforms. It’s a season of ladylike classics, but shoe designers “pump” up the latest heels with thicker, “block-like” platforms that give the basic shape a sexier silhouette. Watch for sling-back pumps adorned with flirtatious bows to be big hits. Platform loafers and oxfords are also making news. For even more of a trendsetting style, search for platforms in bold colors like the cobalt blue pumps by Vince Camuto. Tres chic!

— Think luxe loafers. Yes, you can come down off your platforms and slip into some comfortable flats. But don’t think these new loafers are dull and boring…they’re loaded with ornate crests like the ones at Ralph Lauren or great animal prints like the ones at 3.1 Phillip Lim. Look for a pair of pointy-toe flats to really give your wardrobe a new edge.

—Think softer shades. It’s not spring out there, that’s for sure, but footwear designers are making us all blush with softer colors that mimic the pale shades found on the runways. Think subtle hues of rose, pale pink and nude neutrals. Check out Michael Kors suede blushing booties.

—Think ankle booties. Whether they’re flat and rugged in tough leather, or they’re mod with a touch of ’60s Beatles rocker style, ankle booties this fall are great to pair with leggings or wear by themselves with short or long mid-length skirts. Higher heeled ankle boots with pointed toes or wedge heels lend more of a sophisticated polish to fall outfits.

—Think knee-high boots. The ultimate in the shoe story for fall, the stacked heel, knee-high boot gives any wardrobe a power surge of stylish energy. Wear them with fitted pencil skirts to add a fresh spin to fall ensembles. For a more relaxed look, pull on a pair of flat knee-high boots — perfect with a chiffon dress or wool skirt and denim jacket.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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