I'm a Shoe Expert—7 Classic, Autumn-Ready Pairs That Belong in Every Capsule Wardrobe

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 in place of caged fisherman sandals, boasting chunky soles (while we bid farewell to slip-on sandals). The trainers coming in are deliciously retro with some awash with berry hues (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 trends.

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 the Trend:

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Callamu 50 Elaphe Mules

£675

Pair this with a pair of cream barrel jeans.

Whistles

Elba Snake Ballet Pump

£119

Whistles have a handful of wonderful snake print accessories this season.

KHAITE

Marion Snake-Effect Leather Mules

£700

The sleekest animal print shoes you did ever see.

2. Retro Trainers

Style Notes: Fret not if you prefer comfort over everything (which I'm sure counts for the majority). Trainers, in particular, the retro 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 the Trend:

ME+EM

Retro Trainer

£195

Also available in this gorgeous olive colourway.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS

Gazelle Indoor Suede, Grosgrain and Leather-Trimmed Raffia Sneakers

£110

As the owner of Gazelles (one of two trainers I own, seriously) I'm so tempted by the grosgrain version.

MAISON MARGIELA

Replica Suede and Leather Sneakers

£550

Note the prevalence of Burgundy as we transition into autumn fashion.

3. Fisherman Sandals

Style Notes: 2024 may be the year I'm endeared to fisherman sandals. Why now you ask? I've finally realised it may just be the most transitional shoe and one to extend the wear of summer footwear. As a sun worshiper, I aim to hold on to summer for as long as I can. Plus, the burgundy styles are irresistible.

Shop the Trend:

MANGO

Fisherman Sandal

£60

Would you believe these are high street shoes?

EMME PARSONS

Ernest Leather Sandals

£485

I don't consider myself a footwear person but my love for Emme Parsons' shoes would suggest otherwise.

JW ANDERSON

Fisherman Embossed Leather Sandals

£381

JW Anderson offers a streamlined silhouette with contrast stitching.

4. Block Heel Pumps

Style Notes: Court shoe and itty bitty heel iterations have become one of the most directional shoes of Autumn/Winter 2024. 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 Trend:

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Sweetie Jane Suede Flats

£620

Christian Louboutin strikes again with two trends on one shoe.

MIISTA

Bibi Patent Khaki Courts

£250

Miista's Bibi shoes are entirely directional and on par with Hermès olive-toned courts.

aeyde

Delia Leather Ballet Flats

£270

Between the creamy hue and smoothened leather, Aeyde's Delia shoe is worth celebrating.

5. The Reinvented Mary-Jane

Style Notes: They may feel inherently summery but the resurgence of flats has garnered mass attention and lovers of the style are clinging on to their Mary-Jane shoes for as long as they can. If you observe A/W 2024'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 the Trend:

LE MONDE BERYL

Crinkled Patent-Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats

£425

The glossy burgundy is well matched for the autumn season ahead.

ME+EM

Square Toe Ballerina Flat

£295

The material and colour of the season in a squared-toe ballerina Mary-jane hybrid.

BALLY

Banya Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats

£620

Both Bally's handbags and shoes are worthy of praise.

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:

Arket

Heeled Leather Mules

£189

A welcome flash of colour.

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Maysale 50 Buckled Velvet Mules

£645

It wouldn't be a mule edit without Manolo Blahnik.

Reformation

Heather Block Heeled Mule

£298

The colour, fabrication and squared-off toe makes this vintage style shoe appear modern.

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:

ESSĒN

The Glove Boot - Chocolate

£329

Between the colour and shape, it's perfection.

& Other Stories

Heeled Ankle Boots

£175

This autumn's chocolate suede in boot form.

Arket

Stretch-Leather Sock Boots - Black - Arket Gb

£229

A sock boot is easy to pair with jeans.