At a certain point, “but they’re so cute” stops being reason enough to spend the evening scouting for a place to sit. If you’ve done your time in pumps that pinch and sky-high heels, consider fall a permission slip to give your feet a break — and your shoe collection a refresh. This season’s most popular shoe offerings are full of flats that are so stylish you won’t think twice about leaving your heels in the closet.
To help narrow your shopping list, we asked stylists for five easy shoe swaps that combine the polish of heels with the comfort of your everyday sneakers. Whether you’re dressing up denim, heading to dinner or pulling together an office outfit, these picks prove you don’t need extra inches to look chic. Below, shop the pairs that won’t have you counting down the minutes ’til you can kick them off.
Riding boots
Classic riding boots are back in the saddle and here to give your fall wardrobe a little equestrian polish. “They’re polished, practical and work with everything from denim to dresses. I love the contrast of a classic riding boot with something softer,” says Zanna Roberts Rassi, celebrity stylist and Afterpay’s consumer trends expert.
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Sturdy yet chic, riding boots are tough enough for leaf-strewn walks but sleek enough to rein in the most relaxed outfit. Their clean lines and timeless appeal make them an investment you’ll reach for not only this fall but for seasons to come.
Loafers
Loafers have clocked in for fall, and they’re ready for more than office hours. They sharpen up jeans, complement tailored trousers and give feminine dresses and skirts a touch of menswear-inspired polish. Consider them the shoes to reach for when sneakers feel too casual and heels feel like too much work.
Fashion stylist Tara West says this season’s styles give this classic a fresh edge. “Look for an interesting shape, a higher vamp, beautiful leather or an unexpected detail that makes the shoe feel modern,” she says. Wear them sock-free now, but when the temperature gets even colder, add a pair for a little warmth and a lot more personality.
Ballet sneakers
Part ballet flat, part sneaker, the ballet sneaker (or “sneakerina”) brings a softer touch to sporty footwear. A slim silhouette and delicate laces or straps give it a more refined feel than chunky trainers, while sneaker-like comfort makes it an easy stand-in for heels when you want to dress up a bit but give your feet a break.
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“The ballet sneaker is going to be everywhere this fall. It combines the feminine feel of a ballet flat with the comfort and sportiness of a sneaker,” says West. “It’s an easy way to update denim, trousers or even a skirt.”
Jazz shoes
With their low profiles and understated, minimalist design, jazz shoes offer enough polish for everything from dinner plans to date nights — so your pumps can sit this dance out. Try them with cropped trousers or a flowing midi skirt for an easy balance of tailored and soft.
“Jazz shoes and sleek derbies are what I’d consider a stylish alternative to structured, bulky shoes. They’re almost like a response to menswear shoes but fitting for feminine silhouette,” says stylist Derek Warburton. “Plus, the simplicity and sleekness make it perfect to pair with a wide range of clothes.”
Boat shoes
Boat shoes are cruising into fall, bringing a little preppy attitude to your everyday rotation. Leather laces and a moccasin-inspired shape help give even the most casual outfit a pulled-together feel — so you can elevate your look without going, ahem, overboard.
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“Boat shoes are back, but they feel more refined this time around. I like them with straight-leg denim or relaxed trousers for an effortless, slightly preppy look,” says personal stylist Anna Lovett. Lightweight enough for warm autumn afternoons and polished enough for evening plans, they’ll anchor fall outfits with ease.
