There’s still a ton to unpack from a month of fashion shows across New York, London, Milan, and Paris. This season saw young and exciting brands, like Deveaux and Christopher John Rogers, finding their footing. Meanwhile, established houses continued to mold their legacies, such is the case with Hedi Slimane's second ready-to-wear collection at Celine and the emotional final collection of Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. It's a daunting task to dissect so much Capital-F Fashion all at once, and therefore it’s not a bad idea to start from the ground up. Namely, with the best fall 2019 shoe trends straight from the runways. Because if nothing else, you'll want to put your best foot forward six months down the line.
The shoe trends coming out of Fashion Month are always a source of fascination because they hint at how women may expect to move about their world in the months ahead. And for Fall/Winter 2019, it's evident that she’s got options. Among tons of amazing trends seen in the new collections, there were boots both thigh-high and slouchy as well as lug-soled and tough — two bold silhouettes that don't shy away from taking up a bit more space. For heel lovers, the lineup included shapes that seemed to have more stability and support than your average spindly stiletto, including styles that hinted at retro ‘20s fashion with elegant T-straps and platforms you'd likely have found at Studio 54. Other popular themes included shoes that not-so-subtly bordered on slippers (and arguably suggested the need for self care), party shoes decked out in jewels, and animal print designs that confirm last season’s It-print is staying put.
After taking it all in, the 10 biggest shoe trends of the month include a balance of practicality and joy in the process of getting dressed. They offer a chance for women to escape, to celebrate, to hustle, and to not feel beholden by a shoe that's impossible to walk in. See a breakdown of these 10 dynamic styles below.
Shoe-lery
The Fall/Winter 2019 is not about to make a woman choose between stand-out shoes and stand-out jewelry. In this case, she can have it all with bits of shine attached to the material of the soles á la Hellessy and Area, or dripping right from the ankle for some unapologetic opulence courtesy of Sies Marjan.
Animal Instincts
The fashion industry hasn't had enough of fall 2018's wildly popular animal print trend. This time around, the motif will draw all eyes to right below the knee, as seen on the runways of Rejina Pyo and Rosetta Getty. For something a little different, try Victoria's Beckham's peep-toe variety.
Strong Platform
Providing extra lift as well as extra support, the retro platform heel was made current with rich textures from Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Kate Spade New York. Saint Laurent's iteration was extra sleek with a pointed toe shape and patent leather finish.
Such a Slouch
Jacquemus, Marc Jacobs, and Lanvin were extra generous with their boot silhouettes this season, providing tons room to slouch with every step. Most New Yorkers will need to make space in their closets if they want to get on board with this exaggerated boot shape. Thankfully, it's worth it.
To a T
If you're looking for a shoe that will instantly lengthen your leg, feast your eyes on the elegant shape seen on the runways of Rodarte, Rachel Comey, and Altuzarra — the last of which incorporated an extra touch of embellishment around the ankles. You can try the style come autumn, or get a head start by perusing your favorite vintage sellers for T-strap designs now.
X-Files
Another common theme of much of Fashion Month was criss-cross straps across shoes of all colors, fabrics, and heel heights. Sies Marjan added the detail on ballet flats, while 3.1 Phillip Lim showed it on chic, two-tone pumps. For Peter Pilotto, a bright blue, textured heel with crossed straps at the ankle is a welcome update to the fall party shoe.
Flower Power
Floral prints are arguably never missing from the collections, but for next season the motif makes an extra strong presence across some of the boldest and most alluring boot styles. Rochas added subtle buds to its over-the-knee black boots, while Zimmermann and Jonathan Cohen went for brighter palettes and more pronounced petals.
Warm And Fuzzies
Fall 2019 marks a time to lean into your self care routine with cozy, comfy textures. 3.1. Phillip Lim, Nanushka, and Rosetta Getty each reimagined the fluffy house slipper for their presentations, and officially provided an invitation to wear your house shoes beyond the front door.
Heavy-Sole Boots
No laces, no problem. Lug-sole boots were all over the fall collections and the two-tone pairs below were arguably the most effortlessly edgy ones due to their ability slip on with any ensemble. Tods, Tibi, and Bottega Veneta each showed iterations of this heavy silhouette and styled them with sleek, cinched jackets. It's a suggestion that this trend is a new staple for stylish career women everywhere.
Elegant Slip-Ons
Laceless brogues by George Esquivel at Ryan Roche, pointed slippers at Carolina Herrera, and a new classic loafer at Marc Jacobs all offered alternatives for those not keen on wearing heels. While these styles will obviously pair well with trousers — as seen on the runway — they also create a lovely balance with fall's pretty, midi hemlines, too.
