Fall 2024 Shoe Trends for Women
The funny thing about shoe trends is that what goes out of style ends up coming back a few years later. For that reason, I tend to not throw shoes away (unless they’re falling apart, of course). For example, ballet flats and Mary Janes were out of style the past few years, but I didn’t care — I wore them anyway and kept them. And now they’re back “in” style!
This year, the five trends I’ve been seeing everywhere for fall 2024 are Mary Jane flats, the color red, mesh flats, cap toes, and heeled loafers. Which is your favorite?
Mary Jane Flats
Mary Jane shoes are known for their low-cut, closed-toe design and a strap that typically fastens across the instep (often with a button or buckle). Traditionally, they have a rounded toe and a flat or low heel. Originally designed as children’s shoes, they have become a staple in women’s fashion as well (especially this fall due to the resurgence of nostalgic fashion).
There’s a few different ways to style Mary Jane flats, including wearing them with knee-high socks or tights as the weather gets cooler. Not sure I can pull that one off personally, but never say never.
Miranda Mary Jane Flat | Issa Rhinestone Mary Jane Ballet Flats | Reyes Mary Jane | Vic Chisel Toe Mary Janes | Elsa Mary Jane Ballet Flats | The Elsie Mary Jane Flat | Michaela Mary Jane Flat | Marley Mary Jane Flat | Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flat
Red Shoes
A “pop of red” is on trend this fall, and that can be found in clothing, jewelry, or shoes. I personally can’t pull off too much bright red due to my skin tone/hair color, so red shoes are the perfect option for me to try this season. In a season typically dominated by neutrals and earth tones, red shoes provide the perfect contrast.
To style red shoes, let them be the stand-out piece of the outfit. Some ideas are paired with a camel coat, paired with jeans and a white-button down, or as a pop of color “peeking” out of a maxi skirt or dress.
Michaela Mary Jane Flat | Peyton Double Buckle Slingback Flats | Dancerina Mary Jane Ballet Flat | Lucca Loafer | Marc Fisher Luminos Pump | Apron Toe Loafer | Cohen Pointed Toe Flat | Joy Ballet Pumps | Sophi Mary Jane Flat
Cap Toed Shoes
Cap toe shoes are characterized by an extra piece of material stitched over the toe box, creating a defined “cap” at the front of the shoe. The cap not only reinforces the toe area, making the shoe more durable, but also adds an elegant, polished look. It’s often referred to as the “Chanel cap toe slingback” (Coco Chanel popularized the style back in the 1950’s), although most of us mere mortals have the knock-offs.
This year’s trend isn’t just the classic nude and black cap toe slingback — there are different shades, heel heights, and patterns to choose from.
Banks Pointed Toe Slingback Pump | Sadey Slingback Mary Jane Cap Toe Flat | Petaluma Slingback Flat | Dancerie Cap Toe Pump | Marisol Cap Toe Pump | Klara Cap Toe Flat | Marilyn Cap Toe Ballet Flat | Willette Slingback Pointed Cap Toe Pump | Cap Toe Ballet Flat
Mesh Shoes
At first, I wasn’t sure if I was on board with the trend of mesh flats. The breathable, lightweight design allows for ventilation (important for those of us with sweaty feet — something no one likes to talk about), but with the feminine look of a ballet flat. The transparency of mesh adds a distinctive design element, allowing for creative detailing like layered fabrics, subtle patterns, or embellishments that show through (like the rhinestones you see in the options below).
Elsa Mary Jane Ballet Flats | Free People Mania Mesh Bow Flat | Cushionare Mesh Flat | Seychelles Neon Moon Mesh Flat | Desi Mary Jane Mesh Flat | Nina Flats | Rodni Mary Jane Flat | Mesh Ballet Flats with Buckle Strap | Releve Metallic Flat
Heeled Loafers
Heeled loafers blend the traditional loafer design with some added height for a more feminine look. The picks below feature block heels and platform heels, which both offer a different look (depending on what you’re going for). This trend saw a resurgence with the broader appreciation for retro and preppy fashion.
To style heeled loafers for the office, pair them with tailored trousers, a crisp button-down shirt, or a structured blazer. For a more casual look, heeled loafers can be styled with cropped jeans, an oversized sweater, or a statement coat.
Holliston Block Heel Penny Loafer | Bandolino Korrar Loafer | Avalia Penny Loafer Pump | Darry Leather Loafer | Desi Lug Sole Loafer | Sonoma 2 Loafer | Jordan Loafer Flats | Kenneth Cole Elina Slingback Bit Loafer Pump | Call It Spring Maaggie Loafer
