Photos: Courtesy of Tod's; Bottega Veneta; Gucci
Chunky Loafers
Is chunky the new smoking loafer? Tods and Gucci say yes. Comfy and endlessly versatile, think of this style as the perfect foundation for your winter capsule wardrobe—colorful cashmere socks not required, but highly recommended.
Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta; Proenza Schouler; Khaite
Go Over the Knee
No pants, no problem—over-the-knee-boots offer all the coverage you need for the season. Style them with tights and minidresses the Khaite way, or pair them with a statement coat, as seen at Bottega Veneta, that is the outfit. Choices are rarely black or white, but in this instance, they are.
Bottega Veneta
Canalazzo leather over-the-knee boots
Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu; Prada; Gucci
Covetable Kitten Heels
Equal parts elegant and wearable, the kitten heel shoe takes the crown as most coveted style of the season. Prada’s white pumps, which are adorned with floral appliqués, will make most fashion girlies’ hearts flutter, though, Miu Miu’s patent leather slingbacks are just as darling with their little bows. Style them with wide-leg jeans, casual fall dresses, or denim midi skirts—there are no wrong answers here.
Prada
sculptural floral kitten heels
Photos: Courtesy of Hermès; Michael Kors; Staud
So Suede
A quintessential material for winter, all eyes are on suede right now–and you have Hermès and Michael Kors to thank for that. Look to Staud, alongside other contemporary brands like Reformation, Toteme, and Aeyde, for everyday options at more accessible price points. Ankle and knee-high styles will transition seamlessly into spring with dresses and denim.
Photos: Courtesy of Chloé; Bottega Veneta
Gold Touch
Black leather and gold-tone accents epitomize minimalist glamour–and play particularly well with monochromatic looks. Consider this a trophy piece for nights out, especially when set on a thick heel you can actually walk in.
Photos: Courtesy of Sportmax; Khaite; Givenchy
Warm and Fuzzy
Warning: Furry footwear may inspire strangers to touch your feet. Fluffy, long-haired shoes aren’t entirely surprising, though; the heels prominent on the runways at Khaite and Sportmax mirror the tactility we first noted in our handbag trend report. If cocooning your foot feels a bit too much (there are puddles to consider!), a shearling-lined mule or ballet flat works just as well.
Photos: Courtesy of Valentino; Ferragamo; Gucci
Soirée-Ready Satin
Dreamed up in a rainbow of hues to suit your every whim and mood, satin heels are the ultimate holiday dressing shoe. Ferragamo makes the case for head-to-toe grey or Matisse red, while Givenchy goes for a bold with hot pink. Embellished black tights, as seen at Gucci, add an extra layer of warmth that’s especially on-point when styled with open-toed mules.
Photos: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen; Proenza Schouler; Valentino
Shoes as Jewelry
More is definitely more with these statement shoes—from McQueen’s sequin-encrusted boots to Valentino’s feather-adorned lace-ups. For an office-appropriate take, turn to Dries Van Noten for inspiration: The Belgian designer paired sharp workwear separates with metallic boots for contrast. It’s a winter outfit formula you can easily recreate with similar silver or gold-toned footwear and neutral tailoring.
