3 Outdated Fall Shoe Trends and 3 That Are Right on the Money

I know the term "outdated" may seem silly to those of you who stay true to your personal style no matter the trends, but it never hurts to be aware of the constantly evolving fashion cycle should you decide to partake. When it comes to shoe trends for fall, there are a few styles that stand out based on what retailers are stocking and what fashion girls are wearing. 

Below, I've rounded up some shoe trends that are good bets for the upcoming fall season as well as the styles that aren't as popular right now. Naturally, I also threw in some outfit inspo courtesy of Aimee Song, Alyssa Coscarelli, and others. Keep scrolling for suggestions on how to style the biggest fall shoe trends for 2022. 

Wearing: Tall, Structured Leather Boots

Not Wearing: Ultra-Slouchy Suede Boots

Right now, I'm seeing everyone wear tall, structured leather boots—particularly styled with skirts or shorts. It's the perfect transitional outfit for summer-to-fall weather that lets you hold on to some sunny-season favorites while test-driving new pieces for September and beyond. 

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

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(Image credit: @kristengracelam)

Wearing: Loafers and Oxfords With Socks

Not Wearing: Lace-Up Flats

When it comes to the flats category, I am all about loafers right now. Specifically, I like them styled with high socks in a contrasting color. On the other hand, lace-up flats tend to be too twee for my taste and feel a bit out of place for fall and winter. 

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(Image credit: @michellaccc)

Wearing: Retro Sneakers

Not Wearing: Wedge Sneakers

Here's your sneaker cheat sheet: If your dad would have worn them in the '70s or '80s, they're cool. I'm currently obsessed with classic styles and retro-inspired versions. For instance, you can never go wrong with Nike Daybreak sneakers, which were first released in 1979, or the Adidas Samba sneakers from 1950 that Bella Hadid recently wore.

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Next: The Easy 2-Piece Outfit I Wear Every September and October

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Associate Director, Fashion News

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.