Although we're still in the midst of (a very ropey) summer, the high street is already one step ahead. Trench coats, light cardigans and classic footwear have returned to the shelves of our favourite stores as the seasonal switch-up approaches. Soon enough, the warm(ish) days will ease into milder mornings, and whilst many pieces in our wardrobes will continue to work hard, reliable autumn styles are about to come into their own. With months spent slipping on flip-flops and throwing on dresses, I’m ready to help ease your wardrobe into the transitional period. And my first port of call is shoes.
Over the past few seasons, footwear has become a dominant category in the fashion space, with the revival of the flat shoe and the return of beloved classics like ballet flats and Mary Janes, so it felt only natural to start here. I know you probably don't want to sit around scrolling through websites or traipsing up and down the high street hunting for the best pairs, but I see it as a personal challenge to explore the fresh array of trending footwear on offer and decipher the mainstay styles that are truly worth a spot in your collection. This time, I've started my new-season exploration with consistently on-trend and reasonably priced H&M.
My personal style is all about comfort, ease and polish, and that's exactly what 2024 shoe trends provide. Whilst there will always be a place for a standout heel or elevated mule, I'm focused on H&M's trending flat-shoe styles as the most practical and hard-working wardrobe additions. True to form, the brand has tapped into classic styles that remain prominent in fashion circles as well as honing in on fresh style inspiration from the runways.
Earlier this year, brands like Prada, Givenchy and Stella McCartney made a case for the return of the pointed-toe shoe in their A/W 24 shows, as a classy silhouette primed for a comeback, and H&M has already designed pointed slingback and mule styles that look five times their price tag. Ballet flats are going nowhere, having proven their longevity in our shoe collections over the past few seasons, and for autumn 2024, H&M has looked to two-tone styles, contemporary square-toe shapes and understated colourways.
Despite being an all-year shoe, loafers are synonymous with autumn thanks to their versatility in styling with everything from dresses to tailoring, and I've found three pairs that feel particularly elevated. And as we're thinking about the arrival of chillier days, we have to talk about boots. H&M is predicting that knee-high pairs will be the trending style to know about, offering a chance to restyle our summery minidresses over the next few months.
Finally, Mary Janes remain a fashion-person favourite as a delicate yet comfy footwear choice, and H&M offers a modern edge with square shapes and playful textures from suede-like to satin-esque.
Ready to explore the five trending flat-shoe styles at H&M? Keep scrolling.
1. CLASSIC BALLET FLATS
Shop the Trend:
The two-tone design is so elegant.
The juxtaposition of the classic bow and modern square toe adds interest.
Neutral shades are endlessly versatile.
2. TIMELESS LOAFERS
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A very designer-passing pair.
Wear with jeans, tailoring, dresses, skirts and more.
The deep burgundy shade feels so elevated.
3. POLISHED POINTED FLATS
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Add undeniable elegance to any look with sleek slingbacks.
I still can't believe these are from the high street.
You'll reach of these on workdays and weekends alike.
4. AUTUMNAL KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
Shop the Trend:
These have a higher price point because they're 100% leather.
Cowboy boots continue to be a fashion-person favourite.
A suede take on classic biker boots, these also come in black.
5. SWEET MARY JANES
Shop the Trend:
The suede-like finish adds to the expensive-looking feel.
I've fallen for this vibrant red pair.
I have a feeling these will move quickly.
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