In-the-Know Fashion People Are Trading In Their Black Shoes for This Sleek Alt
Though you can't go wrong with buying a pair of classic black pumps, flats, or loafers, an alternative color option is making the rounds in fashion right now. It's just as timeless and chic but has a slightly more of-the-moment touch that has well-dressed people across the U.S. and Europe trading in their go-to black footwear. The shade I'm referring to, of course, is burgundy—otherwise referred to as merlot, oxblood, maroon, and even Barolo if you're Bottega Veneta.
Ever since fashion month back in February, burgundy has been rising the ranks, showing up all over Paris Fashion Week street style and on the runways at shows such as Hermès, Gucci, and more. First thought of as just another color trend, the neutral shade has transitioned into a seasonless wardrobe staple in record time. Content creators, editors, stylists, and, yes, celebrities are all hopping on board, specifically in the shoe department.
On Katie Holmes in NYC:
On Katie Holmes: A.P.C. Natacha Ramsay-Levi Edition Clinteau Jeans ($221); Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina ($215); Khaite Amelia Medium Leather Tote Bag ($2400)
Most recently, Katie Holmes was spotted walking around her neighborhood in New York City donning the same pair of burgundy ballet flats from Mansur Gavriel that she's been seen wearing all summer long. With them, she kept her look pretty casual with wide-leg A.P.C. jeans, a relaxed button-down shirt, a baseball cap, and Khaite's cognac-colored Amelia tote. The outfit, though casual and low-key, appears far more stylized and intentional because of the shoe color she selected, which ties all of the ensemble's pieces together.
If flats aren't your cup of tea, plenty of best dressed candidates across Europe are opting for heeled alts in various shades of burgundy, from Gucci's viral Signoria slingbacks to Phoebe Philo's high-heeled pumps from her Celine days, which were spotted on stylists Elly McGaw and Hanna MW in Paris and Stockholm this year.
On Elly McGaw in Paris:
On Elly McGaw: Gucci coat; Celine shoes
On Hanna MW in Stockholm:
On Hanna MW: Celine shoes; Balenciaga skirt
If you're as ready as I am to trade in a few pairs of black shoes for sleek, 2025-ready burgundy alternatives, I've got you. Scroll down to shop the shoe trend that's set to take off this fall and winter.
Shop the burgundy shoe trend:
My co-worker Kristen has these and raves about them. I love the sophisticated toe shape.
These will look so cute with sheer or fishnet tights in the fall.
This heel height will give you just enough of a boost without being uncomfortable or hard to walk in.
Trust me—you won't regret opting for burgundy ankle boots over the same black ones you've bought time and again.
I've had my eye on these for months. They're so elegant.
I just know these would go with everything, from a slip dress to jeans.
These are perfect for wearing with tights and a pencil skirt.
Eliza Huber is a New York City–based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and celebrity style. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.
-
If You Thought Black Bags Were Classic, Wait Until You See Dakota Johnson's Timeless Alt
It's somehow both timeless and on-trend.
By Eliza Huber
-
Taylor Russell and NYC Fashion Girls Are Ditching Vintage Jeans for This Fall Denim Trend
It's a more elegant alt.
By Eliza Huber
-
Sienna Miller Just Swapped Her Jeans for Fall's Biggest Pant Trend
This is worth noting.
By Natalie Munro
-
J.Lo Just Swapped Her Jeans for the Skirt Trend That's All Over H&M and Mango
And she wore fall's top color trend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Anne Hathaway Wore the $50 Flats Nordstrom Shoppers Are Obsessed With
They come in six colors.
By Eliza Huber
-
The Only 7 Colors to Buy If You Want to Look Sophisticated and Rich
It's really that simple.
By Eliza Huber
-
Shenseea Caps Off North American Tour in Showstopping Look
The international pop star gives us an all-access pass to her final show.
By Jessica Baker
-
Zoë Kravitz Just Wore the Shoes That Will Make Your Basic Jeans Look Very 2024
A bit unexpected.
By Nikki Chwatt