When it feels like the classic items in my wardrobe have taken over and my outfits are getting a bit predictable, a little injection of quirky styling is usually the fix. It's never anything too dramatic, just something small and unexpected that effs up a perfectly fine look—like a way-too-fancy vintage brooch, a belt that feels a bit wrong, maybe an off-season handbag that doesn't quite make sense.
This kind of effortless quirk is synonymous with Gen Z styling, which I love for all the irony and messy individuality it brings to fashion that can feel dominated by wardrobe staples and investment-worthy neutrals. It's the kind of fun, covetable styling I associate with writer and stylist Michelle Li, who may have just missed out on technically being Gen Z, but whose delightfully unpredictable sense of style defines the genre. As I dove into her feed for some autumn footwear inspiration, I couldn't help but notice the easy styling trick she uses to layer in a tiny bit of extra personality to her looks. Here's Li wearing 10 of this season's most on-trend shoe styles, that she's proving look even better with socks.
T-Bars
T-bar styles are popping up all over the place this autumn, with a preppy school-uniform vibe that lends itself perfectly to being paired with socks. From Tory Burch and Reformation's easy-to-wear flats to Sézane's mock croc heels, these are perfect if you're a Mary Jane devotee who's looking for what's next.
Shop T-Bar Shoes:
I love this chunkier take on the style.
Nothing says 'autumn' like brown suede.
This pair has such a retro feel to them.
Technical Sneakers
Ultra-sporty and technical sneakers are here to add a little weirdness to our outfits, particularly bright neon pairs that seem designed with a potential search and rescue operation in mind. For something a little more subtle but with the same energy, look for more subdued colours with mixed textures, particularly Gortex and mesh. Pair them with dress socks to keep things quirky.
Shop Technical Sneakers:
The easiest way to add a pop of colour to your outfits.
Salomon is known for their comfy footwear.
For those who prefer a more neutral hue.
Kitten-Heeled Pumps
I love a sticky trend. Case in point? Kitten-heeled pumps, which aren't going anywhere. Creamy white styles are carrying over from summer, classic black pairs remain worthy of your investment, and this particularly on-trend burgundy option from Nine West gets bonus points for its suede-like finish.
Shop Kitten-Heeled Pumps:
How chic is this heel?
These will go with everything.
So iconic.
Classic Ballet Flats
Classic black ballet flats are somehow still managing to be both a wardrobe staple and an autumn trend. Keep them feeling fresh by taking a cue from Li and mixing textures, juxtaposing your go-to pair with socks that are just a little fluffier and chunkier than you'd expect.
Shop Classic Ballet Flats:
These look so comfy.
The bows are so cute!
These look way more expensive than their £22 price tag.
Retro Sneakers
Low-rise sneakers with a vintage vibe continue to dominate the space below the ankles of fashion people everywhere. A special mention to the brighter hues that fashion people are loving, which feel extra punchy when paired with fresh white socks. Ditch those no-show socks and go for something fun that feels intentional.
Shop Retro Sneakers:
Freshen up your autumn outfits with this yellow hue.
These will never date.
Such a pretty shade of pink.
Loafers
As an aging millennial, I'd say that loafers and socks go together like Summer and Seth: a little bit wrong, but oh-so-right. Lean into white socks with black loafers for some extra '90s Julia Roberts energy.
Shop Loafers:
The loafer on every fashion person's wishlist.
I love this burgundy shade.
Wear with dresses, skirts and jeans alike.
Square-Toe Slingbacks
Slingbacks have had a big year, and I'm personally thrilled to see some more square-toe styles are here to give our toes a little break. In terms of adding socks, I'll just say that is styling perhaps better suited to nights when you're getting a car right to dinner versus taking the subway. Try it out around the house first.
Shop Square-Toe Slingbacks:
These will immediately add a touch of elegance to every outfit.
This cream shade is so versatile.
So sleek.
Black Sneakers
Black sneakers are having a little moment. I love the sporty style juxtaposed with Michelle Li's sheer silver skirt. The grey socks create a tonal look with a mix of textures.
Shop Black Sneakers:
Sambas will never go out of style.
These are high up on my autumn wishlist.
It doesn't get more iconic than Converse.
Clogs
Whether you're wearing them out to the letterbox while working from home or to dinner on a Friday night, clogs deserve a little place in your autumn wardrobe. Flat styles with socks will scratch that normcore itch, while heeled mules with sheer stockings feel very downtown cool.
Shop Clogs:
I live in Birkenstocks come autumn time.
I love how these are styled.
Leopard print is here to stay.
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