Fall Shoes!

Oval Toes

Some would argue that trends in shoes move faster than trends in clothing. So to keep up with this fall’s fashions in footwear, we got expert advice from Jay Alexander, creative director and buyer for Pumpz & Co., one of the area’s best shoe stores. 

For years Marc Jacobs has been exaggerating his round toe boxes. We started seeing oval universally last year, and this season it's proved it has staying power. Marc Jacobs, $395.

Photo by Michael Rupert

Boots

This season's boots come in a multitude of heights. Jay Alexander says to think about your lifestyle and how you're going to wear the boots: If you're only wearing them under jeans or trousers, the shaft height doesn't matter. If you're wearing them over pants, try a higher boot. With a skirt, try a bootie with opaque tights. Feeling edgy? Go the extreme with an over-the-knee boot. Claudia Ciuti, $395.

Nut Brown
Say goodbye to chocolate. This year's brown is “nut,” a rich, reddish brown.

Photo by Michael Rupert

Platform

The platform is back in a big and small way. If the word platform brings back memories you'd rather not revisit, check out the new, sleeker versions. Some are so subtle and elegant you'd hardly know they're there. Bettye Muller, $325.

Photo by Michael Rupert

Flats

Finally! There's no shortage of cute flats to wear as an alternative to sneakers for on-the-go days. They're especially practical when traveling. Claudia Ciuti, $270.

Photo by Michael Rupert

Suede

By itself or mixed with other materials (patent leather makes a beautiful combo), right now suede is where it's at. Yes, we know this is Minnesota, but the element of class that suede lends to an outfit is hard to resist, even in the snow. Stuart Weitzman, $250.

Photo by Michael Rupert

Wedge

Every shoe collection this season has wedges—especially on boots. You can wear this trend to suit your lifestyle. Short, medium, and tall wedges all look great with everything from jeans to skirts. Stuart Weitzman, $355.

Black
Of course, black is still a staple. This season, it goes luxe in suede and velvet, for night and day alike. Or, switch up your basics with dark gray, burgundy, or navy (again, especially in suede).

Photo by Michael Rupert

Pumps

The pump has returned. Whether you go for an oxford style, a metallic, or an open-toe paired with cable-knit tights, you can break up your winter boot rotation with a great pump. Bettye Muller, $395.

Photo by Michael Rupert