Fall shoe trends: What to wear now
Fashion week might have you looking ahead to what you'll be clamoring for in spring 2011, but for fashion fans in the here and now, it's time to get outfitted for fall. When you're switching gears for colder weather, accessories make all the difference. You'll need coats, scarves and gloves, but above all, what you wear on your feet should match the season.
As your minimalist sandals make their way toward the back of the closet, more substantial styles should be taking up priority space. If you crave creative touches on classic styles, you'll love what designer shoes have in store this fall. The best part is that it's easy to shop online for designer shoes and get them at a discount - without having to buy into styles from past seasons.
Here are some ideas for what you should wear as you transition your wardrobe into the crisp months of fall and early winter.
* Boots. There are a few dominating trends that you might want to get in on: rugged details, over-the-knee boots, and, in contrast, booties. Lug soles are showing up everywhere, roughing up even sleek styles like Prada shoes. It's right in line with the military-inspired jackets, camp shirts and fitted cargo pants that are turning up everywhere. The leg lengthening effect of super tall boots has obvious appeal and makes a statement that will get you noticed. Booties range from the demure to the aggressive and pair perfectly with everything from skinny jeans to flirty skirts.
* Platforms. Big shoes are in, there's no doubt about it. Designers are adding height wherever they can to turn you into a long-limbed "glamazon." Platforms anywhere from 1/2 inch to as much as 2 inches can be found on everything from daytime clogs to Christian Louboutin shoes for evening. If you watch the red carpet at awards shows in the coming months, you'll see lots of celebrities trotting around in these bold shoes, and you'll look just as good in them, no red carpet needed.
* Peep-toes. If you live in an area where the snow starts flying come December, take your chance to get in on this trend while the weather's still friendly. The peep toe is a classic shoe design element, but it's showing up in unexpected places as well as on office-friendly styles like Cole Haan shoes. Some of the more fashion-forward iterations of booties and tall boots will even let you show off a bit of your pedicure. Just make sure that you have your toes done in avant-garde tones that have been seen on the runway: grays, beiges and even blues and greens will add some serious fashion cred to your look.
Just a few additions to your shoe wardrobe can keep you on the leading edge of style this fall. Shop around online to find designer shoes at discounts of up to 40 percent and your wallet will thank you.