Nothing marks the start of fall like packing away our sandals and busting out our favorite closed-toe shoes. And while some classic styles are synonymous with this time of year — a knee-high boot, a classic loafer — this fall/winter season is bringing plenty of interesting trends into the mix.
The ’90s and early aughts nostalgia, for one, is still a leading influence over our sartorial choices, with more and more long-forgotten trends having full-on renaissances. Mary Janes are back in a big way, reimagined in a variety of different styles and heights, while the slouchy boot has (finally) made a triumphant return. Carrying over from the first half of 2022, towering platforms are still very much en vogue, adding a few extra inches to everything from our dancing shoes to our everyday boots — and to the delight of the heel-averse, this includes wedges, too.
Of course, Y2K fashion isn’t the only thing influencing what we adorn our feet with. The chunky loafer is still going strong, and if you partook in Cowgirl Summer, you’ll be pleased to know that your Western-leaning footwear will remain a mainstay through 2023.
For the most part, this season’s shoe offerings are pretty practical, but they certainly don’t lack excitement. In partnership with Nine West, we’re deep-diving into the five trends set to dominate the remainder of 2022. Keep reading for your guide to navigating them all, whether you want to channel your inner rodeo queen or party like it’s 2003.
The Western Boot
If there was one shoe trend to dominate this past summer was, surprisingly, not a sandal — it was the cowboy boot. A quick scroll through our social feeds or simply stepping outside proved that the rodeo-ready boot was the cool girl’s footwear of choice, effortlessly paired with warm-weather favorites like the slip dress and mini skirt — a modern take on Americana. Needless to say, the trend is still going strong, now paired with tailored trousers or swingy midi dresses. But fear not: You don’t have to go full yee-haw to participate. If you’re not ready to commit to a true cowboy boot, try dipping your toes in with a subtler option. Think black ankle booties — a quintessential fall shoe — with a pointed toe and signature Western V-shaped shaft.
Nine West Ghost Ankle Booties, $, available at Nine West
The Reimagined Mary Jane
Considering just how many ’90s trends have resurfaced in recent years, it’s hardly surprising that the Mary Jane is the next nostalgic shoe to make a comeback. While the classic Mary Jane may be inherently prim and proper, reminiscent of the school uniforms of our youth, this season sees a slew of variations that can be styled in a multitude of ways. Think grown-up flats with statement hardware, chunky styles that nod to grunge’s heyday, and sculptural, wide-heeled platforms that give this typically goody-goody style a party-ready feel (that’s arguably much easier to dance in compared with a stiletto). We know what we’ll be wearing to this year’s lineup of holiday soirées.
Nine West Kares Platform Mary Jane Heels, $, available at Nine West
Platform Everything
After a year-plus of living in sweats and slippers, it’s only natural that 2021 saw trends from the opposite end of the sartorial spectrum emerge at their most extreme. Dopamine dressing took hold, bringing excitement back into getting dressed, as towering platforms stomped down the runways. And in 2022, heightened heels, the aforementioned Mary Janes, and boots of all varieties are still very much having a moment. The good news? This trend is inclusive of the easier-to-walk-in wedge, ideal for those prone to teetering in a too-tall heel. Try a chunky platform boot — not only are they significantly more comfortable, but they make trudging through snow and sleet a (stylish) breeze.
Nine West Henrita Chelsea Platform Booties, $, available at Nine West
The Chunky Loafer
Mary Janes aren’t the only academia-inspired footwear in the spotlight: The chunky loafer is still making its rounds among the fashion set, and we don’t see the hype dying down anytime soon. The ideal post-sandal season transitional shoe, it’s a great option for those first weeks of fall when you’re not quite ready to bust out your boots — though that’s not to say they can’t be styled year round. Pair them with a chunky knit and straight-leg jeans for a casual-yet-polished vibe, or go full prep-school chic with white ankle socks and a pleated skirt. Opt for styles with fun elements like oversized chains or sparkly embellishments to keep things interesting.
Nine West Gracy Lug Sole Loafers, $, available at Nine West
The Slouchy Boot
Remember slouchy boots? The ’80s- and ‘00s-favorite silhouette faded into obsolescence for upwards of two decades, and though it’s made a few runway appearances in recent years, it wasn’t enough to ignite a full-on comeback…until now. The time has come, and the slouchy boot has now reemerged as a leading boot trend for 2022. Today’s iterations come in a variety of heights, colors, and materials, but in the spirit of the ongoing Y2K revival, consider reaching for a shimmery, iridescent snake print pair (that you should most definitely wear with a butterfly top).
Nine West Tasta Dress Boots, $, available at Nine West
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