There are oodles of fall shoe trends coming your way – here’s a highlight reel of the big four.

Can you believe it’s fall already? While I’m sure you’re secretly pouting about having to put away your most adored sandals for another season, it’s time to turn that frown upside down and focus your attention on the fall shoe trends you’re going to be sporting in T-minus… well, however long it takes you to read this article.
Because the fugly shoe trend left me practically catatonic, I thought it best to emotionally prepare for the upcoming shoe trends we’re going to be seeing. To do so, I enlisted the help of Meghan Cleary, America’s shoe expert and author of “Shoe Are You?” to boldly go where our feet have never gone before.

Here are the top 4 fall shoe trends you’re going to fall in love with – and sample kicks to get your collection started (don’t mention it):

1. Black pump stilettos

“The fall is going to be a cornucopia of shoe trends,” says Cleary, and one style of kicks that’s going to be making a serious comeback is the basic black pump (peep or closed toe). (Pssst… If you want to make the most of your high heel experience, Cleary’s free handbook “Shoe Are You? How to Be Unstoppable in Your Stilettos” is a must-read!).

Why not try:

• The Crystal Pumps by olsenHaus feature a synthetic upper made fully from recycled TV screen microfibers for a suede-like look and feel.
• The olsenHaus Muse Pump is also made of recycled TV screen microfibers and features a mary jane-inspired strap with contrasting spike heel. The platform is made from recycled tire and natural cork.
• There are plenty of like-new black pumps to choose from on ThredUp, like these by Via Spiga, Dv by Dolce Vita and Shoe Mint.

2. Sneakers

“We’re going to be seeing the widest variety of sneakers and color ways we’ve ever seen in the market for both men and women,” says Cleary. Sneaker fever is in full force, and I couldn’t be happier. They’re perfect for the girl on the go, and the balance between contemporary and athletic makes me feel slightly less resentful toward my experiences in elementary school gym class.

Why not try:

• The ECCO Chase sneaker is a sporty lace-up made of rich leather with a cushioned midsole for all-day comfort. It also has a removable, antibacterial leather insole to keep your feet fresh and cool.
• The Ahnu Noe sneaker can be described in two words: Simple chic. They’re made of water-resistant suede and sport a traditional lace-up design.
• The People’s Movement’s Marcos High Top Sneaker are Fresh Prince in the best way possible: They’re part sneaker, part moc, part boot – and part awesome. They’ve been created with upcycled construction, so they’re as eco-friendly as they are fashionable.

3. Chunky heels

Warning: The fugly shoe trend isn’t going away any time soon. Stock up on tissues and Pepto accordingly. “There’s going to be more of the same on the fugly shoe front with Birks and athletic slides,” says Cleary. “We’re also going to see a lot more in the flatworm category with big chunky, chunky heels added to everything from loafers to sneakers.” Oh. Em. Gee.

Why not try:

• A new twist on an old favorite, the J-41 Olympia is an oxford-inspired shoe with a chunky heel for an added feminine touch.
• If you’re feeling a little Scary Spice, then you’ll love Cri de Coeur’s Allison Ankle Boots. Exotic, funky and sure to turn heads, they feature an animal print ultrasuede and eco faux leather upper, paired with a reclaimed wood sole.
• The Paradise Mary Janes by Kailia offer a modern feel to the timeless style. The 100 percent cruelty-free upper is made of velvet with a metallic confetti print and tonal faux leather. On top of the four-inch chunky heel, there’s a hidden one-inch platform that provides extra height for all that strutting you’re going to be doing.
• The Yema Peep Toe Shootie by Fly London has lace details on the back for a perfect fit. Super versatile and built for all-day comfort and support, you won’t know what you did without them.

4. Masculine boots

Rebel chic is back! Oodles of masculine boots are flooding the market and I personally couldn’t be happier. Everything from scrappy-looking biker boots to riding boots to lumberjack boots. I’m tempted to twirl in a meadow and sing “The Hills Are Alive.”

Why not try:

• The Harper Chukka Boot by Nisolo is a classic borrowed from the boys – and is one of Nisolo’s most popular styles. You can effortlessly pair them with jeans and a tee, or with your fave dress and leather jacket to edge up your look.
• ECCO’s Sullivan Tall Riding Boot will have you walking in comfort all day long. Best of all, they have a secret interior wedge to add height and extra cushioning.
• Timberland’s Earthkeepers Amston Wedge Boot have this adorable lumberjack feel with a fleece-lined fold-over cuff that adds to their earthy appeal.
• If you’re feeling particularly badass, throw on the Rammish Boots by Blowfish for a trendy fall look. You’ll love the folded button accents along the side!

Which fall shoe trends are you most excited about?

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Image: Maegan Tintari

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Cool sneakers are a big deal: Here’s how to wear them well.

Cool sneakers are the new stiletto, and this writer couldn’t be happier. While I love me a high heel, I spend so much time focused on not breaking my ankle I don’t remember most of my day (I wish I was joking). But this was the price I paid, because every time I’d attempt to wear sneakers with my outfit, I looked like I was about to shoot a rap video.

Fashion powerhouses like Givenchy, Chanel and Christian Dior have not only embraced the cool sneakers trend in their collections, they’ve kicked things up a notch – giving us the opportunity to enjoy the sneaker culture we’ve transitioned into while still looking chic.

Here are 11 effortless ways to rock the cool sneakers trend:

1. Don’t just wear any sneaker
You should have non-gym sneakers that are clean and flattering, and have a certain je ne sais quoi about them – you want people to know you’re wearing them as a fashion statement.

2. All or nothing
Depending on your personality, you’ll either want to stock up on barely-there ankle socks or go all in with eye-catching socks that complement your ensemble.

3. Be particular with the rest of your outfit
Make sure the rest of your outfit is polished with clean lines (in other words, no frumpy pants that sag over your cool sneakers). The whole point is to offer a stylish contrast between masculine and feminine.

4. Start with a monochromatic look
If you’re new to the world of cool sneakers, make a splash by wearing a monochromatic look and use your sneakers as the pop of color your outfit is waiting for. Keep the color palette simple for a complicated shoe.

5. Mix and match
Experiment! Mix different outfits with different cool sneakers without fear you’re “doing it wrong.” Go with your gut and wear what you love – confidence will always make or break an outfit.

6. Go super feminine
Wear form-fitting, uber-girly pieces (like leggings, skinny jeans, or maxi skirts), which will turn your sneakers into a cute accessory instead of an eyesore.

7. Consider the fabric
For example, if you’re wearing a flowy dress made out of a light fabric, go for cool sneakers made of canvas. If you’re wearing an edgy, tailored outfit, opt for patent leather sneaks.

8. Don’t mess with timeless pieces
When you’re wearing timeless pieces (such as a pencil skirt), keep your sneakers understated. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

9. Keep an eye on proportions
Wearing high-top sneakers with a knee-length skirt will make you look shorter – opt for low-tops that will elongate your legs.

10. Add an equally cool jacket
To me, nothing beats a faux leather jacket to edge things up a bit.

11. Accessorize accordingly
Adding sophisticated accessories will nix any doubt that you’re on your way to the gym. Opt for things like a super-tailored blazer, lux fabrics like cashmere, straight leg jeans or a structured bag (like a bucket bag or clutch).

Have you embraced the cool sneakers trend?

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Images: dreams and pancakes, Laura4Smith

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Nude Shoes have been dotting the fashion horizon for awhile now. Long touted for their leg elongating abilities, it’s a current footwear trend I must confess to being a little slow on the uptake on – My “wacky getups” (Yes – I do take that as a compliment) seem to demand a substantial shoe to anchor down all the hijinx above. I’ve tried nude shoes on here and there but always felt a little, well, naked.

But like skinny-dipping, sooner rather than later it’s better to just take the plunge. And here’s why: Not only will nude shoes serve as the perfect foundation for the pretty prints and florals currently decorating summer’s minis and shorts, they’ll work for all the looks coming down the line next season and beyond.

Fall is all about structured minimalism – call it the Celine effect. Phoebe Philo’s influential collection set the tone for fall’s pared down preciseness, a discipline that includes color. Think architectural and well-cut in camel, beiges, khakis, and add in more camel for good measure. Serving as a calm focus to all this constructural refinement, the nude shoe is a clarifying complement.

The recent resort 2011 collections – historically considered vacation clothes for those who could escape chilly winters for tropical climes, now seen as uncomplicated and wearable early spring fashions – were filled with lace and ladylike sixties references, the nude shoe determining the provenance of many of the silhouettes. See Stella McCartney’s collection for the most Shrimpton-esque interpretation of resort dressing.

And one more reason to go bare: Fashion’s ongoing love affair with all things gray. Whether its heather, steel, or charcoal; gray is a color that’s not going anywhere for a very long time. Nude pairs so nicely together – it’s my favorite new color combo. You try it. It’s hue heaven or, to be chromatically correct, its shade Shangri-la!

My ethical picks for nude shoes:

1. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Lady Dragon Ball peep toe heels.

2. Olsen Haus’ Balance 2 peep-toe pump with cork platform and heel.

3. Olsen Haus’ Atlantis disco heel in copper with grey faux suede.

4. Cri de Coeur’s Nude Emma elastic wedge sandal.

5. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa 3 strap flat.

6. Coclico’s Ndakinna Mink clog bootie with spat-inspired draping.

7. Coclico’s Nymph Smoke peep-toe wedge sandal.

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