By: Vanessa Elmer
August 21, 2009
If shoes could talk, this season’s selections would be speaking so many different languages and combining so many different sentence structures, I’m not sure a mere human could understand what they were saying. Some trends have come back around (as fashion has a tendency to do), but some mark this season as a daring evolution into strikingly new ground.
Fall’s shoes encompass a vast range of characteristics, including cutout shapes, over-the knee style boots, metal details, buckles, peep toes, suede, wedge heels, chunkier triangular shaped heels, sky high stiletto heels, lace-up styles…the list goes on. This season’s most ubiquitous shoe current may not be a single trend, but the fusion of different styles in look and construction.
Urban Outfitters shoe collage via www.urbanoutfitters.com
This season oxfords are everywhere, some models refreshingly reminiscent of the saddle shoe, in several different varieties of course. Some precisely mimic the classic model and some are more modern descendants, incorporating other seasonal trends such as cutouts or peep toes.
Clockwise from top left: Dolce Vita ‘Myron’ (Dolce Vita), Harajuku Lovers ‘Packard’ Oxford (Nordstrom), VANELi ‘Poseidon’ peep toe oxford (Nordstrom), Urban Outfitters Candela NYC Spectator Oxfords (online only)
Boots are taking on so many different forms this season; it’s hard to keep up. One clear runway trend is the always dramatic over the knee boot. Chunky heels and/or platforms attached to these statement boots make them even more dangerous, but all the more in.
September 2009 cover of Elle UK
The lace-ups merge well with certain cutout styles as well. Here, we see a lace-up leather boot with the front cut out to form a thong sandal. The fusion of boot and sandal that arose in the spring comes full speed into fall with new shapes and details.
Urban Outfitters Matiko Lace-up Sandal (zip-up back)
More Lace-ups clockwise from top left: Chocolat Blu Quest Leather Boot (DSW), Via Spiga ‘Crispin’ Riding Boot (Nordstrom), Olive Oxford Boots (Anthropologie)
Metal details are making their mark on shoes this season as well. Whether in the form of buckles, bangles, studs, or sequins, they always add a touch of rock n roll to the footwear they adorn. Metal details on black booties are most coveted for fall. Try a suede or even canvas pair for extra edge and texture.
Clockwise from top left: Facade (Nine West), Jeffrey Campbell ‘Us’ Ankle Bootie (Nordstrom), Suede and Metal Boots worn by Lindsay Lohan for Elle UK September 2009 photo shoot (Isabel Marant), Gold Silver Studded Suede boots (Christian Louboutin)
Perhaps the most pervasive trend for fall footwear is the use of peep toe and cutout shapes. This trend provides a brilliant link between seasons. The peep toe and/or cutouts allow a thinly exposed foot to feel that last breeze of summer, while providing an enclosed form perfect for the crisp air of fall. The style transcends into winter, when worn with tights or thin socks. The trend also works with a wide variety of patterns and colors.
Clockwise from top left: N.Y.L.A. Mariah Plaid Bootie (DSW), Poetic License ‘Kiss & Tell’ Pump (Nordstrom), Vince Camuto Buckle Bootie (Victoria’s Secret), JS by Jessica Truffle Peep Toe Ruffle Bootie (DSW), Zigi Soho Zipora Platform Bootie (DSW), SM Luxe Trump Studded Cut Out Ankle Bootie (DSW), N.Y.L.A Zoolander platform Shootie (DSW), Viva (Dolce Vita)
The cutout heel is a particularly popular mode of the cutout trend, often combined with the peep toe or cutout front. This type of construction makes the shoe captivating from all angles.
So, with all these bewitching selections to choose from, how does one decide which to sport? The fall season is all about drama and bold, innovative shapes. Be true to your personal style, but don’t be afraid to deviate from your comfort zone or to choose something that fuses multiple trends. Indeed, the best selections of the season are poetic blends of varying details and construction.
Your perfect fall shoe might just be a little visually unsettling at first; something the eye has to inspect and then reconcile before comprehending the statement it makes. At the end of this process you will realize you have something that you and others will adore.
