As any red-blooded Canadian fashionista will tell you, autumn is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the sartorial year. In terms of footwear, this means abandoning the lazy sneakers and sandals of summer for more sophisticated, towering leather boots. Or does it?
While leather boots on both height extremes (ankle and over-the-knee) still reign supreme, shoe trends for fall 2014 are definitely taking some heavy pointers from street-style and sportswear. More edgy design inspirations like platform heels, metallics, and glitter have been huge this autumn, as seen in the collections of Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, and Nick Cannon’s diamond-encrusted Tom Ford loafers, of course. The hottest colours of the season include camel, deep reds like burnt and burgundy, and white (sorry, Labour Day). The main animal-inspired looks for autumn 2014 are snakeskin (though nobody would say no to some crocodile or lizard as well) and leopard print, with overall themes borrowing from 90s grunge and summertime carry-over (strappy sandals, white, sneakers).
Hit the ground running in autumn 2014 with the hottest footwear trends…
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Over-The-Knee Boots
No, this isn’t something from Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman wardrobe. Yes, over-the-knee boots are back. Everybody from Burberry to Robert Clergerie is pushing the look. Feeling a little self-conscious about your legs? Apparently the biggest medical trend of fall 2014 is getting liposculpture to contour calves for tall boots.
Sneakers
For fall 2014, boots are out and sneakers are IN. Well, that’s a slight exaggeration, particularly when you consider Canada’s generally rainy/ hailing/ snowy autumns. But you get the idea. Major sneaker trends include white sneakers carrying over from summer, flatform, slip-ons, unusual materials (think metallic and patent leather), and expensive fabrics. Pair them up with your favourite boyfriend jeans or leather pants for a youthful streetstyle look.
Combat and Biker Boots
While black leather is as about as synonymous with autumn as falling leaves and poor decisions during frosh week, the 90s grunge trend has brought back combat boots with a vengeance. Perhaps best predicted by Miley Cyrus in her Wrecking Ball music video, you can either grab a classic pair of Doc Martens or fancy it up in some Alexander McQueens.
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Platform
Shorties rejoice! Platform wedge heels and flatform sneakers are totally in for this fall. Whether on a pair of combat boots or creepers, you can pretty much catch this trend on every shoe type. Remember ladies, the higher the platform, the closer to Jesus.
Chelsea Boots
In a return to practicality, Chelsea boots are classic, functional, and – perhaps most importantly – generally comfortable. They’re also a great way to pay homage to the 90s grunge and punk-inspired trends of late without going as aggressive as combat boots.
Strappy Heels
Impractical, expensive, and totally irrational are often the detractors used against fashion. This is one of those times they may be on to something. Or not. Strappy, towering heels are in for fall, and not to just at formal functions. We’re talking hitting the café in a pair of Alexander Wangs.
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How will you be styling these shoes for fall? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
