Raimonda Kulikauskiene/
In the crisp air of autumn, beyond the usual PSLs and cozy sweaters, there’s one certainty: it’s time to trade in your sandals and flip-flops for some adorable closed-toe footwear. Whether you’re on the hunt for fresh footwear or simply want to stay in the loop about the latest 2025 fall trends, we’ve gathered all the details for you. We spoke with a celebrity stylist and a footwear designer to uncover the must-have styles of the season.
Jenni Lee, celebrity fashion stylist and image consultant
Arabella Barros, creative director at John Fluevog Shoes
JC Olivera/Variety via
We kick things off with a show-stopping shoe trend. Booties are adorable, but this season, it’s all about the taller, thigh-high boots.
“I believe the ‘no-pants’ trend from spring and summer naturally led to the rise of thigh-high boots this fall,” explains Jenni Lee, a celebrity fashion stylist and image consultant. “We’ve seen them on the runway in a range of styles—from romantic at Chloe to sleek at Stella McCartney, and classic, pirate-inspired designs at Vivienne Westwood.”
For a playful ensemble, Lee suggests pairing them with tiny shorts and shimmering, thick, opaque tights, topped off with an oversized concert tee. Alternatively, try them with slim jeans (they’re back in style) and a cropped, super fluffy sweater.
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/
Loafers and autumn go hand in hand, and the ’90s throwback vibe is in full swing, so it’s no surprise that loafers are set to soar in popularity this season.
“With the comeback of ’90s and early 2000s minimalism, loafers pair perfectly with sleek silhouettes, long-line coats, and wide-leg trousers, which have been the stars of the 2025 fall/winter collections,” Arabella Barros, creative director at John Fluevog Shoes, explains.
She personally enjoys loafers with a twist, like a heel or unique fabric that add a touch of flair. Pair them with ankle-length tailored pants or wide-leg trousers to maintain a sharp, contemporary look, or channel the ‘back to school’ spirit of fall by matching loafers with items like blazers, pleated skirts, and layered knits.
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/
Mary Janes remain a hot choice for fall 2025, now reimagined with striking materials, comfortable soles, and innovative design.
“The ‘back to school’ academic vibe is in vogue, and Mary Janes are a great match for that aesthetic,” Barros notes. “Consider pairing them with knitwear, blazers, pleated skirts, and knee-high socks with lacey, textured, or ruffled cuffs. These shoes are also incredibly versatile and comfortable, with many featuring lower or chunky heels and secure straps for easy wear.”
Christian Vierig/
Sneakers are always a go-to for autumn, and for 2025, low-profile silhouettes are making a splash. These streamlined sneakers boast ultra-thin soles, minimalist shapes, and retro-inspired details that evoke the ’90s and early-2000s track styles. Brands like Puma, Adidas, and On have brought back classic silhouettes, while designers are enhancing the trend with luxurious textures like suede and pony hair.
Edward Berthelot/
This style has been a staple in the fashion-forward community for years, according to Lee, but she credits the 2025 fall surge to the viral “tabi-swiper tinder date” TikTok challenge.
“Originating in Japan, this style has been primarily associated with high-fashion label Maison Margiela, known for its split-toe styles available in various shapes, from ballet flats to boots and Mary Janes,” Lee adds. “Since this is such a bold shoe, I always recommend keeping the rest of your outfit simple to let the Tabi silhouette stand out. What I love about them is that they instantly elevate any outfit and add an interesting twist.”
Barros mentions that the ’90s square-toe style is a major trend for autumn 2025, now featuring modern materials and patterns to feel fresh and innovative.
“Many boot silhouettes for fall 2025 have a low heel, making them stylish, comfortable, and easy to walk in,” she points out. “Brands at the fall/winter ’25 shows showcased vintage-inspired boots, paired with flowing dresses or midi skirts. Attendees at Paris and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks also sported these vintage boots with tailored skirts, oversized knits, and structured coats.”
Christian Vierig/
Dubbed the “Cowboy Carter effect,” sparkling accents, particularly silver metal, are still a strong trend for autumn 2025. “I noticed silver details on shoes and boots across the fall runways,” Lee shares. “At Tory Burch, we saw delicate flowers, blocky squares on stilettos at Acne Studios, and at Louis Vuitton, there were cut-out, cap-toe ankle boots.” Avoid the excessive country western vibe and opt for sleek, understated, and sophisticated details.
Pascal Le Segretain/
Joining the Mary Jane in the spotlight for 2025 fall fashion is the T-strap shoe. Barros tells us that she’s seen fashion influencers and media at numerous fashion week events wearing T-strap shoes, and they’re also trending on social media.
“Pair a patent T-strap shoe with a mid-length skirt, a button-up blouse, and a V-neck sweater for a layered look. Add ribbed socks and a leather bucket bag for a youthful and fresh vibe,” she suggests. “For a minimalist style, match square-toed T-straps with tailored trousers, a thin knitwear top, and a long-line coat. These shoes also look fantastic with a midi dress and a leather coat or blazer.”
