The Shoes I am Obsessed With for Fall
A chic and versatile flat to up your style game before boot weather takes hold.
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How is it already October! Is autumn in full swing where you are?
Temps in Los Angeles are still at summer highs, but at night we are starting to dip into what might be considered crisp. (Can you hear my midwestern self trying to make seasons happen here in Southern California? 😅) As I eagerly await layering weather — that coveted moment when I can finally swap my sundresses for sweaters — I have shifted my fashion focus to shoes. One very specific style has caught my eye, the perfect fall flat to try before boot season hits in earnest.
More on why I love this look, and which shoes I bought, below. Take care, friends. xx
The Only Shoes I Want to Wear this Fall
Two words: Mary Janes. I can’t stop thinking about them! But not all of them. My obsession is not about the kind with chunky soles or a sky-high platform or any sort of meaningful heel. Nothing loud or stomp-y. The Mary Janes I find enchanting right now are more of a whisper, an echo of a slipper.
Mary Janes are a year-round style, to be sure, but the luxe fabrics they come in make the most sense to my mind in the autumn. Velvet, silk, patent leather — OH MY. Or should I say: Yes, please. I’m so ready to swap my sneakers for something just as easy but a tad dressier. I love how Mary Janes can add polish to a pair of raw-hemmed jeans or perfectly punctuate a floral dress. If you’re worried about them looking a touch too prim, try them out with something menswear-inspired, like cropped pleated trousers or a blazer and straight-legged jeans. The contrast is <chef’s kiss>.
My top pick are these navy velvet Mary Janes from Alex Mill. It’s a brand I’ve been curious about for a minute (it was started by the J.Crew founder’s son) and the fall assortment is so good. I also bought this striped top, a polo sweater, and this color-block cardigan. I shall report back!
A few more Mary Jane styles for you to think about below:
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Since this ladylike look has proven its staying power, I’d recommend investing in a pair of black velvet Mary Janes. A versatile classic! You can dress them up or down, wear them with florals, stripes, or solids. There are loads of options but I would argue the best-of-the-best is the pair above, with simple, elegant lines.
Click to shop: Vintage pointy-toed
If you’d like to carry your coastal grandma aesthetic from summer into autumn (here for it!), I’d recommend a Mary Jane with a slightly pointy toe like these. It’s just enough of a style detour to steer you towards that welcome vintage vibe.
Are you a statement shoe person? These are tempting me! Like the navy ones I linked above, these colorful silk Mary Janes are made through a collaboration with the Italian brand Drogheria Crivellini (swoon). The contrasting edging keeps it in the realm of chic rather than childish. Feels like a fun way to add a bit of interest to my jeans-and-a-crewneck-sweater fall uniform. PS: They also come in navy + black, tan + black, and a light blue + orange.
Click to shop: Unexpected ivory
For fall? YES. I would avoid bright white but anything in the ivory or cream family pairs so well with woodsy autumnal shades like burnt orange or olive green. The slightly square toe helps give this pair a bit more of an edge, too.
If white is a step too far, this style also comes in a soft silver and leopard print. Bonus: They are all on sale right now.
Click to shop: Dressy patent leather
My friend Marina, maker of towering platform boots, released a pair of Mary Jane flats for fall — which means they must be cool. For your dressiest occasions, or anytime you want to add a little pop of polish, patent leather is a win.
Lastly, I have to give an honorable mention to these ballet flats, which have the same feminine vibe to them. I own this style in a crinkled metallic — first linked in this London newsletter — and they are among my most comfortable shoes. What they lack in arch support they make up for in the most relaxed fit. I am vv tempted by the brown velvet ones.
What is on your fall shopping list? Hit “Join the Discussion” and leave a comment on my Bulletin page. You can also send me an email at Hello@SoManyThoughts.com.
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