Wondering what those in the know will be wearing on their feet this fall? Well, it's time to satisfy your curiosity and get a jump on the hottest women's boot shoe styles for fall.
Below, I've rounded up several of 2011's top footwear trends for fall, along with links to additional information.
Below, I've rounded up several of 2011's top footwear trends for fall, along with links to additional information.
Footwear Colors for Fall 2011
Diane Von Furstenberg 'Rebel' Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)
Fortunately, spring 2012 is set to bring with it an abundance of vivid, colorful shoes, but until then, we're left with at least another season full of neutral footwear. As a color-lover myself, I know that choosing another pair of brown, beige or black boots or shoes might seem a little boring, and I feel your pain.
But try to remember that there is a good reason that neutral footwear is so popular, and that is because it's so easy to wear. Let's face it, you might find a pair of yellow boots that really strike a chord in you, but they're just not going to go with as many outfits as, say, a pair of black boots would. The other upside is that there are still some colorful options to choose from for 2011, with shades of red and blue being the most prominent, followed by foresty shades of green.
But try to remember that there is a good reason that neutral footwear is so popular, and that is because it's so easy to wear. Let's face it, you might find a pair of yellow boots that really strike a chord in you, but they're just not going to go with as many outfits as, say, a pair of black boots would. The other upside is that there are still some colorful options to choose from for 2011, with shades of red and blue being the most prominent, followed by foresty shades of green.
Fall 2011 Boot Trends for Women
Steve Madden 'Banddit' Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)
The last big boot trend we've seen is boot and bootie styles with open toes and cutaway sides. There's nothing really new to report in that area -- the trend has been going strong for a few years now, and while those styles are still available, they're not as omnipresent as they were even last fall. Instead of finding ways to strip more of our boots away, designers have apparently decided to refocus their attention on other details -- specifically, the details of fastening systems.
In the fall and winter of 2011, boots with a heavy emphasis on their laces, ties, belts, straps, buckles and zippers are all going to be getting a lot of attention. I've especially been noticing a lot of boots with cinched uppers, and multiple buckled straps popping up all over the place.
In the fall and winter of 2011, boots with a heavy emphasis on their laces, ties, belts, straps, buckles and zippers are all going to be getting a lot of attention. I've especially been noticing a lot of boots with cinched uppers, and multiple buckled straps popping up all over the place.
Hot Shoe Trend for Fall : Animal Print Shoes
Sam Edelman 'Ria' Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)
Who's up for another round of leopard, zebra, and cheetah prints? I'm hoping you are, since there's going to be a ton of fall shoes and boots with animal print uppers this fall and winter.
The good news about this trend (which barely even seems like a trend since it actually resurface every 2-3 years), is that if you stick to classic styles and avoid trendy details that might date the shoes or boots, then you actually don't have to wait for anyone to tell you their "in," because they're never really "out" in the first place.
Below are a few of my favorite styles of the season.
The good news about this trend (which barely even seems like a trend since it actually resurface every 2-3 years), is that if you stick to classic styles and avoid trendy details that might date the shoes or boots, then you actually don't have to wait for anyone to tell you their "in," because they're never really "out" in the first place.
Below are a few of my favorite styles of the season.
Women's Pumps get Updated for Fall
Kate Spade 'Leena' Image: Piperlime.com (Buy Direct)
As a staple in most women's wardrobes, pumps, in and of themselves, are not trendy. Rather, it's the little details that are added to pumps that tend to change from season to season. There is a lot of drama going on with pumps for fall 2011, but the interesting thing is that it's coming in two forms that are on opposite ends of the style spectrum.
On one hand, you'll be seeing a lot of feminine details like bows, ruffles, and ladylike embellishments. At the same time, big, bold, and chunky heels have also stampeded their way onto the shoe store shelves. In some cases, as with the Kate Spade evening pumps shown here, you'll even find both types of detailing on the same shoe.
Beyond those details, you can't go wrong with a well-placed strap, be it a mary jane, ankle, or t-strap, and sky-high heels and platform soles are still all the rage.
If you can't wear heels, don't worry, I've also been seeing a lot of lower and kitten heels cropping up in most of the major shoe stores. Between the prevalence of these styles and chunky heels, women who need a break from stilettos definitely have something to look forward to.
On one hand, you'll be seeing a lot of feminine details like bows, ruffles, and ladylike embellishments. At the same time, big, bold, and chunky heels have also stampeded their way onto the shoe store shelves. In some cases, as with the Kate Spade evening pumps shown here, you'll even find both types of detailing on the same shoe.
Beyond those details, you can't go wrong with a well-placed strap, be it a mary jane, ankle, or t-strap, and sky-high heels and platform soles are still all the rage.
If you can't wear heels, don't worry, I've also been seeing a lot of lower and kitten heels cropping up in most of the major shoe stores. Between the prevalence of these styles and chunky heels, women who need a break from stilettos definitely have something to look forward to.
2011 Boot Styles for Women
Nine West 'Jeanie' Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)
As far as boot styles go, there's really nothing out of the ordinary for fall 2011, and instead of any huge trends, there are actually several smaller trends... or, as I like to call them, "mini-trends."
Among those mini-trends is a rise in popularity of western boot styles. Ankle boots are also going to be especially prevalent this fall, as are boots with layers, or partially-exposed undershafts. Another mini-trend in women's boots for fall 2011 is styles that feature quilted uppers.
Among those mini-trends is a rise in popularity of western boot styles. Ankle boots are also going to be especially prevalent this fall, as are boots with layers, or partially-exposed undershafts. Another mini-trend in women's boots for fall 2011 is styles that feature quilted uppers.
Fall Wedges for Women
DV by Dolce Vita 'Paloma' Image: Piperlime.com (Buy Direct)
I'm sure by now you've noticed that, this spring and summer, wedge heels have been everywhere. You'll probably want to settle in for a while with that notion, since they're also going to be dominating the 2011 fall shoe market. Tall boots, ankle boots, pumps, and booties will all be sporting wedge heels this fall.
The good news is that, even at taller heights, wedges are usually easier to wear than stilettos, but I've also seen a decent number of wedge heeled shoes and boots that actually fall into the mid-height range -- which is good for those of us who aren't giving in to the trend towards heels that are 5 inches and over. Another back-saving trend this fall is the return of chunkier heels -- but don't worry stiletto-lovers, there will always be lots of sky-high, ultra-skinny heels to choose from.
The good news is that, even at taller heights, wedges are usually easier to wear than stilettos, but I've also seen a decent number of wedge heeled shoes and boots that actually fall into the mid-height range -- which is good for those of us who aren't giving in to the trend towards heels that are 5 inches and over. Another back-saving trend this fall is the return of chunkier heels -- but don't worry stiletto-lovers, there will always be lots of sky-high, ultra-skinny heels to choose from.
Fur, Faux Fur and Shearling: A Top Trend in Fall Shoes and Boots
Chinese Laundry 'Very Nice' Image: Endless.com (Buy Direct)
If you're like me, then one of the things you love most about fall and winter is the shear fluffiness of fashion. From thick, fluffy sweaters to faux fur boots, I really can't get enough of bundling up, so I'm especially excited to report that we'll be seeing even more in the way of faux fur and shearling boots than usual. Of course, there will also be lots of real fur footwear to choose from, but I can't honestly say I'm happy about that part. But, however you prefer your fluff, there's going to be a lot of it around in fall and winter 2011.
Even though you may not be wearing these styles until later in the fall, or early winter, you'll want to start shopping for them at the beginning of the season. You'll find the best selection, and you'll also be prepared for the first cold and snowy days of winter.
Even though you may not be wearing these styles until later in the fall, or early winter, you'll want to start shopping for them at the beginning of the season. You'll find the best selection, and you'll also be prepared for the first cold and snowy days of winter.
Metallic Shoes and Boots are Hot for Fall and Winter 2011
UGG Australia 'Classic Sparkles' Image: Zappos.com (Buy Direct)
And finally, I've come to one of the biggest trends in women's shoes for fall 2011: metallics. Specifically, metallic shoes with glitter, crystals, and rhinestones, but even if you're not the overly-shimmery-type, you're going to have a plethora of footwear in silver, gold, pewter, platinum, and bronze to choose from.
