7 Shoe Trends To Up Your Footwear Game In 2023

If your fall wardrobe calls for a seasonally appropriate update, the best place to start is from the bottom. Solid style choices begin with a fashionable foundation, so what better way to step into a series of fresh ensembles this year than in one of the biggest shoe trends of 2023? 

Maybe you’re contemplating a pair of sneakers to kick things off but have no idea if something dad-approved, chunky, or classic white is the way to go. Perhaps you’re in need of a trusty boot but are unsure if it should land above, below, or right around the knee. Toiling over whether or not giant platform heels are really worth the inevitable tumble? 

Ahead, we’ve got answers to all these questions and more. And while the best fashion trends will always be whichever ones are worthy of your very own style moodboard, let this be an accessory guide for what the sartorial savants are adopting this year, should you wish to follow in their footsteps. 

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Shoe Trend 2023: Mary-Janes

The appeal of preppy attire has yet to fade, but when it comes to the aesthetic’s favored shoe style, don’t settle for a plain old Mary Jane. The latest twist on this trend takes the classic silhouette up a notch, sometimes even literally with chunky soles and sky-high heels. Think: luxe fabrics, bold patterns, multiple straps, and pearly embellishments.

Shoe Trend 2023: Knee-High Boots

In the same way skirt hems are (somewhat) believed to rise and fall with stock prices, certain boot lengths are favored over others depending on the mood of each season. Not as low as a bootie but not as tall as its over-the-knee counterpart, the knee-high boot is the perfect in-between option no matter what color, fabric, or heel you pair it with.  

Shoe Trend 2023: Magenta

Pantone revealed Viva Magenta to be the official color of 2023, meaning a magical melange of crimson red, hot pink, fuchsia, raspberry, and maroon will be making its way into our closets in the form of one bright, bold hue. There’s no wrong way to wear this mood-enhancing hue, which can give everything from sneakers and flats to heels an extra punch. 

Shoe Trend 2023: Fancy Flats

As much as platform soles are having a moment right now, so, too, are flats, from ballerina styles to the pointy-toed tips that were peak Y2K. But don’t confuse these flats for commuter shoes, because what they lack in height they make up for in sparkle. These are fancy flats fit for dance floors and fabulous fêtes. 

Shoe Trend 2023: Moto Boot

Biker fashion is officially in thanks to motorcycle-inspired everything on the spring/summer 2023 runways. There were buckles and gloves and leather galore, with protective pants and moto jackets cementing the aesthetic as a style staple. You don’t need to be racing to appreciate what the trend can add to your fall wardrobe, and dipping your toe in with a chunky boot is a good place to start. 

Shoe Trend 2023: Bow Ties

As much as we love chic suiting, this dazzling trend has nothing to do with tuxedos. Instead, think of your feet as gifts to be wrapped, your toes as tiny presents you can tie right up in a bow. That’s the signature look of up-and-coming brands like Mach & Mach, founded in 2017 by a pair of Tbilisi-based sisters who are on their way to having their biggest year yet. 

Shoe Trend 2023: Hybrid Sneakers

What happens when you cross the always-cool sneaker silhouette with a practical hiking shoe? Believe it or not, you get an ultra-trendy hybrid model that can take you from outdoor excursions to indoor reservations — no footwear change required. 

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The Runways Have Spoken — Chocolate Brown Will Be Fall’s Biggest Color Trend

After many seasons of dopamine dressing, a year of Viva Magenta, and a summer of Barbie pink, the color trend pendulum is swinging back to neutrals. As we ease into fall, fashion’s new favorite hue perfectly coincides with the falling leaves, TikTok’s latest hair color trends, and higher demand for hot cocoa: chocolate brown.

If we are to believe this season’s biggest designers and ready-to-wear brands, brown may just be the new black. The color has been seen all over this year’s runways, making early appearances in Fall/Winter 2023 collections, then dominating the more recent Spring/Summer 2024 shows. Take Stella McCartney’s horse girl-approved F/W ‘23 collection for example, which was influenced by the designer’s love for horse riding, and is filled with dark brown prints, bags, and thigh-high riding boots. In the same season, Mithridate debuted Amelia Earhart-inspired utility looks in dark brown that can be easily dressed up or down (the matching aviator goggles are optional).

It’s not hard to see why chocolate brown is the perfect shade for fall. During a season of transition and coziness, the hue offers a warmth and subtlety. Though you may feel tempted to lump this trend in with the “quiet luxury” craze — especially after seeing quiet luxury influencer Sofia Richie Grainge cosigning the color (not once, but twice) — this toffee-toned movement actually fits in with various aesthetics, whether you’re a statement-lover, minimalist, or trend-seeker (it even passes the balletcore vibe check).

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From a flurry of dark brown outerwear, to lessons in monochromatic tailoring, to perfectly muted chocolate brown dresses, it’s about time that this oft-overlooked color is given its time in the spotlight; the runways have proven the versatility of this delectable dark tone to be truly unmatched. Want to achieve the chocolate brown look this fall? Look no further than the chocolate brown styling tips ahead for this season — and seasons ahead.

A Chocolate Brown Coat

Forget a boring black coat — toffee-toned outerwear was a popular statement on this year’s runways. From Lanvin’s double-breasted trench, and Holzweiler’s and Paloma Wool’s cropped jackets — all for Fall/Winter — to Acne’s buttery leather coat for Spring/Summer, this hue reigns supreme when it comes to your wardrobe’s priciest investment. Easily layerable and effectively giving off expensive vibes, this is a great option for more formal dress codes as well as day-to-day looks. For clarity, this look doesn’t actually have to be expensive, either.   

Dark Brown Power Suit

According to the runways, all-brown suits are no longer reminiscent of 1970s newscasters or dusty separates from your grandma’s wardrobe. For Spring/Summer 2024, dark brown tailoring was showcased by many designers, including Ganni, Alberta Ferretti, Ahluwalia, and Burberry, and the fashion set has already been quick to follow. Whether you plan to wear a full two-piece for maximum impact or prefer to mix and match the blazer or trousers with denim or other neutral tones, prepare to inject some confidence into your weekday wardrobe.

Chocolate Brown Going-Out Looks

Whether you’re more of a bodycon girl or prefer a silky co-ord or a head-to-toe statement look, going dark brown for autumn and winter nights is a great way to spice up your going-out looks. Just like your chocolate-y brown coat, an evening number in this hue screams luxury without the luxury price tag. While this sheer Diesel dress from the Spring/Summer 2024 runway is sure to turn heads, designers like Marine Serre, Fendi, and Carolina Hererra also got in on the dark brown fun with slightly less revealing numbers.

Dark Brown Accessories

If you already elevate your outfits with your morning oat milk lattes, why not accessorize with even more coffee-colored pieces? Boots, shoes, handbags, jewellery — nothing’s off limits for that extra taste of chocolate this season. If you’re concerned that this shade of brown won’t match what’s in your existing wardrobe, just remember that there aren’t any real rules in fashion. Brown and black go together just fine, in case you still weren’t sure. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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3 Wednesday Addams Halloween Costumes That Are Already In Your Closet

Since Netflix’s Wednesday premiered last year, the show’s titular character (played by Jenna Ortega) has become a fashion icon. Yet, before she graced our screens in streaming format, I was long obsessed with Wednesday Addams’ style in the Christina Ricci-starring movies from the ‘90s. For a fashion-obsessed writer, whose idea of a perfect outfit involves an all-black ensemble, Wednesday Addams is the epitome of style. 

While, in the movies, the character wears mostly black dresses with Peter Pan collars, Wednesday costume designer Colleen Atwood incorporated leather jackets, knitted vests, trousers, and frothy dresses into the remake. “I feel like it’s a fresh take on that style,” Atwood, a four-time Academy Award winner, told me right after the series premiered in 2022. “To me, it’s more of a graphic juxtaposition of light, gray, and black that really made her look contemporary, like she didn’t just land from another time period.” Atwood’s work resonated so much with the audience that Wednesday Addams’ look is ranked the sixth most searched Halloween costume in the United States this year, according to Google Trends. 

While I enjoy dressing up, I refuse to buy low-quality Halloween store costumes that I’ll wear just once. Instead, I often look to my closet for inspiration and create party looks out of my everyday wardrobe. Last year, for example, I wore a blazer cape, tailored shorts, Mary Jane shoes, and a necktie for a Blair Waldorf costume that I topped off with an old Sidekick phone and bedazzled headband. This year, I am looking to Colleen Atwood’s version of Wednesday Addams for inspiration, finding an array of options already in my closet. 

Here’s how I plan on dressing up like Wednesday Addams without spending a dime.

Wednesday Addams Costume Idea: School Uniform Look

In Netflix’s Wednesday, our morbid hero goes to a boarding school, where she has to adopt the standard preppy uniform, which she re-interprets in all-black. To get this look, a few basic staples are needed: a black blazer, a matching pleated skirt, a tie, and Oxford shoes. Just make sure to accessorize with braids and a deadpan look. 

Wednesday Addams Costume Idea: Casual Look

Wednesday’s idea of a casual outfit is a trendy knitted vest and black trousers. For this costume, the key is to add a graphic element. For example: a black-and-white vest or pinstripe pants. If you don’t have Wednesday-approved combat boots, opt for an on-trend chunky loafer instead. 

Wednesday Addams Costume Idea: Party Look

The dance scene on Wednesday, in which Ortega wears a frothy Alaïa dress, is the most fashion-forward. While the actual dress comes with a hefty price tag, it’s easy to recreate with a sheer black turtleneck or high-collared shirt, paired with a ruffled or tulle maxi skirt, and a leather jacket. For shoes, Mary Jane platforms are a festive yet timeless fall option. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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We Have An Exclusive 30% Discount On A Sustainable, Editor-Approved Brand

Super Sale Alert: Get 30% off sitewide & 50% off the annual membership at Wearwell using our promo code REFINERY29, now through October 23.

In the grand sea of fast fashion, warehouses, and overconsumption, it’s hard to find brands that are truly ethical, sustainable, fashionable, and affordable — no greenwashing here! Wearwell — and its founders Erin Houston and Emily Kenney — saw this issue and committed to fix it by curating a collection of sustainable brands, from clothing to home goods to accessories. If you’re into buying new stuff without worrying about its environmental footprint, we’ve given you an exclusive way to get started with an enviable discount — with the promo code REFINERY29, get 30% off sitewide and 50% off Wearwell’s annual membership, which includes perks like 10% off all orders, free shipping and returns, a welcome gift, and other perks through the year.

As for what to expect, most of what you’ll find in Wearwell’s collection is all things boho-chic. While there are other styles in its virtual aisles (like casual loungewear or athleisure), most of its dresses, tops, skirts, accessories, and even home goods are perfect for those with an earthy, boho, and even granola vibe. Wearwell also has a wide variety of prices (from $10 all the way to $495) for any budget — which, for reference, other earth-conscious brands are always $100+ without fail.

So, how exactly do the folks behind Wearwell curate its brands? They make sure there’s no green-washing happening — that’s when a brand claims to be sustainable and ethical, but isn’t really when you look at the fine print — by investigating the labels thoroughly and making sure they hold true to the ethical promises. Wearwell judges each brand on two important standards: workers’ rights and environmental impact. Once these standards have been met, Wearwell prioritizes inclusivity, making a commitment to partner with BIPOC-owned and women-owned businesses. So when you’re hitting that checkout button, your money actually going to small and intentional brands with real (and normal) people behind them — not some billionaire somewhere.

Still unsure about the actual quality of the products? Well, that’s why we’re here! A few of the R29 shopping editors decided to review pieces from Wearwell and below you’ll find our honest thoughts. Spoiler alert: we all loved them. Keep on scrolling to read more about this earth-friendly brand and its limited-time deal.

Tonlé Maxi Wrap Skirt, $88 $61.60

“The color is the first thing that attracted me to this skirt; I love the deep wine color, perfect for a sultry date night or a fun brunch with friends! The skirt itself is very silky on my skin and so fun to tie. Personally, I love wrap skirts because you can tie them in a number of ways depending on your outfit. I love the little slit that this wrap skirt provides so you can get some leg action in there! I’m normally a size large or 10 in pants and got this skirt in a size large – it’s great, as the skirt hits perfectly at mid-calf so there’s still plenty of room to showcase shoes. The skirt is a bit on the thinner side so I will be wearing it with shorts or those fur-lined leggings as the weather drops — but love that I can wear it for both cold and warm weather.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

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Known Supply Claire Tank Top, $38 $26.60

“This tank was a summer staple of mine. The airy linen fabric was so breathable — perfect for warm weather —and the cropped length hit right at my navel. I chose the washed black colorway, which paired perfectly with everything from a silk midi skirt to classic blue jorts. While it’s just as comfy as an ordinary ribbed tank top, details like the square neckline and ruffled straps make it feel like an outfit hero piece. More colors, please!” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Affiliate Writer

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Tonlé Emily Dress, $80 $56

“This dress is everything to me. Not only is it SO comfy (like wearing your coziest long-sleeved t-shirt in dress form), but it is a perfect base layer for all kinds of vibes and outfits. I paired it with a combat boot and a bright lip for a night out here, but I could just as easily have worn it with a cozy cardigan and loafers for a work-appropriate look. I got it in a size small and probably could have gotten a medium if I wanted a looser fit, but I enjoy the body-hugging silhouette and genuinely can’t wait to wear it all fall and winter long.” — Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Health & Wellness Writer

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O My Bag Beck’s Belt Bag, $160 $112

“This is one of my favorite new bags! I’m obsessed with how neutral this black leather cross-body looks while still having interesting elements that stand out — like the checkered strap and antique-looking gold details. It feels high-quality and sturdy, and I think it looks that way too! It’s extremely versatile — I usually wear this bag with jeans and my favorite overalls but it also goes excellently with my favorite maxi dress. I highly, highly recommend it!” — Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer

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At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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