As the season switches from summer to fall, so does our approach to the day. We're talking sweater weather, seasonally flavored hot drinks, and an urge to stay inside and watch Netflix. Arguably one of the most exciting parts of fall is the return of being able to pair boots with a statement-making dress. As the temperature finally drops, it gives us the opportunity to wear stomper boots without them feeling like foot saunas, yet it's still warm enough for dresses (with or without tights). In short, it's the perfect time for this effortless combo to take precedence in your wardrobe once again.
One of the best things about this look is that — more often than not — you won’t have to buy anything new to rock it. So that's why we asked editors and writers on our fashion team to give us a taste of the dress-and-boots combos they’re going to be wearing throughout fall. From flowy maxis and structured minis to cowboy boots and knee-high staples, take some pointers from our team on how to wear this season’s easiest, breeziest outfit formula.
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.
Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
"Blame it on the runways but I’ve recently jumped on the Western boot trend train. While I am not brave enough to go the full, knee-length route in New York City – I have a fairly classic, utilitarian style – I’ve been dabbling with these suede booties. In particular, I've enjoyed wearing them with flowy slip dresses which, going further into fall, I will wear over turtlenecks."
Brochu Walker The Dallas Boot, $, available at Brochu Walker— PAID CONTENT —
Prefer to take a subtler approach to the cowboy boot trend? Opt for a pair of sleek black ankle booties with understated Western details, like a pointed toe and U-shaped shaft collar, that nod to traditional riding boots while still looking modern.
Nine West Ghost Ankle Bootie, $, available at Nine West
"I love butterflies and I love cowboy boots so this was a no-brainer for me. I wanted to translate these two pieces (some of my summer staples) into fall so that's why I layered my dress over this Urban Outfitters jumper. The color palette screams long walks, crunching leaves, listening to Taylor Swift on repeat, and romanticizing my life with a large coffee."
Free People Rancho Mirage Boots, $, available at Free People
Realisation Par The Cameron in Dazed, $, available at Realisation Par
Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
"I'm always up for anything plaid and when it comes to the details of the dress, I appreciate how the black vegan leather piping complements the buttons and makes the dress pop. Plus, I love how timeless this pairing is and that it gives off Parisian vibes. My boots are the comfiest and most trusted pair that I own as they've gotten me through New York City's snow and brisk winds in past seasons. I envision wearing this laid-back yet preppy ensemble for weekend brunches with friends or as a fall date-night look."
Looks Like Summer Brianna Knee-High Boots, $, available at Looks Like Summer
Staud Fairham Plaid Dress, $, available at Saks OFF 5TH
Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
"I love dresses that feel like a blank canvas and this one’s literally that. It makes it really easy to pair with a wide variety of boots and add a unique take to an otherwise simple dress. These snakeskin boots have been an fall staple in my closet for four years and I just can't let them go because they’re a classic (and so comfortable!). I plan on wearing this on a day when I can go to the office and an after-work happy hour. I love the work-to-play vibe."
By Far Becca lace-up leather ankle boots, $, available at mytheresa
ASOS EDITION Cotton twill empire cami maxi dress in white, $, available at ASOS
Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor
"Since receiving this Kitri dress I've worn it at least twice weekly, and it's been an MVP in my wardrobe. Not only is it majorly comfortable but it also pairs well with trainers, heels, and boots alike. I most love this particular combo featuring my flatform boots, which add a level of edginess that I could never achieve by wearing this dress with more feminine shoes, like heels or loafers. This fall I'll be pairing this combo with my brown trench coat or my short cream leather jacket. Watch out, y'all."
Vagabond Shoemakers Tara Platform Boot, $, available at Nordstrom
Kitri Diedre Wavy Checker Ruched Jersey Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
It has been an eventful few weeks in the fashion world. But while the spring/summer '23 fashion week runways of New York, London, Milan, and Paris saw the return of maxi skirts and cargo pants, we couldn’t take our eyes off what was happening below the hemlines — in the shoe trend department.
There was plenty to ogle between the gremlin feet at Gucci and the surrealist, anthurium-adorned shoes at Loewe. But as far as the shoe trends that will actually be worn come next year, there were a number of styles featuring a nod to the past, from good ol' fashioned flip-flops to the glittery jelly sandals of yore.
Ahead, we've rounded up the biggest SS23 shoe trends you can already shop right now, whether you're looking to dabble in a bit of nostalgia or you want to upgrade your closet with something it's never seen before (but won't be staring back at you).
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.
Maxi Soles
Platforms, flatforms, thong platforms... there's no such thing as going too big on this one. From Fendi's wedged sandals to chunky bottoms at Max Mara, Monse, Vivienne Westwood, Brandon Maxwell, and beyond... better believe this style will be reaching new heights. Case in point: Cher's surprise cameo at Balmain wearing wedges as intensely fabulous as she is. Photo: Courtesy of Balmain.
Simon Miller Blackout Platform, $, available at Simon Miller— PAID CONTENT —
If you’re looking for a more seasonally-appropriate way to rock the chunky sole trend before next spring, may we suggest a platform wedge bootie? Take this grunge-inspired Chelsea boot, for example: They’ll add some serious height to your favorite fall and winter ensembles while keeping your toes nice and toasty.
Nine West Henrita Chelsea Platform Booties, $, available at Nine West
Steve Madden Pepe 30 Platform Sandal, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Flip-flops will forever be a divisive topic among fashion folk, but as long as the Olsen twins put their stamp of approval on it (as they've done before), the trend is as good as outfit gold in our book. What's more: The Row wasn't the only show where the casual sandal was paired with ultra-luxe looks this season. In case you need further convincing, Saint Laurent and Burberry have also climbed aboard the beach sandals train, sometimes presenting styles with a heel for extra elevation (and Y2K edge). Photo: Courtesy of Burberry.
Mango Platform Strap Sandals, $, available at Mango
J.Crew Factory Easy Summer Flip-Flops, $, available at J.Crew Factory
By Far Jack glossed-leather mules, $, available at The Outnet
Point-Toe Flats
Flats have been back for quite some time now thanks to the recent collections of Miu Miu and Simone Rocha and the rise of balletcore. Now, the style is reaching its peak, so to speak, with toe shapes taking a turn for the sharper. In fact, the pointier, the better, according to Molly Goddard, Tory Burch, Roberto Cavalli, Courrèges, and others. Photo: Courtesy of Molly Goddard.
Sarah Flint Natalie Flat, $, available at Sarah Flint
Just when you thought we might finally be done with sneakers that are so uncool they're actually cool, designers like Deveaux, JW Anderson, and Collina Strada made the case for the slip-on kind for spring. If your mind immediately goes to velcro styles of your childhood or mom's old Skechers, that's exactly where it should be. Photo: David Spector/Collina Strada..
SOREL Kinetic Impact Sneakers, $, available at Anthropologie
Eileen Fisher Point Recycled Stretch Knit Wedge Sneaker, $, available at Eileen Fisher
Charles & Keith Aberdeen Checkered Denim Slip-On Sneakers, $, available at Charles & Keith
Mesh Shoes
Proenza Schouler, Jonathan Simkhai, Emporio Armani, Bally, and Nensi Dojaka all agree: fishnets for your feet will very much be in fashion next season. Extra points for rocking a pair with diamond-like details. Subtlety is not the point here, people. Photo: Courtesy of Bally.
Piferi Drizella Crystal Mesh Flat Mules, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman
Pipatchara Ramal Sandals, $, available at Pipatchara
Vince Camuto Elanndo Flat, $, available at Vince Camuto
Unusual Embellishments
After spending far too much time in indoor shoes, we'd like to celebrate designers like Balmain, Moschino, Loewe, Rick Owens, and Fendi who clearly understood the dopamine dressing assignment. Remember the aforementioned gremlins at Gucci? Very camp. So was Christian Cowan's collaboration with Crocs, which featured detachable chains and ribbons that could double as jewelry or hair clips. The fluffier/sparklier/kookier your footwear this spring, the better. Photo: Courtesy of Loewe
Dolce Vita Halie Pearl Sandals, $, available at Dolce Vita
Brother Vellies Palms Feather Sandal, $, available at Nordstom
LoveShackFancy x Sophia Webster Lilico Sandal, $, available at loveshackfancy
Up-The-Calf Straps
Dust off your gladiator sandals, friends, because the sexiest shoes for spring will be the kind with straps that snake their way around your leg. At least if Versace, Michael Kors, Ester Manas, Prabal Gurung, and Rochas have anything to say about it. Photo: Courtesy of Rochas.
Reformation Gemma Lace Up Sandal, $, available at Reformation
Lulus Janiyana Pistachio Lace-Up High Heel Sandals, $, available at Lulus
Bershka Chunky Sole Flip Flops, $, available at ASOS
Jelly Shoes
For a trend that'll take you right back to the days before we even knew that trends were a thing, designers like Coach, Simone Rocha, and Collina Strada are giving the jelly shoe a high-fashion reboot. Yes, we can hear our inner child screaming with glee. If only we could get our hands on some gel pens to boot...Photo: Courtesy of Simone Rocha.
Melissa Possession + Collina Strada Sandal, $, available at Melissa
