Fewer pieces, better chosen.
Quick answer, Madame: the best fall shoes for women are simple and in warm colors: loafers, ankle boots with a low heel, ballet flats and a pair of slingbacks. Choose burgundy, chocolate, camel and black, and wear them with straight jeans. Here are 17 fall shoes for women, from $22, with how to choose each pair.
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When the weather changes, your shoes are the first thing that needs to change with it. The right pair makes a simple outfit look finished, and the wrong one can make even a good coat look tired. The good news is that fall shoes for women follow a simple rule: warm colors, soft finishes and shapes you can walk in.
In this guide you will find 17 fall shoes for women: six boots and ankle booties, four loafers, five ballet flats and Mary Janes, and two heels. For each pair I explain why it works and how to choose it, and then I show you how to choose and style fall shoes, which mistakes to avoid and how to care for suede. If you are shopping for the whole season, see my women’s fall jackets and my sweater dress outfits guides too.
In this guide
Jump to your shoes:
Fall Boots and Ankle Booties for Women
Boots are the first of the fall shoes for women that most of us buy. These six go from a block heel to a kitten heel to a platform, in burgundy, tan and chocolate.
1. Burgundy Suede Block-Heel Ankle Boots
Why it works: Burgundy is the most elegant fall color for shoes, and a suede finish makes it look soft and rich. A block heel keeps the boot comfortable, so you can wear it from morning to dinner.
How to choose it: Choose a heel you can walk in, not higher than 3 inches, and a shaft that sits just above the ankle. Wear them with straight jeans, a cream turtleneck and a camel coat.
Best for: A dinner on a cool evening. Budget to aim for: over $60. Prices change, so check before you buy.
2. Burgundy Square-Toe Boots
Why it works: A square toe and a chunky heel give a classic boot a modern shape, and the deep wine leather look goes with brown, camel, navy and gray. It is a bolder choice than black, and still very easy to wear.
How to choose it: Look for a sturdy heel and a smooth finish that does not crease at the ankle. Add them to a midi skirt or wide-leg jeans, and keep the rest of the outfit neutral.
Best for: A city walk in October. Budget to aim for: over $60. Prices change, so check before you buy.
3. Tan Suede Kitten-Heel Ankle Boots
Why it works: Tan is the most versatile neutral in a fall shoe closet, and a pointed toe with a low kitten heel looks polished without being tiring. These are the ankle booties for women that look good with jeans, trousers and skirts.
How to choose it: Choose a heel of about 2 inches and a toe that is pointed but not too narrow. Wear them with cropped trousers so the boot is visible, and match your bag to the boot.
Best for: Work, lunch and errands. Budget to aim for: $40 to $50. Prices change, so check before you buy.
4. Camel Pointed Suede Boots
Why it works: A camel suede boot with a slim pointed toe looks like an old favorite, and it gives you a warm color that is not brown. It goes with jeans, a trench coat and a white shirt.
How to choose it: Look for a soft suede finish and a heel that is low enough to walk in all day. Protect the suede with a spray, and keep it away from rain.
Best for: A weekend in the city. Budget to aim for: over $60. Prices change, so check before you buy.
5. Brown Kitten-Heel Ankle Boots
Why it works: A smooth brown ankle boot with a kitten heel is the quiet classic of fall shoes for women. It looks right with navy, cream, gray and camel, and it looks expensive when it is clean.
How to choose it: Choose a rich chocolate shade and a side zipper so you can put them on easily. Polish them with a neutral cream, and wear them with a wool coat.
Best for: A workday in the fall. Budget to aim for: $40 to $50. Prices change, so check before you buy.
6. Brown Platform Block-Heel Boots
Why it works: A platform with a block heel gives you height and comfort at the same time. The chocolate color keeps a chunky boot elegant, and it gives wide-leg jeans a modern balance.
How to choose it: Check that the sole is not too heavy and that the heel is wide, so you can walk on cobblestones. Wear them with straight jeans or a long skirt.
Best for: A long day on your feet. Budget to aim for: $40 to $50. Prices change, so check before you buy.
Fall Loafers for Women
Loafers are the shoe of the moment, and they are the most comfortable fall shoes for women who walk. These four go from a classic penny loafer to a mule.
7. Brown Suede Penny Loafers
Why it works: The penny loafer is the classic Old Money shoe, and in chocolate suede it feels warm and collegiate. It works with jeans, tailored trousers and a long skirt.
How to choose it: Choose a sole with some grip and a shape that is not too chunky. Wear them with thin socks or no socks, and a cropped hem that shows the shoe.
Best for: A day at the office or the library. Budget to aim for: over $60. Prices change, so check before you buy.
8. Cream Tassel Loafers
Why it works: A cream loafer with a tassel looks soft and relaxed, and it brightens a dark fall outfit. It feels like a shoe you would see on a quiet street in Milan.
How to choose it: Choose a suede-look finish in a warm cream and a flexible sole. Wear them with navy or gray trousers, and keep them clean with a brush.
Best for: A lunch or a gallery visit. Budget to aim for: $50 to $60. Prices change, so check before you buy.
9. Gray Suede Mule Loafers
Why it works: A loafer mule is easy to slip on, and the white sole makes the gray suede look fresh. It is the most relaxed shoe in this guide, and still looks put together.
How to choose it: Look for a footbed with some cushion and a sole that is thick enough for walking. Wear them with straight jeans, a knit and a long coat.
Best for: A casual weekend. Budget to aim for: $50 to $60. Prices change, so check before you buy.
10. Black Horsebit Loafers
Why it works: A black loafer with a gold bar is the most useful of all. It looks right in an office, at a dinner and on a weekend, and the gold detail makes jeans look dressed up.
How to choose it: Choose a thin sole if you want an elegant line, or a thicker one for comfort. Wear them with cropped jeans and a white shirt.
Best for: A workday with trousers. Budget to aim for: $40 to $50. Prices change, so check before you buy.
Next you will find ballet flats and Mary Janes, the softest fall shoes for women, then two pairs of heels for the evening.
Fall Ballet Flats and Mary Janes
Flats are the fall shoes for women that you wear the most. These five are elegant enough for work and soft enough for a weekend.
11. Black Pointed Flats
Why it works: A pointed flat lengthens the leg, and the V-shaped opening makes the foot look slim. It is the shoe to wear when you want to look polished and walk a lot.
How to choose it: Choose a soft leather-look finish and a toe that is pointed but not stiff. Wear them with straight trousers or jeans that end at the ankle.
Best for: A work meeting. Budget to aim for: over $60. Prices change, so check before you buy.
12. Camel Suede Ballet Flats
Why it works: A camel ballet flat is a lovely neutral, softer than black and easier than white. It looks like a second skin with jeans and adds warmth to a gray or navy outfit.
How to choose it: Choose a soft suede finish and a thin sole that bends. Wear them with a tee, jeans and a trench, and keep the bag simple.
Best for: A morning in the city. Budget to aim for: $40 to $50. Prices change, so check before you buy.
13. Brown Suede Ballet Flats with Bow
Why it works: A small bow gives a ballet flat a sweet detail, and the cognac brown color keeps it grown-up. It is the feminine touch in an otherwise simple fall outfit.
How to choose it: Choose a bow that is small and flat, and a color that looks like your leather bag. Wear them with straight jeans and a sweater.
Best for: A coffee and a walk. Budget to aim for: $50 to $60. Prices change, so check before you buy.
14. Black Velvet Mary Janes
Why it works: Velvet is the fabric of the season, and a Mary Jane strap gives a flat a vintage and elegant shape. They look lovely with a skirt, a sweater dress or jeans.
How to choose it: Look for a square or rounded toe and a strap with an adjustable buckle. Wear them with sheer tights and a midi skirt for a French look.
Best for: A dinner or a night out. Budget to aim for: under $40. Prices change, so check before you buy.
15. Leopard Mary Jane Flats
Why it works: Leopard is a neutral in disguise, and it makes a plain outfit look intentional. In a Mary Jane flat it feels playful and still very chic.
How to choose it: Wear only one leopard piece at a time, and choose neutral colors for the rest. Straight jeans, a camel coat and a cream sweater are enough.
Best for: A casual lunch. Budget to aim for: under $40. Prices change, so check before you buy.
Fall Heels: Slingbacks and Strappy Sandals
For a dinner or a wedding, one pair of dressy fall shoes for women is all you need. These two are comfortable and elegant, and they cost less than $40.
16. Chocolate Patent Slingbacks
Why it works: A slingback in a patent chocolate brown is an easy way to dress up jeans. The flared heel and the pointed toe look modern, and brown feels fresher than black in the fall.
How to choose it: Choose a heel of about 2 to 3 inches and a strap that stays in place. Wear them with wide-leg jeans and a blazer, or a midi dress.
Best for: A dinner or a wedding. Budget to aim for: under $40. Prices change, so check before you buy.
17. Burgundy Strappy Heeled Sandals
Why it works: Strappy sandals in burgundy are the dressy touch for early fall, when the evenings are still mild. The square toe and the thin straps feel modern, and the wine color is rich.
How to choose it: Check that the ankle strap fits well and that the heel is stable. Wear them with a black or navy dress, and a small bag in the same shade.
Best for: A fall wedding or a party. Budget to aim for: under $40. Prices change, so check before you buy.
What do you wear on the other days?
Shoes are one part of the outfit. If you want more ideas for ordinary days, my ebook, 222 Looks with 28 Pieces, gives you 222 everyday outfits in the Old Money style, built from just 28 pieces, so you always know what to wear.
How to Choose Fall Shoes for Women
Before you buy fall shoes for women, check these five things. They matter more than the brand or the price.
- The color. Burgundy, chocolate, camel, black and cream go with everything in a fall closet. Choose two or three, not ten.
- The finish. Suede, soft leather and velvet look warm and rich in fall. Very shiny finishes can look cheap.
- The heel. A heel of 2 to 3 inches is the most comfortable and the most elegant. A block or kitten heel is easier to walk in.
- The toe. A pointed toe looks dressy, a square toe looks modern and a round toe looks soft. Choose the one that fits your feet.
- The fit. Try them with the socks you will wear, and walk in them. A good fall shoe should not need breaking in for weeks.
How to Style Fall Shoes
The best fall shoes for women look even better with the right outfit. These are the combinations I use most.
With jeans
Straight or wide-leg jeans that end at the ankle show the shoe, and they work with all of the fall shoes for women in this guide. Loafers, ballet flats and booties are the best partners.
With trousers and skirts
Tailored trousers look best with loafers and pointed flats. A midi skirt looks beautiful with ankle boots or Mary Janes and sheer tights.
With dresses
A sweater dress or a slip dress looks elegant with knee-high boots or slingbacks. For ideas, see my sweater dress outfits guide. For a wedding, see my fall wedding guest dresses.
With a coat
Match the shoe to the coat: a camel coat looks lovely with chocolate or burgundy, and a black coat looks sharp with cream loafers. See my women’s fall jackets for the layer on top.
Fall Shoes for Women Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes come up most often when women shop for fall shoes for women online.
- Wearing suede in the rain. Use a protective spray and keep suede away from water.
- A heel that is too high. If you cannot walk a mile in them, they are not everyday fall shoes.
- Too many colors. Keep your shoes in the same family as your bag and your belt.
- Worn-out soles. A shoe with a worn heel looks tired. Replace the tips and clean the leather.
- Ignoring the hem. A jean hem that covers the shoe hides it. Choose a hem that ends at the ankle.
- Buying only trends. Choose one trend, such as leopard, and keep the rest classic.
Keep reading
- Layer it up: see 8 women’s fall jackets in camel, taupe, khaki and navy.
- Wearing a dress? See 33 sweater dress outfits for every occasion.
- Going to a wedding this fall? See 17 fall wedding guest dresses.
- Finish the outfit with 10 ways to tie a scarf.
- Build a closet that works every day: the Old Money capsule wardrobe guide.
Fall Shoes for Women FAQ
What are the best fall shoes for women?
Loafers, ankle boots with a low heel, ballet flats and slingbacks are the most useful. Choose them in burgundy, chocolate, camel or black, in suede or soft leather.
What colors are best for fall shoes?
Burgundy, chocolate brown, camel, black and cream look rich in fall and go with almost everything. Leopard print is a good accent.
What shoes do you wear with jeans in the fall?
Loafers, ankle boots and ballet flats look the most elegant with straight or wide-leg jeans. Keep the hem at the ankle so the shoe shows.
Are loafers in style for fall?
Yes. Loafers are one of the most popular fall shoes for women, in suede, brown or black. They work for the office, the weekend and travel.
Are ballet flats in style for fall?
Yes. Ballet flats and Mary Janes in suede, velvet and warm colors are a fall favorite, especially with jeans or a midi skirt.
What boots should I wear in the fall?
Ankle booties with a low block or kitten heel are the most versatile. Knee-high boots are best for colder days and with skirts or dresses.
What shoes are best for walking in the fall?
Loafers with a good sole, platform block-heel boots and flats with some cushion. Avoid thin soles and very high heels.
How do you care for suede shoes?
Brush them gently, use a suede protector spray and keep them away from rain. Let wet suede dry at room temperature.
Can you wear sandals in the fall?
In early fall, yes, especially a strappy kitten heel at an evening event. Choose a deep color, such as burgundy or chocolate.
What heel height is best for fall shoes?
A heel of 2 to 3 inches is the most comfortable and elegant. A kitten or block heel is more stable than a stiletto.
What shoes go with a sweater dress?
Knee-high or ankle boots, loafers and slingbacks all look elegant. Choose a color that matches your bag.
How many pairs of fall shoes do I need?
Four is a good start: a pair of ankle boots, a loafer, a ballet flat and a dressy pair. Add one trend piece a season.
One last thing before you step out
The best fall shoes for women are the ones you reach for every morning. Choose warm colors, soft finishes and shapes you can walk in, and build a small collection of pairs that work together.
Send this guide to the friend who is still wearing last year’s sandals.
Updated November 3, 2026. Prices, colors and availability change often, so check the current price on Amazon before you buy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
