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It’s a brand new season and we’re approaching shopping with a minimalist lens—searching for pieces that will outlast fleeting trends and, instead, become core items to be worn season after season. When it comes to shoes, we’re focusing on pared-back, minimalist footwear options from brands like The Row and Mango to Prada and Miu Miu. As temperatures continue to dwindle, stick to a core foundation of wardrobe essentials, starting with a sleek loafer, Mary Jane, or slip-on mule, to make getting dressed—and looking put together—as fuss-free as possible.
Vogue’s Fall Minimalist-Footwear Edit:
- The Trending Wedge: Bottega Veneta Lewis pumps, $1,450
- The Go-To Mary Jane: The Row Boheme leather ballet flats, $990
- The Chocolate Brown Loafer: G.H Bass Mary Jane loafers, $195
- The Staple Slip-On: Veronica Beard Catherine leather mule, $350
- The Luxe Over-The-Knee Boot: Gucci horsebit knee boot, $3,550
- The Pop of Red Ballet Flat: Free People Aurora flats, $138
- The Everyday Slingback: Banana Republic leather slingbacks, $100
- The Runway Mule: Prada satin mules, $1,120
- The Shearling Favorite: Staud Alba faux fur ballet flat, $395
- The Must-Have Ankle Boot: Neous Rami leather boots, $995
The best way to describe the footwear trends dominating 2024 is practical, but never lacking interest. The fall/winter collections showcased a mature sense of femininity, punctuated by unfussy, yet pragmatic qualities. When curating an uncomplicated, minimalist footwear collection, you can never go wrong with a black flat. The style has a long list of admirers that includes celebrities like Zoë Kravitz, who leans on The Row’s coveted ballerina’s often, and Phoebe Dynevor with her penchant for flat Mary Janes. The tidal wave of ’90s nostalgia continues with contemporary pumps lacking embellishments but never skimping on details; like Bottega Veneta’s sculptural wedge or Yuni Buffa’s quilted, vintage-inspired pump. For added height, consider a knee-high boot, from Cos’s affordable square-toe pair to Toteme’s chocolate brown pair, made for autumnal dressing.
There are more playful takes on minimalism, too. Start with a shearling slipper that teams toned-down tastes with eccentrics. Notable fuzzy flats from Simone Rocha and Staud transition from day to night effortlessly, while Proenza Schouler’s pairs perfectly with both suiting and denim looks. Also on our most-wanted list are kitten heels, which help achieve that low-key polished look we so desire; the same goes with sleek pairs of smoking loafers from Bally to Tod’s. There’s plenty of modern minimalist footwear to shop now, proving that stealth tones aren t dissipating anytime soon. Shop 11 of the best styles, from slip-ons to ankle boots, below.
The Modern Pump
These aren’t the sky-high stilettos of yesteryear—no, they’re micro heeled and easy to walk in, day in, day out. These pumps are neutral in color, sculptural and sensible. Find them in varying shades of brown from Mango and The Row, or opt for stark white styles from Prada and Yuni Buffa.
Classic Mary Janes
Mary Janes are now synonymous with girlhood for some, but this season they’ve received a ladylike revamp. For all your minimalist footwear needs, there are classic patent leather styles from Le Monde Beryl and Emme Parsons, while buckle-detail options from Tory Burch and Bottega Veneta add subtle hardware to traditional silhouettes.
Sleek Loafers
While chunky loafers are always an option, this season we’re favoring sleeker pairs. The options are endless, with simple black pairs from Tod’s, Loeffler Randall and Bally. And then there are contemporary finds, like Miu Miu’s brown patent leather or G.H Bass’s chocolate suede pair.
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The Slipper Effect
With a cooler season quickly approaching, you don’t have to give up the ease of a flip flop or casual sandal thanks to fall’s range of slip-on shoes. When teamed with a cashmere sock, Marsell’s, Bembein’s and Saint Laurent’s styles will surely suffice. These options can easily blend into an uncomplicated wardrobe of essentials.
Knee-High Boots
No fall capsule wardrobe is complete without a pair of knee-high boots. This fall and winter, we’re sporting (and shopping) smooth styles from Gucci and Reformation to Mango and Banana Republic. Styling-wise, we’re wearing ours with leather midiskirts, knitted dresses, and even tailored trousers.
Ballet Flats
A shoe that will never again go out of style? The ballet flat. As it goes with most things in the minimalist category, neutrals reign supreme—though we love a burst of color. Shop pared-back styles from Everlane and Margaux, or whimsical interpretations from Free People and Toteme, cast in siren red and crinkled cream.
Kitten Heels
With a micro-heel height, the shoe style defines everyday elegance. This fall, wear the staple with a cozy piece of knitwear and a pair of stirrup leggings, oversized suiting or a classic white t-shirt and denim pairing—the stylistic opportunities are endless. Offerings from Emme Parsons and Massimo Dutti to Gucci and Aeyde are nothing short of outstanding.
The New Mule
With more and more designers reinterpreting the coveted mule shape with flat soles, cone heels, and ultra-sharp pointed toes, it’s clear that this minimalist footwear option isn’t going anywhere. Shop flat versions from Saint Laurent and The Row, or opt for height with Neous and Prada.
The Shearling Flat
The Burberry spring 2024 show in London proved that fuzzy footwear is no longer exclusive to fur-lined loafers, but the new options are designed in a pared-back lens. Even the quiet luxury crowd isn’t immune to a little fur, with offerings from Proenza, Staud, and Miu Miu ripe for the season.
The Slingback
Ladylike and alluring, the slingback is another mainstay in our wardrobes—summer or fall. For those looking for current definitions, opt for Zara’s zebra-print, Neous’s brown slingback or Toteme’s glossy wedge.
The Ankle Boot
Similarly to the knee-high boot, an ankle boot is a fall wardrobe essential. There’s a flat, walkable version from Hereu, which features a soft composition, or sleek heeled iterations from Aeyde and Neous.
