fall transition: it’s all about the shoes

This summer I managed a month of travel in the U.S. with only gold espadrilles and a pair of white sneakers as my footwear for the entire trip. The espadrilles were amazingly versatile. I wore them with shorts, long skirts, jeans, trousers, virtually everything in my wardrobe except my exercise clothing. In my experience it’s rare to find a pair of shoes that can do all that, plus be incredibly comfortable for everything from walking in the city to running errands in the car and going out for the evening. But now that I have full access to my closet again, I’m enjoying pairing my other shoes with my wardrobe as well. Which is great because at this time of year, when we’re changing seasons and temperatures, your shoes can do a lot of the work to help transition your wardrobe from summer into fall!

As summer waves goodbye and fall starts to tiptoe in, you might be wondering how to transition smoothly—without a full closet overhaul. Mixing and matching summer and fall footwear with seasonal clothing can give your wardrobe a fresh twist and extend the life of your favorite summer pieces. Plus, they just help everything more interesting when you pair an unexpected shoe with something you’ve been wearing with sandals all summer.

embrace the unexpected: summer shoes with fall clothing

Just because the calendar says fall doesn’t mean your beloved summer sandals have to be tucked away just yet. In fact, pairing them with fall staples can create a chic, unexpected look. Here’s how:

1. sandals with fall trousers: Let your favorite strappy sandals peek out from under long trousers to indicate that you’re moving toward cooler weather without ditching the summer vibe. The contrast between the summery footwear and fall clothing creates a balanced and interesting outfit. I’ve been doing this with my lightweight wool Cannes Trousers a lot lately and I really like how it works.

2. espadrilles with long skirts: Espadrilles (we call them alpargatas here in Spain) are perfect for those warmer fall days. Pair them with a long, flowing skirt and a jacket or sweater for a look that’s both comfortable and stylish. I do this with my satin Garibaldi bias-cut skirts and I can wear them year-round.

3. sandals with a blazer: Pair a favorite dressy blazer with casual beach shoes for a sophisticated ensemble that transitions smoothly from warm afternoons to cooler evenings. (Best done with nice-looking flip flops, think basic black, for example…) Try our Lisette for Butterick blazer for this one (I think it’s out of print now, but maybe you already have it?), or watch our upcoming fall patterns for a jacket that would transition nicely as well.

fall shoes with summer clothing: a fresh take

On the flip side, infusing your summer wardrobe with fall footwear can provide an exciting twist. Here’s how to make it work:

1. boots with summer dresses and skirts: Boots of all sorts paired with summer dresses can create a nice contrast. This combo is perfect for those in-between days when the weather is unpredictable. Again, I do this with my shorter Garibaldi Skirts or with my floral Gelato Dress.

2. loafers with shorts: Swap out your summer sandals for loafers when wearing shorts. This adds a polished touch and helps to prepare your outfits for cooler weather. (If you’re young and/or cooler than me you can also wear white socks with your blazers, but this is a trend I’ll be skipping…) You can also add a sweater for cooler days. If you have solid Lisboa Shorts in a dressier fabric, this works really well. But even cut-off denim can look good this way.

3. brogues with summer skirts and dresses: Oxfords can be a fantastic match for summer skirts and dresses. This pairing not only adds a touch of fall sophistication but also provides comfort for those brisk mornings. I gave S my beloved brogues, and I miss them for this look! I would wear them with our Saint-Germain Wrap Dress if I could…

tips for a smooth transition

• layer wisely: Layering can help bridge the gap between seasons. Add a light jacket (or my favorite, a blazer!) or scarf to your outfit when wearing summer shoes with fall clothing, or vice versa.
• color contrast: Add dark accessories to light summer fabric and colors to give them a fall vibe.
• consider the weather: Pay attention to the weather when pairing summer shoes with fall clothes. On chillier days, you might need to layer up or opt for fall shoes to stay comfortable.

By playing around with your footwear, you can effortlessly transition between summer and fall without missing a beat in style. So keep your sandals in rotation and add your boots to the mix, and get creative with your shoe choices to keep your wardrobe fresh and exciting all season long!