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Back to School: 5 Collegiate Shoe Trends That'll Be Everywhere This Fall

By Swedan Margen

Back to School: 5 Collegiate Shoe Trends That'll Be Everywhere This Fall

When I was in college, I would see the same five shoe styles on campus during the fall. (I'd also wear those same five styles.) Well, this fall, the trend-cycle pendulum has swung back to those styles I used to wear.

Throughout NYC and on my Instagram feed of influencers worldwide, I've seen a range of these collegiate fall shoe trends styled in elegant, easy ways. Influencers are turning to loafers and Mary Janes as the rightful fall It shoes to style with jeans and trench coats, but they're also wearing unlikely trends like derby shoes. Another trend I didn't have on my bingo card is clogs, but the chunky, platform, slip-on shoe is here to stay for the cooler season. I would see clogs a ton on campus, as they were always so comfortable. Meanwhile, suede sneakers are the casual shoes that brands like Miu Miu and New Balance are bringing to the forefront.

Your shoes can make or break your outfit, especially in fall, and these five shoe trends that I've (re)discovered will be the new go-tos. If you're in the market for a new fall shoe, keep scrolling because these styles will be your best fashion decision.

Loafers

Loafers have been trending since I was a junior in college. Every fall, they make an appearance, and this fall is no exception. Fashion people are making sure loafers never go out of style. To me, they subtly elevate an outfit better than most other casual shoes.

A woman wearing a purple longsleeve, gray pants, and black loafers

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Ani Ruched Penny Loafer

Reformation

Ani Ruched Penny Loafers

Studs Square Shiny Croco Loafer

Ganni

Studs Square Shiny Croco Loafer

Madewell X G.h.bass Lennox Weejuns® Loafers

Madewell X G.H.bass

Lennox Weejuns Loafers

Saddle Loafers
Gianvito Rossi Georgie Nuit Flats

Gianvito Rossi

Georgie Nuit Flats

Mary Janes

While flats were paired with literally everything over the summer, they are not leaving once fall comes around. Cool girls are already pairing them with easy trousers, skirts, and culottes on days that are on the warmer side.

A woman wearing a black skirt and black mary jane flats

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The Remy Mary Jane Flat

Madewell

The Remy Mary Jane Flat

Buckle Suede Mary Janes

ZARA

Buckle Suede Mary Janes

Abalonia Chunky Maryjane

Reformation

Abalonia Chunky Maryjane

Tory Burch Peep Toe Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Tory Burch

Peep Toe Mary Jane Ballet Flats

J.Crew, Quinn Mary Jane Ballet Flats in Metallic Leather

J.Crew

Quinn Mary Jane Ballet Flats in Metallic Leather

Derby Shoes

Thanks to Celine's latest runway collection, derby shoes just might be the new anti-trend It shoe of the season. They are very old-school and dressy in a way that is unexpected of the average fashion person, but I can't get enough of them. They pair gorgeously with a lightweight coat, like below.

A woman wearing a black coat, a white button-down shirt, black pants, and black derby shoes

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Studey Brogue Derby

Nine West

Studey Brogue Derby Shoes

Derby Shoes
Sezane, Markus Loafers
Lowell Derby
Italian Leather Derby Shoes

Banana Republic

Italian Leather Derby Shoes

Suede Sneakers

I've loved suede sneakers since even before college. Nevertheless, the trend has returned for fall, and I couldn't be happier. The textured shoes add a chic element to any outfit without much effort, which is something I'm always looking for in a shoe. Whether you love an Adidas Samba or a New Balance UK 1500, these sneakers will elevate the fall outfits you didn't try too hard on.

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Back to School: 5 Collegiate Shoe Trends That'll Be Everywhere This Fall - Vanity Fair Fashion