Kate Jansen
Writer

Now that it is officially fall, I thought it would be appropriate to focus on seasonal shoes this week, mainly because flip flops and Jack Rogers just won’t cut it when the leaves start to fall and the ground starts to freeze.

I would classify this season’s shoes as the following: boots, loafers and lots of leather. Riding boots are back this fall and are definitely a wardrobe necessity. I have a pair of Pour La Victoire boots that I got on sale last season that go incredibly well with skinny jeans and leggings.

Western-style boots are also widely popular this season. Although Frye boots seem to be the cowgirl’s shoe of choice on campus, other designers have produced similar styles. Sam Edelman and Dolce Vita, for example, have recently come out with some adorable Western-inspired booties. Ankle boots surprisingly come in a wide variety of styles: buckled, zippered, studded and my personal favorite, laced. Clark, Rebecca Minkoff and Lucky Brand ankle boots are heeled and laced in the front. I love these shoes, mostly because they add a certain unique flair to an otherwise average outfit.

Loafers are also great wardrobe accessories for this season. While Sperry Top-Siders are obviously a staple in nearly everyone’s closet here, loafers from Nine West are classy and chic (Nine West Panto flats come in a many colors and animal prints). Gap also has a line of patterned, solid canvas and calf hair loafers that are decently priced.

Finally, to stray slightly from the leather theme, rubber rain boots have been widely promoted through major department stores. Hunter boots, of course, are essential for rainy days on campus. It seems as though top designers like Burberry and Kate Spade have added a chic quality to the typical Wellie. This fall, rain boots are adorned with leather trimming and quilted toes. Personally, I think I’ll stick with my muddy black Hunters.