August 25, 2026•4 min read•from Latest from Who What Wear

Before It's Time For Boots, These Are the Anti-Trend Closed-Toe Shoes It Girls Always Wear First

Our take

As the seasons shift, the footwear landscape evolves. Before the inevitable arrival of boots, a select group—the "it" girls—are already setting the tone with a decidedly anti-trend choice: closed-toe shoes that whisper sophistication rather than shout for attention. Zoë Kravitz, a master of effortless style, knows the drill. These aren’t fleeting fads; they’re foundational pieces, quietly elevating every look. Explore this evolving style narrative, and perhaps reconsider outdated rules—like matching your bag to your shoes, as noted in our recent discussion.

Before It's Time For Boots, These Are the Anti-Trend Closed-Toe Shoes It Girls Always Wear First

As the seasons shift, so too does our collective fashion consciousness. We're entering that liminal space—that awkward transitional period where summer’s breezy ease clashes with the impending weight of fall’s textures and layers. It’s a time for strategic shoe choices, a delicate dance between clinging to the last vestiges of warmth and anticipating the return of closed-toe styles. The recent article highlighting the “anti-trend” footwear choices of style icons like Zoë Kravitz speaks volumes about a broader shift away from fleeting, dictated trends and toward a more considered, personal approach to style. This resonates particularly strongly given the recent exploration of denim trends, where we’ve seen a move away from basic staples toward more expressive and individualistic choices [Forget Basic Blue Jeans—Fall's Biggest Denim Trends Are Anything But ]. It’s a rejection of the constant churn of micro-trends in favor of pieces that feel timeless and authentically reflective of personal taste.

The appeal of these "anti-trend" shoes—loafers, ballet flats, refined mules—lies in their versatility and understated elegance. They aren’t shouting for attention; instead, they quietly elevate an outfit, providing a foundation for a more nuanced and expressive look. This aligns perfectly with the broader movement towards quiet luxury, a sensibility that prioritizes quality, craftsmanship, and subtle sophistication over overt displays of wealth. The article’s emphasis on what "It Girls" are *actually* wearing first before boots is a clever observation; it highlights the discerning eye of those who understand that true style isn't about jumping on the latest bandwagon, but about cultivating a wardrobe of enduring pieces that reflect a personal aesthetic. We’ve previously seen Zoë Kravitz expertly subvert conventional styling rules, demonstrating the power of unexpected pairings [Zoë Kravitz Put the Wrong-Shoe Theory to the Test in Suede Mules and Denim Shorts ]. This approach, embracing a little playful rule-breaking, further reinforces the idea that fashion should be a form of self-expression, not a rigid set of guidelines.

The significance of this development extends beyond just footwear. It represents a larger cultural recalibration, a growing rejection of the relentless pressure to constantly consume and conform. The desire to break free from outdated fashion "rules" [What's an old-school fashion 'rule' that you think is completely outdated and meant to be broken?✨💅🏼] is a direct response to the overwhelming noise of social media and the fast-fashion industry. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and ethical implications of their purchasing decisions, and are actively seeking out pieces that are both stylish and sustainable. This shift towards intentionality and longevity is not only shaping the fashion landscape but also influencing how we approach self-expression and personal style as a whole. It’s about curating a wardrobe that feels authentic, rather than chasing after the latest fleeting trends.

Ultimately, this movement towards understated elegance and anti-trend footwear signals a deeper shift in our relationship with fashion. It’s a move away from performative style and towards a more grounded, self-assured aesthetic. As we head into fall, the question becomes: how will this emphasis on timelessness and personal expression continue to shape the broader fashion landscape, and will we see a further embrace of quality over quantity, and enduring style over fleeting trends?

As you know, we're entering that weird transitional time of year in which it's still warm outside, but school buses are on the streets and Labor Day is right around the corner. Fall is coming, and soon we'll stow away the flip-flops in favor of shoes that are a bit more substantial. That said, it's not quite time to start wearing boots. So what staple shoe style do It girls reach for pre-boots as we move into early fall each year? Closed-toe mules. We recently put flat slipper mules on your transitional shoe radar, via Vittoria Ceretti, and now another It girl, Zoë Kravitz, is wearing the high-heel version of the style.

While out in NYC today, Kravitz was spotted wearing a black lace-trimmed camisole with denim shorts. To make the summery outfit significantly more appropriate for fall, she opted for the aforementioned high-heel closed-toe mules instead of sandals or ballet flats. It's not a trendy shoe, per se, as it's around in one form or another year after year, and if you ask me, that makes high-heel closed-toe mules even better. Keep scrolling to see Kravitz's styling for yourself and shop some of the internet's best pairs.