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The It Girls Have Gotten the Memo: Fall's Prettiest Shoe Color Trend Is Here

Our take

The memo has been received: fall's most coveted shoe color is undeniably burgundy. From classic pumps to statement boots, the rich hue is quickly becoming *the* accessory to own. Joining the trend is Lili Reinhart, solidifying burgundy’s place as the season's must-have. Elevate your footwear game with this timeless shade—it’s a sophisticated investment that promises enduring style. For more on embracing the season’s key looks, explore our piece on "From McQueen to Mulberry," and discover the return of London style.
 The It Girls Have Gotten the Memo: Fall's Prettiest Shoe Color Trend Is Here

The shift towards saturated shoe colors, as highlighted by the recent embrace by figures like Lili Reinhart, signals a significant evolution in how we approach footwear as a style element. For years, the prevailing wisdom dictated a neutral palette – blacks, browns, nudes – designed to seamlessly integrate with a multitude of outfits. However, the current trend demonstrates a move towards intentionality and statement-making. The beauty lies in the liberation from rigid matching rules; a vibrant shoe can now exist as a focal point, a deliberate contrast that elevates an otherwise understated ensemble. This echoes a broader movement in fashion where individual expression and curated individuality are prized above all else. It's a direct response to the ubiquity of minimalist aesthetics and a desire for a touch of unexpected personality. Consider the resurgence of London style, as explored in [From McQueen to Mulberry, Britpop to Burberry Plaid: This Season, London Is So Back], which similarly champions bold choices and a confident disregard for conventional rules.

This isn't merely a fleeting trend; it represents a deeper understanding of how accessories can function as powerful signifiers of personal style. The shift allows for greater creativity and a more playful approach to dressing. It also reflects a consumer base increasingly attuned to the idea of investing in pieces that make a statement, rather than simply blending in. We’ve seen this reflected in other areas of fashion, like the renewed interest in statement coats—Sienna Miller’s recent choice, as detailed in [Sienna Miller Just Wore the Elegant High-Street Coat I Predict Will Sell Out Before October], perfectly illustrates this desire for a single, impactful piece that defines an entire look. The move away from matching also democratizes fashion; it allows individuals to incorporate bolder colors and patterns without feeling constrained by the need to build a perfectly coordinated wardrobe. It’s an accessible way to inject personality, regardless of budget or existing wardrobe. The curated nature of contemporary style, as exemplified in [I Took a Deep Dive into the Chicest Celebrity Wardrobes—9 Pieces I Found That You Can Shop Right Now], is all about thoughtful selection and impactful details, and footwear is now firmly established as a key area for showcasing that curation.

The rise of saturated shoe colors also taps into a broader cultural shift towards embracing individuality and self-expression. Social media, with its emphasis on visual storytelling, has amplified the desire to stand out and project a distinct personal brand. Shoes, being a relatively accessible and impactful accessory, offer a low-stakes way to experiment with color and style. Furthermore, the increased availability of high-quality, affordable footwear options has made it easier for consumers to incorporate these trends into their wardrobes. This isn't about chasing fleeting fads; it’s about cultivating a personal aesthetic that reflects confidence and intentionality. The rejection of the "matchy-matchy" approach demonstrates a move away from prescribed style rules and towards a more fluid and expressive approach to personal presentation.

Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how this trend evolves. Will we see a continued expansion of saturated colors, or will the focus shift towards more nuanced and unexpected hues? Will the emphasis on individual expression lead to a further fragmentation of style trends, or will certain color palettes become iconic across different demographics? The key takeaway is that footwear is no longer a supporting player in the fashion narrative; it’s a vital element in crafting a curated and compelling personal style. The question now is: which color will become the next defining statement?

I don’t know about you, but I have a plethora of neutral-colored shoes in my closet, and routinely desire some variety in the form of a saturated shoe color. The beauty of present-day shoe color trends is that they don’t really need to match what you’re wearing, per se. In fact, it’s even cooler if they don’t, making your shoes more of a statement piece that people will notice, rather than just blending in with your outfit. Right now, the shoe color trend stylish people are gravitating toward is both bold and pretty, and yes, it's purple. And Lili Reinhart is the latest It girl to endorse it.

Reinhart, who has been out promoting her new film The Love Hypothesis this week, was just spotted in New York wearing a lace-trimmed mini slip dress in rich plum under a polka-dot jacket, paired with satin purple shoes. Brown, black, or nude shoes may be the more obvious choice, but the royal purple shoes she opted for clashed a bit, making the outfit exponentially cooler. See for yourself below, and shop an assortment of chic purple shoes.

The Trend on Lili Reinhart

Lili Reinhart in NYC wearing a polka dot collared jacket, lace-trimmed plum-colored mini slip dress, and purple shoes

(Image credit: TheStewartofNY/GC Images/Getty Images)

Lili Reinhart in NYC wearing a polka dot collared jacket, lace-trimmed plum-colored mini slip dress, and purple shoes

(Image credit: TheStewartofNY/GC Images/Getty Images)

On Lili Reinhart: Vintage Nanette Lepore jacket; Fleur Du Mal Juliet Lace Mini Slip ($348); vintage Jimmy Choo shoes; Elisa Johnson Dakota Sunglasses ($135)

More Chic Purple-Shoe Examples

Alexa Chung wearing purple shoes

(Image credit: @alexachung)

Pictured: Alexa Chung

Elsa Hosk wearing purple shoes

(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

Pictured: Elsa Hosk

Julie Sergent Ferreri wearing purple shoes

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Pictured: Julie Sergent Ferreri

Shop Purple Shoes

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