5 Fall 2017 Shoe Trends That Make a Rihanna-Size Statement

Looking for a statement shoe this fall? We asked independent shop owners at some of the coolest boutiques across the country and online to look into their crystal balls and tell us what shoe trends are going to be big this season.

Here's who is on our very official shoe panel: there's Adele Tetangco, who is the co-founder and VP of merchandise at Garmentory, a cutting-edge marketplace of indie boutiques and designers. Kelly Ferenc is the owner of Bishop Boutique, a charming shoe and accessory shop in Alexandria, Virginia that looks like a dream closet. Then there's Stacy Smallwood, owner of Charleston designer boutique Hampden Clothing and a queen of Southern style. They've pulled something here for every shopper, whether you're into bows and velvet—or maybe combat boots and chunky heels.

Metallic is totally a neutral. "One of my favorite trends of the season is the silver boot. It is a way to update an all-black look with a punch of style," Stacy says. Good examples are these sterling silver Loeffler Randalls and these ones from Rag & Bone, both with a walkable heel.

Meanwhile, Adele from Garmentory has another metallic shade in her shopping cart. "I've never loved gold as much as I do right now," she says, pulling out these Rachel Comey clogs, Gray Matters pumps, and Mari Giudicelli mules.

We've seen hits like Rihanna's fuzzy slides or Gucci's kangaroo fur loafers, and furry shoes will still be going strong throughout 2017. "Fall 2017 is full of micro-trends, offering everyone a little of everything—but no one will be fully dressed this season without fur," says Kelly at Bishop Boutique. "Real or faux, it doesn’t matter as long as coats, bags, accessories and shoes are lined, filled and detailed in fur."

Velvet is in again, but if you're not feeling velvet tops quite yet, experiment with a dressy velvet shoe instead. "Accessories are such a great way to try the trend and not wear it head-to-toe," says Hampden owner Stacy, who loves these sweet Rochas slides. "This Rochas velvet mule combines one of the hottest trends for spring, the mule, and the new fall trend, velvet. It's a perfect dressy flat." Stacy's other velvet picks include these statement night-blue Stella McCartney boots and these Carven pumps. They're the "perfect neutral that will go with anything," she says.

The opposite end of the trend spectrum is combat boots, with designer spins on the classic Doc Marten. These boots "add a little '90s rock and roll to your look, either with a dress or just jeans," Stacy said. She suggests Robert Clergerie's comfy, clean-lined combat boots, a pair with pearl details from 3.1 Phillip Lim, and these chunky yet feminine Sophia Webster boots, also with fur!

Remember your slinky Steven Madden slides from high school? Really, who could forget those? Adele from Garmentory is calling out similar chunky platforms, this time with a 2017 twist. "I've also been feeling like wearing the shoes I used to wear in the '90s, with the biggest influence being The Craft," she says. "Relive that witchy vibe with these styles from Suzanne Rae, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, and Intentionally Blank.