These Are the 9 Next Major Designer It Shoes, and That's a Fact

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space to explore everything from craftsmanship deep dives to the little-known details to consider when buying fine jewelry.

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I have a thing for shoes. Out of everything I end up purchasing in my closet, shoes win out as one of the pieces I'll splurge on—perhaps matched only my bags. I see them as a true staple that get tons of wear and can really transform an outfit. In fact, I count some of my designer shoe buys—including a pair of two-tone Chanel slingbacks—among my best purchases of all time.

Over the last couple of years, I've practically been living in house shoes and sneakers but I'm very ready to break that habit now that my calendar is filling up with events, so I'm eyeing all of the best designer It-shoes on the market. It's no surprise that fashion insiders are already wearing some of the most in-demand styles and I'm here to share which ones are worth the investment. Ahead, introducing the nine major next designer It shoes.

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(Image credit: @filippahagg@deborabrosa)

I've never fallen for a shoe so quickly and need these in my closet, which might be a challenge because they're selling out at lightning speed. The metal toe-capped heels are becoming a Saint Laurent signature and I especially love the new bouclé versions.

Shop Saint Laurent:

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

We've been talking about how huge ski-inspired fashion would be this winter, so it's no surprise that the theme is taking over the world of footwear. Prada has its own spin on shearling and padded booties thatlook so cozy to slip into.

Shop Prada:

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Pernille Teisbaek's collaboration with Gia is one of the most talked-about shoe collections of the year and I simply can't get enough. I hate to pick favorites, but the pointed Perni heels are such a cool, modern take on a heel and I feel like they have a lot of staying power.

Shop Gia x Pernille Teisbaek:

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Gucci does it again with its logo GG slingbacks. If you ask me, the crystal-adorned versions are perfect for the holidays—and the low height is especially great if you're looking to ease your way back into heels.

Shop Gucci:

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek@samimiro)

Chanel has a knack for launching cult accessories and this time around, its high boots are the style to know. While they may look like a knee-high silhouette, they're actually a two-in-one style that can also be worn as an ankle boot.

Shop Chanel:

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(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

Easily one of the most buzzed-about shoes of the year, our editor Slack convos are stocked with lots of amazing things to say about the Versace Medusa platforms. Part of a larger platform trend on the runways, this is definitely the key style to know.

Shop Versace:

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(Image credit: @aimeesong@endlesslyloveclub)

While Mach & Mach's bow heels aren't exactly new this year, they're only gaining momentum among the fashion set. Just add these crystal-adorned shoes to any look for the ultimate party 'fit.

Shop Mach & Mach:

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Celine has carved out the coolest possible take on preppy classics—including the loafer. The house's take includes a platform lug sole and brand motifs, making them a fashion-forwards (yet subtle) take on an It designer shoe.

Shop Celine:

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(Image credit: @ariviere@lefevrediary)

Kitten heel slingbacks are having a moment and Louis Vuitton has a cool, futuristic sneaker-inspired version finished with rubber soles and a wavy shape that is being snapped up by all the fashion people.

Shop Louis Vuitton:

Next, all the cool luxury items that are making me feel things.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.