The Classy Shoe Trend Celebrities and Fashion People Are Now Wearing in Place of Mary Janes

For the past few seasons, when fashion people have needed a sophisticated shoe they've called upon a neat pair of Mary Janes or ballet flats to do the job. This autumn, however, there's a new shoe trend that's been quietly slotting into the outfits that other mainstream styles used to complete. Whilst the aforementioned versatile styles will never be "out", fashion people are embracing the wardrobe-altering potential of the vamp shoe trend this autumn.
What Is a Vamp Shoe?
The vamp is the upper part of a shoe that covers the front of the foot, which, on many styles—save perhaps loafers—sits near the toes. However, for 2024, I'm seeing a rise in pairs with higher-up vamps (hence their name), where the design cuts off towards the middle of the foot and extends further up the sides. Creating a smoother shape thanks to the fuller-coverage design, vamp shoes are often seen in a pump silhouette complete with an almond or pointed toe, and come in flat and heeled styles, both of which I'm seeing a lot of this season.
Who Is Wearing the Vamp Shoe Trend?
Already in the wardrobes of some of the fashion people I look to the most, I spotted singer and television presenter Rochelle Humes style the elegant shoe trend for appointments in Paris during fashion week. Wearing hers with full-length trousers and a black, cropped jacket, Humes' daytime look exuded easy elegance and felt perfectly in tune with her personal style.
Another early adopter of the vamp shoe trend, model Elsa Hosk wove a light-brown heeled pair into her casual jeans and T-shirt ensemble. Instead of choosing standard ballet flats, Hosk's vamp shoe choice made her outfit feel fresher and more fashionable.
Whilst the new shoe trend is still somewhat under the radar for now, I don't think it'll be long before everyone starts clocking on. Get ahead of the curve and discover the pairs we love the most below.
Shop Our Edit of the Best Vamp Shoes:
This sage shade is so easy to slip into a capsule wardrobe.
These also come in a metallic silver shade.
The buttery deer leather ensures a comfortable fit.
Trust Toteme to elevate the trend further.
These would look super chic with baggy jeans.
Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.
-
Spotted at JFK Airport: The Only Boot Trend TSA Won't Give You Side-Eye for Wearing
Comfortable, stylish, and most importantly, functional.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
From L.A. to Paris, It Girls Are Swapping Their Classic Ballet Flats for This Elevated Alt
Rightfully so.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
So *This* Is the Evening Bag Color Everyone Should Be Wearing With Black Gowns
Perfect for spring.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
It's Back: The Humble Sandal Trend That New Yorkers Love to Hate
Spotted in L.A.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I Give It a Week Before Everyone With Taste Is Wearing This Elegant Pant Trend
Don't take it from me—take it from Hailey Bieber.
By Eliza Huber
-
It's Only March, But 2025 Already Has a New Celebrity-Approved It Bag
Rihanna is a fan.
By Emma Spedding
-
I Give It a Week Until Every Fashion Person in NYC Is Wearing This Under-$500 Designer Bag
It could be even less than that, though.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
The Elevated Alternative to Black Loafers I Keep Seeing on the Streets of Paris
Closet-staple status.
By Nikki Chwatt