Mesh ballet flats were so last year. Says who, you ask? Chic dressers vacationing in Saint-Tropez this summer. Laura Harrier, in particular, proved this by swapping her ballet flats for an elevated alternative: mesh mules.

While visiting the French Riviera last week, Harrier was seen out with her boyfriend wearing a stylish summer look consisting of a white halter mini dress with a fringed hem and black mesh mules. She accessorized the look with black retro sunglasses and a black mesh tote.

On Laura Harrier: Alaïa shoes

Though flat mules aren't a new silhouette, styles in mesh, leather, and suede have recently been trending. Their backless design makes them easy to slip on and off while maintaining an effortlessly chic aesthetic, which is why Harrier likely opted for them. But it's not just Harrier who is donning them. Other It girls are choosing them as well: Hailey Bieber wore a patent leather pair for meetings in L.A., and Gisele Bündchen selected boat mules—a backless variation of the boat-shoe trend—for the airport.

All that to say, if flat mesh mules feel like your style, keep scrolling to shop a myriad of elegant pairs. The best part is that you'll get your money's worth because you can wear them now with dresses and skirts and then in the fall with jeans and trousers.

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The most logical way to bridge summer and fall starts with a specific shoe style. If you guessed mules, I'm happy to say that you're correct. It's simply the ideal sandal-and-flat-shoe hybrid to bridge the gap, and it works equally well for both seasons. It's also the perfect airport shoe, as it's comfortable and keeps your feet covered and can easily be slipped on or off if needed. If you want to take things a step further and talk about the specific mule trend to wear to the airport this fall (and now, of course), look no further than Gisele Bündchen, who was recently spotted at the airport in Rio de Janeiro.

The trend Bündchen wore is boat mules, a backless take on the boat-shoe trend (aka, deck shoes) that gained widespread popularity in recent seasons. Bündchen's shoes were a suede pair by Miu Miu, which, as you may recall, is primarily responsible for the resurgence of the boat-shoe trend, after it made its way down the brand's S/S 24 runway. And yes, Miu Miu is also responsible for making the mule version cool, as multiple brands have jumped on the bandwagon since. And as you'll see, the trend looks perfect with jeans, which is what Bündchen paired hers with, along with a button-down shirt over a white tank.

With that, scroll on to see Bündchen's chic airport look for yourself and to shop an array of boat mules to wear to the airport (or anywhere else) now and this fall.

Gisele Bündchen's Airport Outfit

On Gisele Bündchen: Chanel bag; Miu Miu mules

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I’ve reached the point of summer in which I’m officially over it. The fact that I’ve lost count of how many “heat domes” we’ve had on the East Coast this year should explain why. To get myself through these sweltering days, I’ve started turning my mind to what I’ll be buying to make that highly anticipated (at least for me) jump from summer to fall. I’m starting with shoes, and just in time, the incredibly stylish Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti just wore a flat-shoe trend that couldn’t be more perfect for making the impending seasonal transition.

Ceretti was spotted between shows during the recent Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, wearing a casual, trend-forward summer outfit. She opted for a pair of pull-on boxer-style shorts with an unbuttoned button-down over a T-shirt. It was a great combination, but the thing I was most interested in was her shoes: slipper-style flat mules (hers in brown suede). Given that the trend is continuing on from last fall, you might even already own a pair. The open-in-the-back, closed-in-the-front shoes make sense for both summer and fall, which is basically the definition of a perfect transitional shoe. Keep scrolling to get a pair for yourself.

The Shoes on Vittoria Ceretti

On Vittoria Ceretti: Chanel bag

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I've spent the past few months side-eyeing mule sneakers. Somewhere between sneakers and slip-on clogs, they've slowly become a part of every brand's catalogue. I can't shop for sneakers without coming across a pair. They're designed for people who prioritize comfort without sacrificing style and want to slip on shoes and go. I understood the appeal in theory, but I wasn't convinced they'd actually work in my own wardrobe. From my perspective, they were errand shoes—never meant to have a fashion moment—but then I started to notice a few chic styles pop up on the market.

I found myself reaching for my easiest shoes to wear on busy mornings more often than not, and suddenly, the trend started to make sense. Mule sneakers offer the ease of slipping on sandals with the support of sneakers, so I became intrigued. I decided to put the trend to the test. After wearing a pair for several days, I have thoughts. Ahead, I'm sharing my honest review, the outfit I'd actually wear them with, and the best mule sneakers worth shopping if you're ready to try the trend yourself.

Let's Talk About It

After I browsed the options, the pair that ultimately caught my eye was Rag & Bone's Retro Runners. They look anything but lazy, come in the most appealing color combinations, and are lightweight with a touch of vintage inspiration. I gave them a go over the last few weeks and am ready to share my thoughts.

My honest review: I'll admit that I expected mule sneakers to be awkward, and truthfully, they took some time to get used to. During the first wear, I had to break them in to feel the same comfort and security I do when wearing regular sneakers. From the start, I recognized the simplicity and ease of the slip-on style. My one tip to anyone who is trying them on for size is that it's a good idea to size up to make sure you have plenty of room in this style.

Once I got used to them, I found them to be a lot more comfortable, and I love how they provide style while also giving me the comfort to walk anywhere and everywhere. I'd say the biggest surprise was just how stylish they are, elevating every outfit I've paired them with. My takeaway is that I can't wait to try more styles in this silhouette because they were that good.

A few pairs I'm considering are below.

Let's Shop It

Summer shoes are the prettiest shoes, and I will always stand by this statement. I s that declaring one shoe the prettiest It shoe of summer 2026 may sound a bit hyperbolic, but I also stand by this statement. And believe it or not, they're technically jellies. That said, they're far from the jellies of yore. These jellies are modern, elegant, and utterly grown-up. They come courtesy of Chloé, and they were just spotted on Tessa Thompson in NYC.

After last summer's viral jelly thong slingback sandals, Chloé has pretty much solidified itself as the go-to designer brand for elevated jellies, and if you ask me, the Chloé Jelly Mules, its new ruched peep-toe heel, are even more elevated and wearable than last year's flip-flop iteration. The vintage-inspired style is incredibly flattering on the foot and is far more timeless than its predecessor. They also come in an array of cool colours for the season. Thompson opted for the ash grey iteration, which was the perfect complement to her white tank and lace-trimmed blue slip skirt.

Scroll on to see Thompson's look and to shop the Chloé Jelly Mules in every colour while you can because they're selling out everywhere. (Trust me—I checked.)

Tessa Thompson Wearing the It Shoes

On Tessa Thompson: Chloé Jelly Mules (£490)

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Listen. I have been on the fence about wearing capri leggings ever since they had a major return last summer. The trend always felt “dated” and a bit too casual for my liking, and many other fashion people held the same sentiments but have since embraced capri leggings. Among many others, Kylie and Kendall Jenner are regular wearers, and Tessa Thompson is the latest stylish celebrity to endorse the trend.

Thompson's styling of capri leggings was anything but dated. In fact, she looked incredibly of-the-moment, and the pieces she wore with them made the leggings look particularly expensive. She paired them with just two simple items that made a huge difference: a white button-down shirt and a pair of pointed-toe mules. She accessorized with just a beaded pendant necklace by Tory Burch. These two minimal yet chic pieces turned her capri leggings into an event-worthy outfit. Had she styled her capris with any other top or shoes, like a tee and sneakers, for example, she simply wouldn’t look as polished. This look convinced me that capri leggings can, in fact, look expensive and sophisticated.​

If you’re in need of more convincing, keep scrolling to re-create Thompson's look and shop more capri leggings, button-downs, and pointed-toe mules.

How Tessa Thompson Styled Them

On Tessa Thompson: Vintage Prada mules; Tory Burch Runway Shell Necklace ($400)

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Summer shoes are the prettiest shoes, and I will always stand by this statement. I realize that declaring one shoe the prettiest It shoe of summer 2026 may sound a bit hyperbolic, but I also stand by this statement. And believe it or not, they're technically jellies. That said, they're far from the jellies of yore. These jellies are modern, elegant, and utterly grown-up. They come courtesy of Chloé, and they were just spotted on Tessa Thompson in NYC.

After last summer's viral jelly thong slingback sandals, Chloé has pretty much solidified itself as the go-to designer brand for elevated jellies, and if you ask me, the Chloé Jelly Mules, its new ruched peep-toe heel, are even more elevated and wearable than last year's flip-flop iteration. The vintage-inspired style is incredibly flattering on the foot and is far more timeless than its predecessor. They also come in an array of cool colors for the season. Thompson opted for the ash gray iteration, which was the perfect complement to her white tank and lace-trimmed blue slip skirt.

Scroll on to see Thompson's look and to shop the Chloé Jelly Mules in every color while you can because they're selling out everywhere. (Trust me—I checked.)

Tessa Thompson Wearing the It Shoes

On Tessa Thompson: Chloé Jelly Mules ($670)

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As someone who is 5'4" and a half (holding onto that half an inch), the struggle is real when it comes to finding trousers and jeans that actually fit. I'm not quite classed as "petite", so I tend not to shop from these sections, but I'm often left with having no other option but to get them tailored. Sure, I can roll up the hems of some of them (and I have a pair of baggy Levi's that look best worn like this), but sometimes I just want jeans that aren't a trip hazard. And this brings me to my love of cropped jeans.

Styles that sit somewhere around the ankle will always have a place in my wardrobe, but the thing is, I do find them slightly trickier to style with different shoes. So, to solve this issue, I went on the lookout for what some of the most stylish women on the internet are wearing with their cropped jeans. The result? Parisians are opting for ballet flats or chic heeled mules, London girls are backing flip-flops and ankle-tie sandals, and in the A-list world, Hailey Bieber proves that the iconic trio of (cropped) jeans, a "nice top" and heels has never—and will never—fail. Here are the summer shoes to wear with your cropped jeans this season, because, yes, summer still calls for denim.

5 Summer Shoes to Wear With Cropped Jeans

1. Flip-Flops

Style Notes: There's something about wearing relaxed flip-flops with jeans (or any trousers, really) that looks so damn good. London girls are taking them away from the beach and to the city, and I love how Lois has added a black leather pair to her white cropped jeans for the perfect monochromatic duo.

Shop the Look:

2. Ballet Pumps

Style Notes: Léna is one of the many French women who always wears ankle jeans, and I love how she's given them the Parisian touch with ballet flats. Instead of plain pairs, though, this season I rate animal prints, woven textures and pairs with strap details for a little je ne sais quoi.

Shop the Look:

3. Ankle-Tie

Style Notes: Seeing as cropped jeans allow a little flash of the ankle, why not make them interesting? Ankle-tie detail sandals are everywhere right now and these particular jeans will let you show them off to anyone who wants to admire your new sandals.

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4. Strappy Sandals

Style Notes: Hailey Bieber proves once again that jeans and a 'nice top' never fails, especially when worn with heels. The trio is one that has been around for decades, and summer nights out just calls for strappy heeled sandals with cropped jeans.

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5. Mules

Style Notes: If you know me, you'll know I love a good mule. They just always give a polished look to any outfit and I love how Sylvie's suede pointed-toe pair really elevates an otherwise simple jeans and black top look.

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There's a very specific shift happening in the shoe world right now, and it's really about the number of styles that can be pulled off. Sure, we love sneakers and predictable ballet flats, but they have hit peak saturation. This summer, in their place is a lineup of styles that feel just as easy but infinitely more interesting. If you're tired of the same old shoes, you're going to want to read to the end.

What I love about this new wave of flats is how directional they feel without being difficult. They still work with everything you already own—jeans, dresses, tailoring—but they add just enough personality to make your outfit feel considered. Below, see the styles taking over this summer.

Animal-Print Anything

Leopard, zebra, snakeskin—consider these your neutrals with personality. They instantly make a simple outfit feel styled.

Summer Boots

Summer boots are lightweight, often slouchy, and surprisingly wearable, even in warmer weather. These are the shoes I wear when I have a long walk to dinner but don't want to be in sneakers.

Boat Shoes

Boat shoes are unexpected but very much happening. Styled right, they feel more fashionable than preppy.

Updated Loafers

Chunkier soles, interesting textures, and subtle details give this classic style a fresh edge.

Thong Sandals

Thong sandals are the minimalist, sleek, and quietly cool flats that make everything else in your outfit look more elevated.

Ballet Mules

Ballet mules have all the elegance of ballet flats with a slightly undone, slip-on ease that feels more modern. Also, you're guaranteed fewer blisters.

Here's the thing about women over the age of 50. They know what works and what doesn't. Does anyone prove that more proficiently than Jennifer Lopez? Her outfits are always expertly curated and trend-forward, and the one she just wore while exiting her hotel in NYC included the summer pant trend that well-dressed celebrities love: capri pants. Of course, Lopez knows exactly what to wear with them to ensure they look their chicest—high-heel mules. Flats or sandals, on the other hand, could keep capris from looking as flatting as they have potential to look.

Ever since capris skyrocketed back into relevancy, smart dressers have come to realize that flat and covered-up shoes aren't your best bet when wearing the polarizing knee-length pants. I find that high-heel mules, which fully expose the foot and elongate the leg, make for a very successful capri-pant outfit. J.Lo made the outfit look even more on-trend for 2026 by wearing a funnel-neck jacket. It's the coolest capri-pant outfit of the season, hands down.

Keep scrolling to shop Lopez's chic outfit.

On Jennifer Lopez

On Jennifer Lopez: Auter Paperweight Batwing Bomber ($1450); Hermès bag

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In case you missed it, another dated denim trend is back: two-tone jeans. Over the past two weeks, three celebrities in New York City have been spotted wearing them. First, Sarah Pidgeon styled a barrel-leg pair with a fitted-waist blazer and glossy pumps. Then Chloë Sevigny wore a gray-wash straight-leg style with a V-neck sweater and T-strap flats. Most recently, though, it was Katie Holmes who backed the denim trend.

For a night out in NYC, Holmes stepped out in relaxed two-tone jeans styled in a way entirely different from Pidgeon and Sevigny. Instead of a blazer or a knit, Holmes opted for a tee and a silk button-down shirt, and instead of pumps or T-strap flats, Holmes chose suede mules.

Holmes's shoe choice was the most important element in her ensemble, as these mules were the key to transforming the two-tone denim trend into something that feels current and chic. How did they do that? It's all in the mix of timeless and modern design details. For starters, the mules were slip-on loafers, which, regardless of the designer, are always classic and versatile and can ground any outfit. The chocolate-brown suede fabrication gave the overall look an expensive, luxurious feel in a very 2026 way.

If Holmes's sophisticated take has convinced you to revisit this exciting denim trend, keep scrolling. Ahead, we've curated an edit of the chicest two-tone jeans and slip-on loafers to help you get the look.

Shop Two-Tone Jeans and Suede Mules

If skirts are an area of your wardrobe that feels sparse in 2026, especially compared to pants, shorts, and dresses, let me introduce you to the one silhouette you need to invest in to look "in the know" this year. Pencil skirts have taken over the skirt genre, showing up on A-listers like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid as well as runway models at Toteme, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Khaite, and more. Everyone who's anyone in fashion is either producing pencil skirts or wearing them right now, but to do them correctly, you need to know one thing. No one with authority in the fashion space is wearing pencil skirts with flats. It's just not a thing. Instead, they're styling them with heels, and one specific style is leading the charge: heeled mules.

The combination was most recently seen on actress Camila Morrone, who is currently doing press for her new Netflix horror series, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. Morrone was spotted in midtown Manhattan on Thursday wearing an all-black ensemble (her preferred color combination throughout her press tour for the series) by Max Mara, including a cropped mock-neck sweater with elbow-length sleeves and a matching pencil skirt from the Italian brand's spring/summer 2026 collection. To finish off her pencil-skirt outfit, she and her stylist, Emma Jade Morrison, added a pair of sky-high heeled mules with a delicate peep-toe detail from Black Suede Studio.

On Camila Morrone: Max Mara top and skirt; Black Suede Studio Shania 100 Satin Mule ($345)

Styled by: Emma Jade Morrison

What makes heeled mules such a perfect partner for pencil skirts is how they elongate the foot and leg, which is key when you're wearing a skirt that cuts off at the knee. It's easy to look tall in a miniskirt, but pencil skirts can easily make someone appear shorter if the wrong footwear is worn with them, no matter how tall or short they are. Heeled mules are the ultimate solution, with super-tall versions like Morrone's looking just as polished and chic as kitten-heel alternatives that might provide owners with added comfort and wearability.

Below, re-create Morrone's look and shop all the best pencil skirts and heeled mules on the market this season.

Pencil Skirts + Heeled Mules

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Hailey Bieber is a true style icon, consistently setting fashion trends by wearing the season's must-have items. What makes her relatable, however, is her habit of rewearing beloved pieces like any ordinary person would, particularly with designer items, to maximize their use. In the past, she's frequently worn items such as Gap's Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans, Joe's Everyday Tank, and Bottega Veneta's Large Hop Bag. While she still incorporates those staples, The Row's Penelope Mules have recently joined her rotation as a new favorite.

With their sleek, patent-leather design and refined slip-on silhouette, the Penelope Mules are a seasonal hero item. They play into several emerging new-season trends at once. The elegant mules feature a shiny patent finish that has been gaining traction over the past few seasons for its rich appeal. Additionally, the elongated upper embraces the high-vamp-shoe trend, which is set to dominate footwear in 2026.

Since Bieber's pair is an investment, I wondered whether there were similar styles on the market that could help me get the designer look for less. It didn't take me long to come across a handful of styles that have a similar silhouette. One that stood out specifically was the Lambert from Aldo. These shoes feature a patent-leather upper, a mule silhouette, a slim block heel, and a subtle square-toe design. But instead of costing over $1000, they're less than $120—a major win. Because you'll want to see what they look like, keep scrolling to discover the Aldo mules and more shoe alternatives that will have you looking like an It girl this spring.

How Hailey Bieber Styles the Penelope Mules

Get the look: Long-sleeve shirt + crochet skirt + Penelope Mules

Get the look: Leather top + wide-leg pants + Penelope Mules

Get the look: Leather jacket + low-rise baggy trousers + Penelope Mules

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Walking the River Seine, shopping along the Champs-Élysées, and people-watching from a brasserie are all prime spots to see chic Parisians in their natural habitat. Unlike any other city I've been to, Paris holds a special place in my heart for its fashion, its love, and its people, who, speaking of which, are so in touch with the latest trends that they often popularize them first.

We're only a few months into 2026, and as spring begins to blossom, the Parisians have already set the standard for spring 2026. Whether it's commenting on the in and out trends French women are adopting in 2026 or showcasing the best shoes to wear with jeans, there's no denying the Parisian style set has a knack for providing fashion advice.

This week, I took a look at my shoe rack and noticed there was definitely room for improvement, specifically in the flat-shoe department. So as any good shopping editor would do, I went to the IG accounts of my favorite French women for inspiration. I, of course, made sure to write up my findings. And that's exactly what's coming to you below.

Scroll on to shop the six French-woman flat-shoe trends I expect to be everywhere come spring. From classic Mary Janes to unexpected booties, the Parisians know where it's at.

6 French-Woman Flat-Shoe Trends for Spring 2026

Half-Boots

Chic but cool—the moto half-boot is an unexpected French-woman flat-shoe trend for spring 2026, yet it makes total sense. In contrast to the boots' edgy attitude, French women are styling them with icy blues and stark whites for a springtime effect. Score extra points with the style set if you tuck your trousers into the boot.

Red Mary Janes

Red flats are synonymous with the French woman. Capitalize on the Frenchness and wear them with capri pants and a crisp white button-down. Throw on a matching red lip, and you're ready to walk to the Champs-Élysées. This time of year always calls for a pop of color. Take a page out of the French woman's style book and invest in a pair of red Mary Janes.

Glove Flats

The glove flat is a French woman's staple. Often worn with low-rise trousers or straight-leg jeans, the simple look and fitted silhouette make styling easy. Pro tip I stole from a chic Parisian: Wear them with sheer tights if you want to look like a fashion person.

Mules

A mule is my solution to looking chic and feeling comfortable. It gives the illusion of a ballet flat with the ease of a house slipper. Bonus points if it comes in soft suede or crochet.

Lo-Pro Sneakers

It's rare to spot a Parsian in such a casual shoe like a sneaker, but if you do, chances are high it's a low-profile silhouette. Succinct and minimal, styles like the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 and Adidas Tokyo Shoes make for an excellent choice.

Ruched Loafers

Ruched loafers have always held a spot on the French woman's shoe rack. But lately, the slim silhouette has been hitting different and seems to be preferred over sneakers or Mary Janes for its sturdy stability and elegant appeal. Parisians are styling the loafer with low-rise trousers for an old-money-meets-new look.

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

Take this as your sign to book that pedicure—spring 2026 is bringing open-toed sandals and mesh flats to the main stage, with a spotlight on backless mules. Or at least that's what Nordstrom's new arrivals are showing.

It's part of my daily routine at this point to start the morning by scrolling through Nordstrom. Not only does it fall under my shopping-editor duties, but also I end up with chic new additions to my spring 2026 wish list. Today's hot finds? Shoes, shoes, and more shoes.

Ahead, six rich-looking Nordstromshoe trends chic women are wearing in 2026. Scroll on to browse wallet-friendly finds (oh, did I forget to mention many picks are under $200), standout sneakers, elegant flats, and versatile sandals.

6 Rich-Looking Shoe Trends at Nordstrom

Glove Flats

Here's the thing: Glove flats have always been around. Just a few years ago, we would have called them stuffy and dated, and now they are the epitome of rich-looking. The foot-hugging silhouette and high vamp whisper luxury. Don't believe me? Next time you're out and about, keep an eye out for a glove flat.

Satin Sneakers

Goodbye, suede trainers, and hello, satin sneakers—a callout from my in and out spring 2026 trends earlier this month. The air sneaker trend dominated the spring 2026 runways. Its slim silhouette and often shiny satin finish make it a compelling candidate for the top 2026 sneaker trends. Wear it with a pair of cigarette jeans or balloon trousers, and expect compliments from your chicest friends.

Thong Kitten Heels

I'll take any excuse to talk about the Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel Sandal. Not only is this $50 sandal right on budget, but it's also a fit for the '90s minimalist aesthetic sweeping IG right now. Thank you, CBK. Plus, it's an editor favorite.

Slim Mules

Even though I scroll Nordstrom at least once a day, I'm still pleasantly surprised when I discover something chic, especially when shopping in store. You see things in a different light. Like these Veronica Beard Narcisa Mules. I tried them on and absolutely fell in love. A sleek mule is the perfect spring shoe IMO. Just step in and go.

Toe-Loop Sandals

The toe-loop sandal is a cooler, more elevated version of your everyday flip-flop. It's flirty, chic, and most of all practical. Save it for the next sunny spring day.

Mesh Flats

From perforated Mary Janes to crochet glove flats, the mesh-flat trend is all-inclusive. Its only requirement: must be see-through. Keep in mind you might want to schedule a pedicure appointment.

I’m calling it: it’s time to tuck away your boots and welcome strappy sandals back into the fold. The sun is finally out, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a footwear refresh. Right on time, Alexa Chung already delivered the summer shoe inspiration I’ll be weaving into my own rotation from here on out.

Encouraging me to style my jeans with something a little more interesting than the usual boots or trainers, Chung stepped out in straight-leg denim teamed with the prettiest heeled sandals.

Despite leaning into the odd element of embellishment, Chung’s look remained characteristically unfussy and chic. She layered an ornate jacket, decorated with intricate bird and floral motifs, over the outfit, the hem grazing her knees and revealing a mid-wash pair of stovepipe jeans beneath. Peeking out below? A pair of lilac heeled sandals in a trending mule cut. Whilst the mule finish brought a lightness to her denim outfit, the lilac shade nodded to the colour trend set to take off this season, the combination of which made her denim outfit feel impossibly chic.

While ballet flats and Mary Janes dominated last year’s street style scene, Chung’s heeled mules felt like a slightly more elevated alternative. She finished the outfit with oversized statement earrings and a black leather bag tucked into the crook of her arm.

A little more dressy, but just as easy to style, these shoes will be my go-to denim pairing now that the weather is on side. If you're inspired, too, read on to discover and shop the chicest straight-leg jeans and heeled sandals below.

Shop Straight-Leg Jeans + Heeled Sandals:

Maybe two years ago, I was on a press trip in Europe and decided on a whim to book a flight to Paris for two reasons, both of which involved shopping. When I arrived mid-morning, the address I shared with my taxi driver wasn't for a hotel or even a restaurant to grab a late breakfast. He drove me straight to Alaïa, where I had my first espresso of the day among a sea of ballet-pink pumps, mesh Mary Janes, and handbags made of nubuck leather and pony hair. I walked out with a navy-blue Le Teckel and plenty of energy to seize the day—and check off the other purchase on my to-buy list. Next stop: Charvet.

Charvet, located at 28 Place Vendôme across from the famous Ritz Paris, has been around since 1838, when Joseph-Christophe Charvet opened the world's first shirt shop in Paris. The space is great on the senses, with rich jewel tones throughout in the form of silk ties, patterned shirts, and one tall shelf to the right of the front door full of house slippers in a kaleidoscope of colors, all packed neatly inside their own personal leather envelopes. Leather versions mixed with suede ones, neutral-colored options in navy, brown, and black, with brighter ones, from red to royal blue. Though I love a crisp, tailored shirt as much as the next person, it was a pair of slippers that I'd come all this way for.

In the weeks and months after my luxury investment, I wore my slippers—an olive-green suede pair—nightly and brought them on trips to Seoul, Milan, and Athens. The matching suede bag they come in makes them perfect for traveling. In fact, that's essentially the entire point of them—slippers to help you bring the comforts of home with you when you jet around the world. Even so, I like to wear mine mostly around my apartment, alongside cashmere socks, silk pants, and chunky knits, all of which elevate my everyday life.

There's really only one problem. Since Charvet doesn't have an e-commerce presence, it's always been tricky to obtain a pair without doing what I did and traveling to the brand's Paris boutique. For some of us, that's a far journey to make just for a pair of slippers, even if they are the epitome of luxury. It's a good excuse to plan a trip, sure, but there should be an easier way. Well, now, there is one. In the last few years, Charvet travel slippers went from being impossible to find outside of Paris to shipped worldwide at retailers like Mr Porter and MyTheresa. That is, if you can find a pair in stock. Given their popularity among fashion people—including, but not limited to creators like Christie Tyler and Julia Rabinowitsch, the founder of The Millennial Decorator, and celebrities ranging from Dakota Johnson to Laura Harrier—smaller sizes especially sell out in record time. Fortunately, as an interested party, I'm always on the lookout for restocks, and I recently spotted plenty of size XS and S options at both of the aforementioned websites. Some might have gatekept this information, but I wouldn't dare.

Keep scrolling to shop Charvet slippers from the comfort of your home. Don't fret about the alpha sizing—I've included information on that too. Plus, I went ahead and included a few other slipper options to consider. Thank me later when your home and travel situation suddenly feels (and looks) infinitely more luxurious.

Sizing Guide

XS = US 6-7/EU 37-38
S = US 8-9/EU 39-40
M = US 10-11/EU 41-42
L  = US 12-13/EU 43-44

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The most stylish people tend to dress in uniforms. If they wear trousers, it's always with this flat-shoe style. If they're wearing leggings, it's always with one of these specific It sneakers, and well, you get the gist. For a long time, if chic people were wearing blue jeans, there was a 99% chance they'd be pairing the denim with classic black loafers, and to an extent, that's still true.

Lately, I've began to notice the rise of a new flat-shoe trend, and my editor senses have been tingling. If I were the betting type, I'd put money behind this shoe style becoming the new default to wear with jeans and maybe even taking the top spot from loafers. I'm talking about flat closed-toe mules that chic people like Hailey Bieber have been spotted wearing more and more. Bieber, for her part, opted for The Row's Penelope Mules, a sleek pair of leather mules with an open slip-on silhouette. She wore them with vintage Levi's, a white tee, and a tailored black coat for a casual combo that's easy but chic.

Both Bieber's style and The Row's elevated staples continue to be endlessly replicated, which is why I think—er, know—that her Penelope Mules will become the blueprint for chic flats in 2026. Sure, black loafers are fine, but this year, expect well-dressed people to be wearing flat mules with their jeans instead. Ahead, shop Bieber's pair and peruse more The Row–esque flats.

On Hailey Bieber: Khaite Tania Coat; Denim by Orlee vintage Levi's; The Row Penelope Mules ($1270) and Small Park Tote ($1550)

Hailey Bieber's The Row mules:

More flat mules to wear with jeans:

If there’s one thing fashion people in the UK and in France can agree on, it’s the importance of owning a good pair of jeans. Easy to style, versatile and, most importantly, comfortable, you’ll find denim trousers of some sort in the capsule wardrobes of stylish British and Gallic dressers alike. And this shared love also brings about a common dilemma: choosing which shoes truly look best with jeans.
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Now, of course, I already know that there are a number of very basic footwear styles that pair universally well with all jeans. But as a born and raised London girl, I’m not ashamed to say that the French fashion set is always my first port of call for jeans-and-shoe pairings that look fresh, elevated and just that little bit more on trend. And on my recent trip to Paris, I discovered seven key shoe trends that the Gallic girls will be wearing with their denim this year. And luckily for you, I rounded them up below.

From elegant suede loafers to effortlessly cool mesh flats, keep scrolling to discover the seven chic shoe trends French women are wearing with jeans in 2026.

7 Chic Shoe Trends French Women Are Wearing With Jeans in 2026

1. Backless Kitten Heels

Style Notes: The French girls love themselves a ‘90s trend, and with the recent resurgence of backless loafers, flats and trainers, it was only natural that kitten heels were the next step. They look chic, help to keep denim hemlines off the floor, and the lower heel height ensures all-day comfort.

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2. Slingback Flats

Style Notes: We already know that the French girls love ballet flats, but to make them feel fresh for 2026, they’re opting for slingback iterations. Adding a touch of elegance to your jeans outfits, this combo is perfect for when you want to wear your dark-wash jeans to the office.

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3. Suede Loafers

Style Notes: Loafers are just as popular across the pond as they are here in the UK. However, when they want a flat-shoe that’s slightly more elevated than classic leather, the French girls turn to supple suede iterations that are just as versatile but bring some polished edge to their jeans outfits.

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4. Pointed Ankle Boots

Style Notes: Ankle boots of any kind look good with jeans, but opting for a pair with a pointed toe brings a more directional feel to your outfit. I’m especially into the pared-back Western style that Franny is wearing with wide-leg indigo jeans above.

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5. Mesh Ballet Flats

Style Notes: French brand Alaïa’s mesh flats have quickly become a favourite amongst the fashion crowd since their release in 2022, and since then, there have been a number of options to choose from on both the luxury and high-street market. They’re comfy, easy to wear, and both look and feel cool throughout the warmer months.

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6. Chunky Chelsea Boots

Style Notes: If flat shoes are your thing but you still want to keep hemlines off the floor, chunky Chelsea boots should be your first port of call. They come French-girl approved, and of course, in true Gallic fashion, they love to pair them with bootcut and flared jeans alike.

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7. Minimal Trainers

Style Notes: The days of chunky, ostentatious trainers are gone, with fashion people turning to minimal, low profile styles instead. They’re versatile, look put together and lend themselves much better to dressing up for more formal events.

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Anything The Row releases tends to spark the same chain reaction: instant devotion, sell-out virality and an ever-expanding wait list. Next in line? The Hudson Slides. I've spotted these mules on the feet of influencers I trust (and celebrities with low-key style like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner) for a few seasons now, always styled in that effortless and luxuriously unbothered way The Row does best. The appeal is obvious. They're minimal without looking stark, refined without trying too hard and somehow manage to make even the most thrown-together outfit thoughtfully styled.

The Hudson Slide itself is beautifully simple: a softly structured leather upper, an almond-shaped toe that feels modern but not trend-led and a flat sole that actually works for real life. You could wear them all day without thinking about your feet, which, when we're talking about trending shoes, is rare.

Yes, the price is steep, but I've done the cost-per-wear maths, and in my opinion, they justify themselves, mainly because they're wearable year-round. I can wear mine with thick socks, tailored trousers and an oversized coat in January, and I already know they'll carry me straight through to spring with relaxed denim and a trench, then into summer with linen trousers and breezy shirts.

I will say this, though: The Row has a habit of quietly discontinuing some of its most beloved pieces, so if the Hudson Slides have been sitting on your mood board for a while, you might want to consider taking the plunge sooner rather than later. Scroll on to shop the Hudson Mules, plus a few other mule styles I rate if you want something in a similar vein.

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When a designer It item begins to take hold, it's not uncommon to see it pop up on all the celebrities and It girls of the moment within a several-month timespan, but when a designer item maintains its hold across decades and whole generations of well-dressed women, well, that's when it becomes truly eternal. Such is the case with many of Manolo Blahnik's iconic heels, but none are more relevant than the Callamu Mules and Callasli Slingbacks.

Throughout the '90s, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was a loyal wearer of the Callamu Mules, a simple pair of kitten heels with a crossover-strap design, which she famously wore to many black-tie occasions with dresses and maxi skirts. Since then, the heels haven't wavered in popularity, but this winter, Hailey Bieber has made the Callasli Slingbacks, a near-identical pair finished with a slingback strap, her new go-to. Hers are sourced from vintage seller The Vintage Marché, and her back-to-back outings in them have put the timeless heels back at the forefront of our minds.

In December alone, Bieber wore her Callasli Slingbacks three times, and each look included a pair of vintage jeans sourced from Denim by Orlee, a statement top, and the classic strappy heels.

For her 29th birthday, Bieber opted to pair her sequin top and Levi's jeans with gold Callasli Slingbacks, which she sourced from The Vintage Marché.

In one of the most beloved CBK images of all time, she's wearing a fluted black skirt with a crisp white button-down tucked into it and a pair of black Manolo Blahnik Callamu Mules. It's a timeless look that continues to be repeated to this day.

The most stylish minimalist dressers have lined their closets with the Callamu Mules that complement the staples in a pared-back closet especially well.

While the mules do lean sophisticated, fashion people are mixing them with more romantic silhouettes, like bias-cut dresses and slip skirts as well.

If you ask me (and many fashion people would agree), a pair of Callamu Mules in a neutral hue is one of the best shoe investments you can make.

Vintage curators like Lili Aghaei of The Vintage Marché and Julia Rabinowitsch of The Millennial Decorator are driving a renewed desire for vintage Manolos by sourcing classic styles like the Callamu and Callasli with croc embossing that bring a modern sensibility to the timeless styles.

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Winter officially started a few days ago, but it's felt like winter in much of the country for more than a month at this point. And for many, that means one thing: Uggs. I've been discussing one pair, in particular, for many weeks already, and if you're a fan of The Row, it's the perfect style for you. The Row's Hudson Mules are undoubtedly one of the brand's most popular shoes of the year, and Hailey Bieber is the latest of several celebrities to wear them. But if you're seeking a similar style that's far more affordable, the Ugg Elea slides are certain to satisfy you. The minimalist mules are just as cozy but more streamlined than other buzzy Ugg slides. Both are rounded-toe suede mules, with all of Ugg's and some—but not all—of The Row's Hudson Mules being lined in fur.

The way in which Bieber styled her The Row suede mules was as chic and cool—and dressy—as outfits that contain casual suede mules get. And even though she was wearing the flats with baggy grey sweatpants, the other pieces she paired with them added infinite polish. She wore a long black double-breasted coat. (Hers even had a tuxedo collar. Although, that isn't necessary when re-creating the look.) With it, she wore a V-neck sweatshirt, a slouchy black leather shoulder bag, and round sunglasses. That's all you need, folks—an elegant wool coat and elevated accessories, and your sweatpants and flat suede mules from either brand are suddenly appropriate for a great many occasions, not just ultra-casual ones.

Keep scrolling to shop the look, along with flat suede mules by The Row and Ugg.

On Hailey Bieber: The Row Hudson Suede Slide Mules (£990)

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Today may mark the official start of winter, but it's felt like winter in much of the country for more than a month at this point. And for many, that means one thing: Uggs. I've been discussing one pair, in particular, for many weeks already, and if you're a fan of The Row, it's the perfect style for you. The Row's Hudson Mules are undoubtedly one of the brand's most popular shoes of the year, and Hailey Bieber is the latest of several celebrities to wear them. But if you're seeking a similar style that's far more affordable, the Ugg Elea slides are certain to satisfy you. The minimalist mules are just as cozy but more streamlined than other buzzy Ugg slides. Both are rounded-toe suede mules, with all of Ugg's and some—but not all—of The Row's Hudson Mules being lined in fur.

The way in which Bieber styled her The Row suede mules was as chic and cool—and dressy—as outfits that contain casual suede mules get. And even though she was wearing the flats with baggy gray sweatpants, the other pieces she paired with them added infinite polish. She wore a long black double-breasted coat. (Hers even had a tuxedo collar. Although, that isn't necessary when re-creating the look.) With it, she wore a V-neck sweatshirt, a slouchy black leather shoulder bag, and round sunglasses. That's all you need, folks—an elegant wool coat and elevated accessories, and your sweatpants and flat suede mules from either brand are suddenly appropriate for a great many occasions, not just ultra-casual ones.

Keep scrolling to shop the look, along with flat suede mules by The Row and Ugg.

On Hailey Bieber: The Row Hudson Suede Slide Mules ($1020)

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Shop More The Row and Ugg Suede Mules

When a new shot of Jennifer Lawrence lands, I rarely assume I’ll be adding her exact outfit to my basket. With her well-documented love of The Row and Dior, our wardrobes tend to sit on far ends of the budget spectrum. Today, however, was a welcome exception.

Stepping out in an ensemble that undoubtedly totalled a hefty price tag, Lawrence grounded her look with a surprisingly down-to-earth shoe. Soft and textural with a fuzzy felt finish and classic gum sole, her choice was worlds away from the polished party heels she’s favoured throughout events season.

A brief Google rabbit hole later, I’d tracked them down: a felted mule clog by British brand Haflinger. Known for crafting outdoor-friendly footwear from natural fibres, the brand’s offerings come in under £120—and, delightfully, are available on Amazon.

Whilst Jennifer often channels an honorary Olsen with her minimalist styling, this isn’t the first time she’s slipped into a humbler shoe. Already an early adopter of the rubberised garden-shoe revival, her earthy, unfussy approach to off-duty footwear continues to surprise (and charm) me.

As someone who logs an inevitable high step count living in the city, a comfortable, durable shoe is always welcome—and this pair ticks every box. Consider me officially inspired to follow Jennifer’s lead. If you’re tempted too, read on to discover and shop the best felted clogs on the market right now.

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Hyperbole or not, to work or live in Manhattan, you’ve got to get comfortable with walking. There have been days in the city where I’ve logged well over five miles on foot—usually lost in a song, strutting down 5th Avenue like it’s my personal runway. It’s a known fact that New Yorkers walk fast, so to keep up with this city’s stride, it’s essential that whatever is supporting your soles must provide comfort as well as style. As a shopping editor, an NYC commuter, and a previous Manhattan resident, here is my city girl’s guide to fall shoes in 2025.

I’ve called on the latest Gen Z fall 2025 shoe trends (like sporty sneakers, slouchy boots, and casual pumps) plus two Parisian fall favorites (aka slim loafers and suede ballet flats). The classic Birkenstock Boston Clogs make an appearance, alongside the cult-favorite Frye boots. Join me as I try on, style, and review these seven NYC editor–approved fall shoes.

My pick: Madewell Mylie Ballet Flats ($128)

First up are the Madewell Mylie Ballet Flats. With a few sizes already out of stock (the 5, 6, 10, and 11), these are bound to sell out fast. I’d seen these soft suede ballet flats on IG and wondered if they’d hold up on NYC’s busy streets. I got to try them out for a few weeks, and I can officially report that these are a fall 2025 must-have. The 100% leather upper survived Penn Station at rush hour, subway delays, and spontaneous dinners with friends. I’ve reached for these chic suede flats again and again because their mocha finish has become my new fall neutral.

Here, I’ve opted for a casual sweater-and-jean ensemble, pairing my favorite pair of Levi 501s with a thrifted lime-green wool turtleneck. I matched the dark carob Madewell flats to a woven brown leather bag. This is just one of the many outfits I styled around these flats. I think they’d look adorable with a pair of barrel-leg trousers and an oversize blazer. So if you’re looking for a new ballet to add to your fall shoe rotation, I’d highly recommend the Madewell Mylie.

Shop the Suede Flats

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If you’re looking for a new pair of jeans, I recommend starting with the Levi 501s. The fit is a classic. Shop a similar sweater from Pistola and a woven-leather tote from Anthropologie below.

My pick: Adidas Tokyo Shoe ($90)

Low-profile sneakers are one of the biggest fall 2025 sneaker trends. Fashion people everywhere are opting for slimmer, sportier trainers to wear with trousers and jeans this fall. If you’re a frequent WWW reader or like to take note of what fashion people are wearing, then my low-pro sneaker of choice won’t come as a surprise: the Adidas Tokyo Shoes. I think they're perfect for a casual outing, but you can also easily dress them up. These ’70s-inspired runners prepare you well for city life.

I’ve leaned into the sporty-chic aesthetic, pairing these low-pro lace-ups with Reformation's low-rise trousers and a basic white tee. I could also envision these paired with wide-leg, baggy jeans, or even a cute pair of socks and an equally retro-chic shift dress for a flirty, yet sporty look. The styling possibilities are endless, and certainly don’t end with fall outfits. These rubber soles will look chic well into 2026.

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Shop the Look

Shop the Vida Low Rise Pant from Reformation and a similar white tank below. I’ve also included a pair of silver-toned earrings because leaving the house with jewelry on feels wrong.

My pick: Seychelles Mocktail Mule ($122)

I’ve written before that growing up, I expected to wear more heels in my adult life. But this has proved to be more difficult than anticipated. Working in Manhattan, one of the main criteria for my footwear is comfort, and high heels aren't exactly known for their soothing support. This low-heeled mule is my alternative to a sky-high pump without sacrificing style for comfort. I purchased the Seychelle Mocktail Mule at the start of fall, and have since worn them to NYFW showings, diners, and screenings, proving to be a reliable choice of footwear.

The tapered square toe creates a lovely silhouette when paired with a column skirt. I’m a fool for clean lines and a vintage-inspired elegance. I styled the midi skirt with a solid white tee layered under a sheer black sweater because see-through knits are my fall continuation of the sheer trend that dominated the style set's wardrobe this summer. You can shop the low-heeled mules at a discount on Revolve for only $122.

Shop the Mules

Shop the Look

Below is a re-creation of my look with similar finds. A semisheer alpaca short-sleeve cardigan from Everlane, a basic cropped tee from H&M, and another Everlane pick, a column skirt

My pick: G.H. Bass Whitney Leather Loafer ($175)

Next up are loafers—the collegiate silhouette is a fall classic, loved by both Parisians and New Yorkers. The shoes’ legacy and influence on the fashion set are unavoidable. Before deciding on which loafers to test out, I consulted my fellow Who What Wear editors and discovered a common theme: they all love the G.H. Bass Whitney Leather Loafers. I tested and styled the penny loafer to find out why they’re an editor fave.

Crafted from premium box leather, the G.H. Bass loafers only get better with wear. I opted for wine, though they’re available in four colors. While still the traditional silhouette, the burgundy finish is a modern rendition of OG black loafers. The polished leather truly shines when paired with elevated basics. That’s why I styled them with a classic white button-down, Levi 501 Curves, and a buttery-soft leather shoulder bag.

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Shop the Look

If you’re interested in replicating my look, here are some similar fall finds, plus the exact Levi 501 Curve I own.

My pick: J.Crew New Stevie Knee-High Boots ($348)

The fall weather in NYC is unpredictable. One day it’s mid-70s, the next it’s in the low 50s. Make it make sense! But my favorite fall outfit formula for the temperamental forecast is a knee-high boot and a minidress. I tried these J.Crew New Stevie Knee-High Boots in suede black in store a few months ago, and absolutely fell in love. I got to test them out for a few weeks, and they’ve become a fall favorite. The kitten heels are ultra-comfortable, the soft suede looks just as new as the day they arrived, and the midnight black color is so easy to style.

I’ve paired the knee-high boots with a plaid Theory dress I grabbed from TheRealReal a few years ago. (Plaid is undoubtedly having a moment this fall, ask any Who What Wear editor.) I finished the look with some gold chain bracelets and a Coach shoulder bag.

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Shop the Look

If you’re feeling the plaid vibe, check out this under-$90 Gap shift dress. Shop a similar Coach bag and chain bracelet to the one I wear below.

My pick: Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed ($170)

I’ll be honest—I never understood the Birkenstock hype, that is, until I tried out the Boston Soft Footbed Clogs. After wearing these for a few weeks, I found them a staple in my work bag. I’d wear them on my commute, switch into different shoes for the workday, then pull these right back out of my bag (Mary Poppins style) come quitting time. They are, in fact, as comfortable as people say. I’m a big fan of the Basalt Grey Tonal. I think it's a chic alternative to the traditional beige I often wear. It's official, I’m a true Birkenstock convert.

I found these clogs a breeze to style. To complement their relaxed look, I wore them with like pieces: my Levi 501 Curves, a long-sleeve boatneck, and a dark gray turtleneck, draped casually over my shoulders. I recently saw Kendall Jenner style her sweater like so, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

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Shop the Look

Here’s how to re-create my look: a similar boatneck long-sleeve and gray turtleneck, and of course, the Levi 501 Curve Jeans. (Can you tell I love my Levi's?)

My pick: Frye Campus 14L ($498)

The cult-favorite Frye Campus 14L is a staple in any cool-girl wardrobe. I’ve seen It girls wearing these boots with everything from micro shorts to midi skirts to retro-inspired flares. The knee-high leather boot is a smart investment in fall footwear. The quality construction and timeless look will have you reaching for these boots for years to come.

I’ve paired it with a thrifted denim skirt, a draped off-the-shoulder Free People top, and a two-tone ring stack. If you’re feeling the boho-chic fall aesthetic, then these boots should definitely be on your radar.

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Shop the Look

Shop the Free People set my top is from, a similar denim midi skirt, and a two-tone ring stack that is currently in my Shopbop cart.

My mother is a fashionable lady, partly because she has a fashionable daughter. In exchange for all she's taught me—how to cook, tell a joke, and, most importantly, shop on a budget—I'm now her personal stylist. I'm the one responsible for her Marlo Thomas–inspired haircut, statement Warby Parker frames, and keeping her up to date on the latest fall 2025 trends.

While I was born with my chic sense of style, my frugality is inherited. Luckily, I know exactly where to find affordable fall fashion that looks expensive: Nordstrom. I set a budget of $425 per look and gave myself an hour to create eight rich-looking, affordable Nordstrom outfits. I'm happy to report that each one is mother approved and under budget.

Scroll down and you'll find that outdated fall trends like striped sweaters, boat shoes, and plaid dresses have made a comeback; lightweight jackets and faux leather are fall 2025 wardrobe staples; and layering is the key to an effortlessly chic ensemble. Add in the fact that the best jeans for women this season come in two silhouettes—straight- or barrel-leg—and column skirts remain a timeless classic, and I promise you'll have the best dressed fall. Make my mama proud, and shop the eight fall-ready, affordable Nordstrom outfits below.

Outfit 1

Straight-leg jeans, a white tee, a lightweight jacket, and loafers is an outfit formula I find myself repeating all season long. This Corduroy Collar Denim Jacket ($100) is perfect for all the fun activities that make fall feel so special. Personally, I'll never miss an opportunity to go apple picking and post a cute fall 'fit.

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Outfit 2

The It-girl way to wear a sweater this year is over your shoulders. Just ask Kendall Jenner. But why bother with the bulk of two sweaters when you can wear this Twofer Tie Sleeve Sweater ($78)? The built-in relaxed look is effortlessly chic. Bonus points if you style it with a pair of balloon jeans—you'll really look like a fashion insider.

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Outfit 3

This low-lift fall outfit is ultra rich for costing under $500. Fashion people everywhere have fallen in love with chocolate brown this fall—the rich, warm tone pairs well with dark-rinse jeans and a white polo sweater. I'm particularly a fan of the double collar. It's serving class, elegance, and old-money prep.

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Outfit 4

An all-black ensemble is a must. The column skirt and boatneck sweater combo brings an Old Hollywood glamor that I love. This outfit just so happens to be my mother's favorite. The low-heel knee-high boots, the drop earrings, and the elegant neckline feel unbelievably rich. Hard to believe this look costs less than $350.

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Outfit 5

My mother embraces her natural gray, and I absolutely love the idea of a dark heather gray base with burgundy accents. I think the gray tones in the outfit would beautifully complement the silvers in her hair. Monochrome outfits always look rich and well put-together. Add to that this beautiful burgundy Sabina Faux Leather Jacket ($100), which looks like a designer piece, and this ensemble is my favorite affordable Nordstrom outfit.

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Outfit 6

Boat shoes have been back. NYC's fashion crowd and Paris's style set brought back the dated deck shoe last year, and since then, the preppy shoe has found its way into every seasonal closet. We're lucky the iconic Sperry Wells Boat Shoe is over 50% off right now. They were $110, but now you can get them for only $40 thanks to Nordstrom's wildly generous deals.

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Outfit 7

My love for '90s minimalist fashion is on full display with this chic fall outfit. The solid colors, soft draping, and evident attention to tailoring make this look feel so rich. A trench is one of those fall staples that transcend weather. I find myself reaching for the classic outerwear even if it's sunny and there's no chance of rain.

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Outfit 8

Our editors have been loving plaids and tartans this fall. Even better if you wear more than one and the dated prints cohesively clash. Here I've opted for a plaid dress topped with a smaller checkered blazer. I've grounded the contrasting prints with heavy knee-high boots because, after all, there is a method to the madness.

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Opening Image: Getty Images

Fall 2025 is shaping up to be my favorite season of fashion this year. The suede, the leather, the cashmere, and the indigo denim have won my heart. Everything looks rich and chic, but the prices are too pricey. To honor this financial frugality while maintaining the luxe vibes, I've put together a list of the hottest and most affordable fall fashion items from COS, J.Crew, H&M, Levi's, Massimo Dutti, Banana Republic, and more.

Think cashmere sweaters, affordable suede pieces, unique jewelry, slouchy bags, dark-rinse denim, and chic bomber jackets. Rumor has it the bomber jacket, while never truly out of style, has a new rival this season—the funnel-neck jacket. The high-neck style is gaining popularity, finding its place alongside fall 2025 jacket trends such as the checkered trench coat and the barn jacket. While fall jackets might be the styling hack of the season, the striped shirt is also having its moment, and the unpredictable print has swept our editors off their Mary Janes.

Shop 32 rich-looking fall finds under $250 for a sophisticated fall closet, including cozy cardigans, sleek suede flats, and tailored denim.

Shop the Affordable Fall Fashion

Jennifer Lopez solidified it months ago: People are swapping their black leggings for brown ones. It makes perfect sense that athleisure is jumping on the chocolate-brown train, as it's one of the top color trends of the year. A quick Google search will prove that every cool brand is making brown leggings these days, so you're certainly not lacking in options to choose from. Now that we all agree that we need a pair, what shoe trend do we wear with 2025's biggest legging color trend? Well, actress Alison Brie just showed us.

While out shopping in Los Feliz this week, Brie was photographed wearing chocolate-brown leggings, and on her feet were suede mules, one of fall's biggest flat-shoe trends. Brie went with classic Birkenstock Boston Clogs, but brands like The Row and Ugg, along with many others, are putting the trend on everyone's radar. The low-key flats are the perfect shoes to pair with earthy brown leggings, so I advise ordering both if you have yet to do so. Trust me—you'll wear them a ton, together and separately.

Keep scrolling to choose your brown leggings and flat suede mules from my curation.

On Alison Brie: Gucci Jackie Bag ($3960); Birkenstock Boston Clogs ($155)

Shop Brown Leggings

Shop Suede Mules

Every year right around August, everyone starts buzzing about which Ugg shoes will be the It style of the year, and by the time the holiday season rolls around, you won't be able to find them anywhere. The It style is often boots, but this time, it's a style that's even more wearable than the brand's boots, and Selena Gomez is already the proud owner of 2025's It Uggs.

Just a week ago, I declared my love for the Ugg Elea Slip-Ons, which are right in line with fall's slipper-mule trend. The fur-lined suede mules come in a handful of chic, muted colors, and since I wrote about them, I've been checking the size selection at retailers that sell them and can confirm that they're flying out of stock—especially in the Chestnut colorway that Gomez just wore. Gomez paired the Elea Slip-Ons with a black one-piece swimsuit and white beach pants on one occasion, and on another, she wore them with an oversize white sweatshirt and socks to catch a flight. Oh, did I mention that this was on her reported bachelorette trip in Cabo San Lucas over the weekend? If the Ugg Elea slides are good enough for such a momentous occasion in Gomez's life, they're good enough for me to wear to Pilates and Starbucks.

Keep scrolling to see the Ugg Elea slides on the feet of Selena Gomez in Cabo and shop every color they're available in—from chocolate brown to butter yellow.

On Selena Gomez: Free People swimsuit; Ugg Elea Slip-Ons in Chestnut ($125); Otra Hazel Sunglasses ($65)

On Gomez: Ugg Elea Slip-Ons in Chestnut ($125)

Shop Ugg Elea Slip-Ons

If you're as obsessed with shoes as I am, you've probably spent a lot of time thinking about which fall 2025 footwear trends you're going to invest in. There's no lack of chic options to choose from, but the one I keep stumbling upon is flat slipper mules. They may be initially inspired by the hotel slippers you find in the closets of luxury properties, but the comparisons stop there. Thanks to the luxe materials and sturdy soles, you definitely won't look like you're wearing actual hotel slippers in these.

My reason for bringing up this particular fall shoe trend is that Michelle Williams was just spotted wearing a pair of flat slipper mules in L.A. heading into a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Williams made the smart decision to pair her tan suede slipper mules with the comeback pant trend of the year: cropped skinny pants. The once-dated pant trend looks very much the opposite of dated when paired with this effortless, modern flat-shoe trend, so I fully support adding this combination to your wardrobe before fall kicks off.

On Michelle Williams: St. Agni Petit Woven Trapeze Bag ($425)

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As the summer of 2025 wraps up, I have my sights set on fall shoes—one of the first things I shop for as the season approaches each year. And here's a tip: If you want to know what the It shoes (or just shoe trends in general) will be for an approaching season, all you really need to do is take a look at The Row's new arrivals. If The Row is making a version of a style, you can guarantee it's about to be everywhere. And for F/W 25, one of those is the flat slipper mule trend.

The specific shoes I'm referring to are The Row's Hudson Slides, and the shearling-lined version of the suede slippers is currently available for preorder for delivery in October. The shoes will set you back $1460, which I'm sure most fans of The Row would argue is worth it, given the quality. (For reference, the non-shearling-lined Hudson Slides are just a tad easier on the wallet at $1020.)

If you're a fan of the shearling-lined version of the slipper mule trend but not the price point of The Row's pair, the good news is that there are alternatives, and the one I have my eye on is Ugg's Elea Slip-Ons. The Ugg flats are available in chocolate brown, chestnut, olive green, black, and butter yellow, and come in at $120. How I'm going to decide which color to order is the only question.

Keep scrolling to shop The Row's Hudson Slides and the Ugg Elea Slip-Ons before both inevitably sell out across the board.

Shop The Row Hudson Slides

Shop the Ugg Elea Slip-Ons

Believe it or not, September 1 is just around the corner, and for many, it signals the unofficial start of fall. I'm so excited that I've already begun pulling out my transitional wardrobe pieces, and it seems that I'm not alone. Hailey Bieber was just spotted sporting a fall-ready shoe trend.

This week, Bieber posted a series of images on Instagram, and in one of them, she was boarding a private jet, holding bags of In-N-Out Burger and wearing a short gray trench coat with black shorts. On her feet? Brown heeled mules.

Throughout this summer, Bieber has been repeatedly wearing her Toteme kitten-heel flip-flops. However, she's now ditching her sandals for closed-toe heels. While this is the first time I've seen her wearing them, at least in the past few months, I anticipate her wearing them more and more as fall approaches. I anticipate she'll pair them with her go-to pedal pushers, blazers, white tank tops, and baggy jeans. Inspired to replicate her look and add a pair to your wardrobe? Keep scrolling—I've put together an edit of the best brown mules available now.

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Calling all jeans and flats lovers! It's the last week of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, and there are so many amazing deals to snag before prices go up again. I've been so into pairing jeans with easy, chic flats, so I decided to highlight the best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale jeans and flat-shoe deals right now.

Ahead, you can expect deep discounts on top-tier denim brands such as Levi's, Mother, Agolde, Rag & Bone, and more. On top of that, there are stellar deals on the cutest flat shoes from Vince, Havaiana, Sam Edelman—just to name a few. Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale runs through August 3, so grab your favorite finds while they're such a steal. Keep scrolling to uncover amazing denim and flat-shoe deals today.