Trust Me—These Shoes Are All You Need in Your Autumn Capsule Wardrobe

In case you haven't heard, I'm slightly obsessed with shoes. It may not be a passion singular to me, but it is something I consider an active hobby. If you've been following my shoe obsession for any length of time, you'll know that one of my go-to brands is Steve Madden. The U.S. brand came on the scene in the early '90s, and its now-iconic platform shoe made an impact faster than you say "stiletto."

But today, the brand is known for so much more than platforms. (Don't worry, platform stans—it still has loads of platform options.) The brand's fashion-forward collections span a whole range of footwear from heels to sneakers to sandals to boots. For autumn 2023, everyday styles including the Carrine loafer and Ellison ballet pump are fit for the 9-to-5 routine, and I love the Cassandra boot for casual weekend activities and the Charlize heel for a Saturday night. But the Mana knee-high boots are at the top of my list. I'll be wearing them several times a week from now until May 1.

As a fashion editor, I'm often asked where to buy affordable pieces that still pack a punch. There aren't many brands offering designer styles made with quality leather for under under £200, especially when it comes to footwear. That's why Steve Madden's statement styles are always my recommendation. The brand understands trends, be it neon PVC, diamanté details or mock-croc burgundy boots. Of course, for you classicists that prefer a more pared-back look, there's something for you, too. Ballet flats, loafers and chunky Chelsea boots are the epitome of capsule-wardrobe footwear and are at the core of the 2023 quiet-luxury craze.

As such, the team at Steve Madden asked me to put together five outfits styled with five pairs of shoes I'll be wearing the most this season. From office-appropriate sneakers to the ever-classic "dress and winter boots" combo, these ensembles are what I'll be wearing around the clock this autumn.

1. GO-WITH-EVERYTHING SNEAKERS

Style Notes: Although tailoring isn't something new—power suits have had a presence in womenswear since the 1980s—there's one thing that gives a power suit a cooler, contemporary edge: sneakers. If you want to get the most out of a two-piece, get used to wearing it with a good pair of trainers. They aren't only comfortable (although that plays a big role in why I love them) but also add an edge to conventional formal workwear. Pairing a suit with comfortable trainers makes them appropriate for a wealth of smart occasions. Dinner with friends? Yes. Gallery browsing? Of course. A day of back-to-back meetings? Absolutely. One of my favourite pairs are the Steve Madden Possession trainers. They feel sporty, completely in line with athleisure trends that have populated the runways for years, and they're supremely comfortable.

2. PERFECT KNEE-HIGH BOOTS 

Style Notes: This outfit is the secret to looking chic with minimal effort. Wearing a dress you adore with a pair of boots is a simple yet effective solution for transitional days. Is it a tad chilly or muggier than expected? Are there light showers? You're covered. (Just don't forget an umbrella.) You'll also look elevated for any event be it a meeting or dinner date. I chose the In Stereo boots because they crease and hang so elegantly around the calf. The heel gives me some height (I'm 5'3", so I love a heeled boot) without attracting the drama of a high heel. They're also easy to walk in (a major plus) and come in a creamy "greige"—oh, hello!

3. CLASSIC LOAFERS 

Style Notes: I love anything that can be considered preppy, so a loafer is often my go-to. I want to showcase these lovely Harlem mock-croc loafers in all their glory, so for these transitional months, I'll wear them with bare legs, a check skirt and blazer. (Cher Horowitz, eat your heart out.) But as the weather turns cooler, adding tights will keep you warm without compromising your style. For me, this is a cute office look, especially if I have semi-casual after-work plans, but the beauty of the everyday loafer is its ability to go with so much. Style this pair with jeans, a simple white T-shirt and an oversized blazer for something more classic, or wear them with the pictured outfit and add some colourful socks to enhance the statement.

4. PRETTY BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: You know when you buy yourself a nice dress for an important event—a Christmas party, your friend's wedding or perhaps a big birthday celebration—but never find another occasion to wear it again? At Who What Wear, we're all about making the most of your wardrobe, which is why I'm making a case for rewearing the cocktail dress for more casual occasions once the special one has passed. To do this, you just need a cute flat. This could be a ballet flat, a loafer, or better yet, a slingback. This year, the ballet-flat comeback was as big as Beyoncé's Renaissance tour (so yeah, pretty big), and this slingback Belinda flat feels like a grown-up take on the trend. It's not as dressy as a heel, (but not as uncomfortable, either), and styling it with a smarter dress isn't exactly something new, but it's a tip worth noting. I could have shown you these shoes with the age-old "jeans and a cute top," but you already know that one. This look gives you the excuse to wear that dress you love (that's lurking in the back of your wardrobe) on Friday night, and who's going to pass that up?

5. FANCY HEELS

Style Notes: So you've seen the dress-and-heels combination done a million times. After all, when it comes to elevated occasions, it's the go-to for most of us. But when wearing heels like this silver Bryanna style, spice it up with a statement top. I'm a sucker for silver styled with feathers, especially in baby pink or another pastel. This tailored, tapered trouser feels like a cooler alternative for a dress. This is my ultimate hosting outfit—it may feel early to mention Christmas, but believe me: It's just around the corner, and this outfit has "festive season" written all over it.

Discover more of the A/W 23 Steve Madden collection here.