If there’s one redeeming aspect of my near hour-long commute into the office each morning, it’s the abundant style inspiration I get from the London Underground. Commuting alongside many chic Londoners, I’ve come to realise that 7:30 a.m. on the Northern Line is an underrated hotspot for trend spotting.
This season, between the sturdy boots we're yet to embrace for winter and the dainty Mary Janes of summer's bygone days, I've started to catch sight of an elegant in-between that's perfectly poised to take on the autumn months.
Bridging the gap between seasons, the Derby shoe trend offers the polish and practicality that suits these cooler months, and the latest iterations of the classic footwear trend are crafted from buttery-soft leather—less rigid than traditional versions, with a jazz-shoe suppleness that makes them both chic and comfortable.
Taking off in every direction, earlier this week, Tracee Ellis Ross was spotted ahead of Celine’s spring/summer 2026 runway show in Paris wearing the brand Lise Perforated Triomphe Richelieu Shoes (£720). Opting for a bold red pair rather than the expected black, Tracee introduced a playful energy into a shoe trend that can occasionally veer serious.
Lemaire’s minimalist pair remains as tempting as ever, while equally elegant options can be found at The Row, Camper, and Claudie Pierlot. Below, discover my edit of the best Derby shoes to shop now.
Shop Derby Shoes
Shop the specific shoes that Tracee Ellis Ross loves.
Style with white, calf-grazing socks to give your styling a preppy finish. Otherwise wear these without socks to emulate Tracee's look.
While I often gravitate towards black shoes, particularly in the winter months, these also come in cream and a light tan shade.
While I love these in the rich chocolate brown, they also come in a classic shade of black.
Inspired by flamenco dance slippers, these flexible flats ensure lasting comfort.
Shop these while they're on sale.
Be quick! These are well on their way to selling out.
-
Dakota, Lila and Hailey Agree: This Long-Forgotten Boot Trend Is Suddenly Coming BackStomp those feet.
-
Suddenly, Everyone With Good Taste Is Styling Their Autumn Outfits With This Shoe TrendSee the proof.
-
They're Here: 5 Expensive-Looking Shoe Colours That Will Instantly Make You Look Elegant and Put-TogetherAnd they're perfect for autumn.
-
Begone, Boring Accessories—This Is the Shoe Trend Fashion People Are Hooked On This MonthAdd some interest.
-
Don't Let Ankle Boots Have All the Fun—Personally, I Find This Autumn Boot Trend Even ChicerA wardrobe-altering buy.
-
Katie Holmes Just Styled a Midi Skirt and Flats in the Most London-Girl WaySimple but chic.
-
Not Leggings and Trainers—This Is the Chic Trouser and Flats Combination Gwyneth Wears to the AirportI'll be copying her asap.
-
7 Shoes Our Fashion Editors Are Retiring This Autumn and 7 They're Wearing InsteadYou heard it here first.
