The Shoes Set to Define Early Fall

In Paris, September doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to bring out the ankle boots just yet. As long as temperatures remain mild, ballet flats, Mary Janes, slingbacks and pumps still have their place in our wardrobes. And this season, shoes are determined to make a statement: leopard print, cherry red, sky blue or oversized buckles. Here are the 11 pairs to slip into to kick off the month in style and wander through Paris until the very last terrace.

Minimalist but never boring, these pumps by Sézane combine a luminous ecru shade with an elegant silhouette and delicate gathered details. They’re the pair we can already picture with wide-leg trousers, a menswear-inspired blazer or a midi dress. The real plus? They transition effortlessly from a chic lunch to an impromptu dinner after work. In short, the kind of Parisian shoe you’ll want to keep on hand all season long.

At Petite Mendigote, Caprice certainly lives up to its name. A fiery red ballet flat with a confident attitude and gathered strap, this pair was definitely not designed to blend into the background. It instantly elevates black trousers or a denim skirt. And for those who like to take things all the way: pair red with red.

September hasn’t quite marked the end of summer yet. With its retro silhouette and wedge heel, this pair by Mango is still an easy favorite among Parisian women. Wear it with cropped jeans, a flowing dress or even capri pants to add a seventies-inspired twist to your back-to-work wardrobe.

Sometimes, all it takes is a pair of shoes to turn a jeans-and-sweater outfit into a truly fashion-forward look. That’s exactly what Carel’s Émilie ballet flats achieve. With their straps and leopard-print patent leather, they take the classic preppy silhouette and inject just the right amount of attitude. Wear them with straight-leg jeans and a fine-knit sweater, a midi skirt or tailored trousers: leopard print has officially become a wardrobe staple.

There are shoes you wear… and shoes people notice. Coach’s Margot definitely belongs to the second category. Finished with an oversized buckle, it instantly adds something special to even the simplest silhouette. Wide-leg jeans or a flowing dress: it works particularly well when the rest of the outfit stays relatively understated.

Because in Paris, you can have a meeting at 9 a.m., lunch at 1 p.m. and end up on the other side of the city by 8 p.m., sometimes you need a shoe that can keep up. At H&M, this leather cutout pump checks all the boxes of a great everyday staple, combining a polished look with a distinctive cutout detail that gives it plenty of character.

At Miu Miu, even the simplest mule seems designed to become the fashion object of the season. The Deck mules in faded suede have that carefully cultivated nonchalance associated with women who always look impeccably dressed without ever seeming to have tried. Wear them with straight-leg jeans, a white tank top and an oversized jacket to instantly give your outfit more personality. A little nautical, very fashion-forward, completely Parisian.

This Mellow Yellow style takes a chance on patent sky blue — and that’s precisely what makes it so irresistible. With its sixties-inspired silhouette and airy blue hue, it instantly adds dimension to a monochromatic outfit. Pair it with raw denim or off-white, or even another bold color if you see the back-to-work season as a chance to experiment.

Sandro’s wedge sandals strike the perfect balance between Parisian elegance and seventies-inspired style. Crafted from suede, they elongate the silhouette while retaining the relaxed feel that works so well with early-fall outfits. An ideal pair for anyone who refuses to pack away their summer shoes the moment September 1 arrives.

Cherry red is everywhere this season, and Nomasei’s Silencio pumps give the shade an especially sophisticated edge. Glossy, deep and feminine, they’re impossible to wear without attracting at least a little attention. With jeans and a white shirt, black trousers or an ecru dress: let the shoes do the talking. They’ll take care of the rest.

For those who want to ease into fall without giving up on color, ALOHAS strikes the perfect balance with its burgundy leather loafers. The classic silhouette is refreshed with contrasting navy blue laces, giving the pair a less conventional feel. Wear them with raw denim, sheer socks and an oversized blazer: the back-to-work season has officially begun.

Discover also 10 pieces for a stylish office look and The 8 Trends Set to Define Back-to-School Style in 2026.