Why You Should To Add A Colorful Shoe For Fall 2026
I love a neutral shoe but a few years ago I started breaking that pattern with one simple trick: a colorful shoe. It’s the easiest way to wake up an outfit without adding a single new piece of clothing.
Today Annie, Cindy, Susan and I are sharing Fall Fashion Accessories. These women each have their own styles and I always learn from them. Their links are at the end of the post.
I’m zeroing in on comfortable Autumn shoes and showing you five of my own pairs in action. And there is one classic black ballet flat that’s become vintage (like me) and still comes out every season.
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Cognac Tassel Loafers
These are new suede loafers, really well priced from Amazon and comfortable out of the box.
There are other colors, too. (At $53, I’m tempted to buy another pair–like the beige with black trim). This is the kind of shoe that works from a fall errand day to a casual dinner out. The jacket is from Sezane and the bootcut jeans are by L’Agence Petite.
Blue Suede Gazelles
These sky blue suede Adidas Gazelles turn my staple camel blazer and bootcut jeans into something with a little more energy. I’m showing some other Adidas colors that I love at the end of the post.
Check out all the Fall Fashion Finds in ShopMy.
Red Suede Loafers
The dark red supple suede loafers are one of my favorite Fall additions.
A red shoe becomes the exclamation point of an easy outfit. The black ankle pants are by AYR (with short, regular and long in seams). The silk scarf is by J. Crew (sold out, others here).
Classic Black Patent Ballet Flats
Here’s the pair I mentioned. These Chanel black patent ballet flats are at least ten years old. More affordable version here. These have a contrast toe…my sister loves hers.
Proof that a great classic shoe never really goes out of style. It just keeps showing up in new outfits. I am careful not to wear them in the rain though.
That statement handled leather bag by YSL is probably at least ten years old too. An almost identical version is still available. And Howard gave me the colorful Hermes scarf. So I’m feeling pretty chic here for Autumn even though nothing is new.
Burgundy Mary Janes
These burgundy patent Mary Janes are a nod to what’s more trendy this season. And they are comfortable. Which is what is so important now-a-days!
Haven’t we earned the right to happy feet?
Similar bag here. Quince has a more affordable version. Striped poplin shirt by J. Crew Factory. Black Maeve wide-legged cotton cropped pants (extra 50% off) in petite, standard, tall and plus sizes, J. Crew Croc embossed belt (50% off).
In Summary
You don’t need to overhaul your closet for fall. But you might want to let one colorful shoe give you a lift.
I can’t wait to hear my friends’ recommendations for Fall Accessories…
Annie Most Lovely Things
Susan Une Femme
We look to be about the same size except my waist has become fluffier. Tucked in shirts and belts are no longer working at 81. You always look so cute and put together. I bought a pair of medium brown penny loafers from Easy Spirit. They do have arch support in their shoes and lots of colors! I don’t wear red but those blue sneakers are great!
Mary Ann, Loved this post; The camel jacket and striped shirt is my favorite and I put those blue sneakers in my cart! Such a good neutral with a little pop of color.
I think a red loafer now. Good fall inspiration!
I love the chair in your photos. Could you please tell me where you sourced it?
Oh it’s from an old store. But Serena and Lily has similar bistro chairs.
Great ideas! The blue shoes give such a perfect accent to that outfit. I love the red loafers. All your selections look fresh and comfortable.
Those red suede loafers are calling my name!!
Where did the chair in your photos come from? I really love the color and shape of it.
Mary Ann! I love all your flats! From Chanel to the suede loafers from Amazon to the adorable Mary Janes.
Thanks for all of the lovely flats and loafers you’ve shown. I don’t know who started this tennis shoe fad, but I’m not a fan. Their only place is during exercise as far as I’m concerned.
I love a colorful shoe! Those Belgian loafers are 💯.
Hi Mary Ann! The link to the more affordable ballet flat goes to the quince handbag. I’d like to order! Thx!
Thanks so much for telling me, Jayne. I’ll fix the link after my yoga class 🙂
But my sister has the Quince ballet flats and loves them.
Fixed it.
Thanks!!
Mary Ann, I have a pair of the Gazelles and love the fit and pop of color. However, my jeans, that had been washed and dried many times, faded onto the white suede. The jeans were purchased from Talbots so a quality denim. A friend told me that denim will do that. Wish I had known before I ruined my Gazelles. Love your posts!
Oh no! I’ve seen where dark denim can stain a white leather chair. Have you tried a Magic Erase sponge on the white? I wonder what a shoe repair person would say.
Love this post! When I’ve tried Adidas in the past they had no arch support—has that changed or can you replace the insole?
Did you try the Gazelles? They work great for me…even all around Paris.
Thanks—I think I tried the Sambas. I’ll look for the Gazelles.