Summer is soon to come to an end (sob!) and it’s time to start thinking about autumn-appropriate footwear. On a plus note, colder weather does mean it's the start of a new season and the shops are packed with stylish buys. Case in point is the fantastic new array of AW '16 footwear set to breathe a new lease of life into our wardrobes and replace our now worn out sandals which we all wore to death this summer.
The best thing about the current transeasonal shoe offering is the large amount of styles that you can wear all year round. Yep, these shoes can be worn with or without tights allowing you to maximise that cost-per-wear value.
If you’re stuck with where to start, these are the key trends to look out for.
Block heels
Thank the fashion gods that heel heights once again are far lower than winters past. The mid-height block heel is going nowhere fast, and we couldn’t be happier. ‘Glove shoe’ inspired pumps are all over the high street and are perfect whatever the weather. For a fresh take look for a pointed toe.
Loafers
The influence of Gucci is unprecedented, and one of the key trends to trickle down from the runway is, of course, loafers. While the backless loafer is best left in summer (hi cold ankles!) the classic loafer is both practical and stylish. For an update on the classic black loafer look for metallic, velvet or embroidered styles. Whether you opt for a heeled or flat style, loafers are a new staple.
Mules
Heeled mules are the perfect all-year-round answer to dressed-up footwear. A classic suede or leather pair will work just as well for the office as for cocktails.
Lace-ups
Alturuzzo inspired lace-up flats provide a feminine and modern take on the ballet flat. For an AW '16 update look for pretty detailing and unusual colourways. For an eveningwear alternative heeled lace-ups are a winner - just pick your poision, either a kitten heel or block heel.
Have we inspired you to partake in some shoe shopping? Click through the gallery below to shop our top 10 favourites....
grazia transeasonal shoes
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Velvet is a big trend for AW16, and if you're scared to go the whole hog, velvet shoes are a great way to embrace the trend. This pair will work all-year-round thanks to the closed toe style and comfy height heel.
Velvet pumps, £290, J Crew
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A pair of classic black mules will see you through many an occasion. We love the 90s twist of an oversized buckle on this Whistles pair.
Buckle mule, £290, Whistles
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Think of leopard print as a neutral and you'll be surprised by how wearable it is. Pair these loafers with an A-line mini and a statement tee - just add opaque tights when the chill hits.
Leopard print loafers, £185, Whistles
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Buckle loafers are the ultimate transeasonal shoe. For any fans of all-black-everything, navy makes a great alternative without veering too far out your comfort zone.
Navy loafers, £52, Topshop
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Thanks to Gucci loafers are AW16's biggest flat shoe trend. For a loafer with a difference look for unusual colourways or detailing like this silver pair.
Silver loafers, £39.99, H&M
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These Chanel inspired pumps would work just as well for the office as they would dressed down with ripped jeans.
Monochrome pumps, £29.99, Zara
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Give your outfit a rock-n-roll twist with these buckle flats. Pair with a summer tea dress for now and add tights and roll-neck for winter.
Buckle flats, £39.99, Zara
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Mid height block heels are still reigning strong for AW16. Comfortable and chic, this silver pair will up the sartorial ante of any outfit.
Silver slingbacks, £55, River Island
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These Altuzarra-esque lace up flats can be worn with or without tights making them an all-year staple.
Maroon lace-up flats, £65, & Other Stories
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Give an ordinary outfit a high fashion twist with these snakeskin loafers. Wear with a shirt dress in summer and straight-leg jeans come autumn.
Snakeskin flats, £20, ASOS
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