So that you know exactly what to spend your money on, we're breaking down all the trends you need to know for 2020. Others kept their eyes on the full looks during fashion month (or the incredible beauty moments of the season) but the shoe obsessives among us were paying attention to what the models wore on their feet as they strutted down the spring and fall 2020 runways. In case you missed anything from these shows, we rounded up the footwear trends we spotted, ahead, from rhinestone-covered footwear to the return of thigh-high boots in various prints and colors. Don't stock up on too many spring/summer sandals—you'll want to keep space in your closet for what will be the most coveted shoes of the year.
•••
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter (subscribe here).
Sparkle On
JW Anderson (left) and Giambattista Valli
This is your chance to shine, quite literally. Rhinestones and other embellishments popped up in small doses on the fall 2020 runways of JW Anderson, Giambattista Valli, Area, and Halpern. The diamanté touches make these the perfect evening shoe.
Dolce Vita Naylin Heels in Black
Rhinestone embellishments are an easy way to make a black sandal feel more appropriate for the evening. Style this with your favorite silky slip dress.
Miu Miu Crystal-Embellished Leather Slingback Pumps
This fancy slingback pump sparkles with white rhinestones across the foot strap. The stiletto heel comes in at 3.25 inches and has a classic pointed-toe shape.
Jeffrey Campbell Elve J Booties
The fringe rhinestones will swing in all directions when you walk, instantly making your look (and day) more fun.
Chain Details
Longchamp (left) and Ulla Johnson
All across the runways, from the brands pictured above to JW Anderson and Simone Rocha, chains were the choice of embellishment for many designers. Whether wrapped around the ankle of a boot or across the toe, this metal detail added that something extra to your footwear without looking distasteful. Considering chunky chain necklaces/bracelets are a jewelry trend for 2020, don't be surprised that your shoes are decked out too.
Mango Chain Detail Leather Boot
Black boots are your comfort zone and that's totally fine. If you wish to step it up just a bit, however, consider this half chain strap on the back. It's a conservative addition, but sets this black boot apart from the rest.
Paciotti Crystal-Embellished Leather Pumps
On board with the gold chain trend? Take it one step further stylistically with this ruby red crystal-encrusted chain strap that drapes elegantly across your foot.
Brother Vellies Woven Olivia Pump
From the woven texture, to the strappy ankle wrap to the dainty gold chain, this pair does not fall short for details.
A Twist on Over-the-Knee Boots
Rag & Bone (left) and Tory Burch
Have no fear though, this over-the-knee style is poised to make a return to the front of your shoe rack in 2020. On the runways, over-the-knee boots were fresher than ever with square toe iterations, floral designs, and drawstrings.
Charles Keith Thigh High Low Block Heel Sock Boots
A thigh-high boot at an unbeatable price.
Saint Laurent Thigh-High Pointed-Toe Boots
This crinkled leather boot pairs perfectly for work with a long dress.
Stuart Weitzman Zuzanna Over-the-Knee Boot
A classic over-the-knee boot that comes in a timeless neutral color so you can wear it season after season. Style with everything from your spring dresses to your fall knit top and skirt sets.
Loafers
Lanvin (left) and Fendi
Loafers are no longer restricted to "stuffy office wear." Be it your regular slip-on flat loafers or a slingback version, as seen on the spring 2020 Fendi runway, this style is here to stay. Rock your favorite outfits with this polished shoe, and look for pairs with unique details in the form of buckles or a backless style.
Bass Whitney '90s Weejuns
These lug-sole loafers are a favorite around the office. We all sport our pairs on the daily.
Balenciaga Cosy BB Flat Carrera Leather Mules
These slip-on loafers would have given Hugh Hefner a run for his money.
Alexander McQueen Studded Leather Loafers
These studded bad boys will definitely make a statement.
Fancy Mary-Jane Pumps
Marc Jacobs (left) and Jason Wu
The most ubiquitous shoe trend for spring 2020 was a Mary Jane-inspired silhouette. Designers breathed new life into this style by incorporating prints or adding texture à la Marc Jacobs' shearling-covered heels. Whether you decide to go for a sophisticated or playful look, you won't have trouble finding a bevy of design options.
Carel Black Patent Leather Mary Janes
Carel is known for their iconic Mary Jane, and this patent version is the perfect addition to your wardrobe.
Thom Browne RWB Brogued Spectator Mary Jane Pumps
Pair with a light wash tapered jean and these will be your new summertime go-to.
Zou Xou Eugenia Flat in Leopard
These little leopard lovelies are the perfect mix of girly and wild.
Bow-Adorned Shoes
Tory Burch (left) and Cynthia Rowley
Bows are sticking around for next season, so there's no reason to give up on finding a feminine shoe to wear to weddings and on vacations. Burch paired yellow bow pumps with floral dresses featuring a matching giant bow neckline, while Rowley styled black kitten mules with oversize shirts and slouchy bottoms. Personally, I'm a fan of the latter—a boy-meets-girl-meets-comfort look.
Tory Burch 110mm Bow Pumps
Inject color into your outfits from the feet up with these satin yellow bow pumps. Get a little matchy-matchy with a sunshine colored handbag too.
Brock Collection Bow Mules
No one does Victorian-inspired romance mixed with vintage aesthetics like Brock Collection. This jacquard kitten mule with a floral print is on my wishlist.
Aminah Abdul Jillil Black Satin Open Toe
The bigger the bow, the stronger the look! Make a major statement with this evening sandal.
Asymmetric Straps
Prabal Gurung (left) and Sies Marjan
Designers had fun repositioning and reconfiguring the straps of shoes for spring 2020, like these asymmetrical straps that wrap diagonally across your feet. Some made the straps wider, like Prabal Gurung, while others stuck to the barely-there sandal look.
Aquazzura Asymmetric Slim-Strap Sandals
If you're finally ready to splurge, why not opt for one of Megan Markle's favorite shoe brands? Rock this pair from Aquazurra at your next special occasion.
Rebecca Minkoff Nanine Sandal Black Leather
This strappy sandal from Rebecca Minkoff comes at a great price.
FETE-ish Single Strap Sandal
For the ultimate minimalist summer look, this one-strap sandal is IT.
Updated Heels
Anna Sui (left) and Self-Portrait
An easy way to add interest to a heel is by rethinking the shape or adding a pattern. Self-Portrait experimented with a snakeskin print, while Anna Sui turned her bootie's heel into what looked like a mini chair leg. Distinct looks like these make an equally impactful fashion statement.
Charles Keith Sculptural Chrome Heel Textured Sandals
This chrome gold heel transitions well from day to evening.
Yuul Yie June Sculpted Heel Sandals
These open-toe sandals won't be just another black pair in your closet, thanks to their sculptural heels.
Cult Gaia Cam Leather Booties
Circular shapes stack to form a heel on this bootie. You'll be walking on the balls of your feet—literally.
Platforms
Anna Sui (left) and Tibi
Chunky platform shoes will be the sole aesthetic for next season. Models at Tibi clunked around in various versions of the gray shoes seen here, while Anna Sui models strutted down the runway with ease in floral clogs. Here's hoping all the platform footwear won't feel as heavy as they look.
& Other Stories Suede Heeled Platform Sandals
Your next date night shoe.
Tibi Dimitri Platform Sandals
Tibi was one of the main players in the platform trend of Spring '20. These shoes, made from calf-leather, are a great investment for the warmer months.
Stuart Weitzman The Jerry Sandal
The perfect pick to wear with a floral dress.
-
Katie Holmes Accessorizes Her Boyfriend Button-Up With a Birkin Look-alikeHer colorful wardrobe basics came with a new signature bag.
-
Netflix's New Christmas Movie 'Hot Frosty' Has Fans Wishing For Their Own Holiday Romance in Hope SpringsHere's everything we know about the winter wonderland the rom-com was shot in.
-
Denim Bags Are the Nostalgic Y2K Bag Trend to ReconsiderSometimes, the classics are overrated.
-
How Do You Find Your Personal Style?From Gen Alpha to an almost-centenarian, we asked six stylish people to share how they discovered their formula for getting dressed.
-
The Loewe Bags Everyone's Manifesting Right NowFrom modern styles to heritage classics, these are the most coveted styles of the moment.
-
7 Late Fall Essentials Marie Claire Editors Bought for NovemberHere are all the fashion and beauty must-haves to covet for the kickstart of the holiday season.
-
This Winter’s Shoe Trends Embrace Individual StyleFrom edgy moto boots to classic loafers, there’s a shoe to suit every taste.
-
Recreate These Loafer Outfits Plucked From Fall Street StyleWe've cracked the formula for all aesthetics, from ladylike to prepsters.
-
Fashion Girls Are Using Sheer Knee-High Socks to Level Up Their LooksThe perfect balance between not too bare and not too boring.
-
’80s-Era Leather Bombers Are the Season’s It Coat TrendThe style took off during Fashion Month but has legs to last through winter and spring.
-
Torishéju Dumi Is the New Name To Know From Paris Fashion WeekShe debuted last year with Naomi Campbell and designed Zendaya's 'Dune' red-carpet look—now, the industry darling is gearing up for her second show.
