It's Time to Look at Back-to-School Shoes

I don’t know about you, but I have so many exciting memories trying on footwear for my entrance into the next year of school. From elementary to junior high and beyond, picking out that one pair of shoes that would kick off the year (no pun intended) and pretty much dictate my look for an entire semester was such a thrill! My 7th-9th grade BFF Kathy and I used to align on our choices, and I will never forget when Bass came out with that suede saddle shoe that felt so incredibly fashionable, fresh, and cool (anyone else?) Is it crazy that I remember Kathy getting the classic camel and me going for the elephant gray? Anyway, of course, now the whole back-to-school vibe no longer has anything to do with going to class, but everything to do with good loafers, all kinds of lace-ups, and seasonal classics. And please share your favorite memories on this matter in the comments!

What could be more apropos for fall than a classic loafer? This Tony Bianco in suede has a nice hand-sewn moc feel and would be just as good with bare feet as it would with a pair of fun socks.

Here’s a cool higher-heeled derby with some western boot stitching at the toe just to throw things off a little (extra-good peeking out from longer jeans or pants.

These Ann Mashburn slip-ons are made from a nice, buttery navy suede with just enough of a stacked heel.

And here’s a wallabee from Rachel Comey that’s got a bit more of a polished thing going on than the norm.

And I do really love a leather fisherman sandal like this with fall pieces like wool trousers and classic socks.

Since there’s a Pêche store in my neighborhood, I just hoofed it over there and tried on these leather lace-ups that are light as a feather and work with most anything (and I’m still thinking I need them, stat).

Would it even be fall without a classic Mary Jane? I think not.

In my never-ending search for the perfect oxfords, I found this pointy pair that is taking me back to my new-wave days in such a fun way (but they still work as classics).

I’m slightly flipping out over these Scarosso loafers because they’re basically the ultimate man shoe that I’ve been looking for my whole life, but they never made them small enough!

And if you like more height, you can always go for this high-heeled loafer with a bit of a Marcia Brady slant.

These loafers from Banana have such a good shape, and the deep burgundy is a nice change from basic brown or black.

And I threw in these classic boat shoes because they’re taking me back to my preppy high school in an instant.