Fall shoes, cool-kid socks and leather shorts

I read trend reports rather cynically; they are ultimately Trojan horses for consumption. At the same time, if I ignore all trends, eventually,  the mirror sighs and says, "Given up, have we?"

However, most fashion trends for fall 2024 seem only to be recycled perennials: monochromatic outfits, pastels in winter, statement necklaces. Skinny jeans, for a few years relegated to middle schoolers, are newly-anointed "in again". 

There's one thing different that I see everywhere now: the crew sock worn with every kind of shoe, even heels. 

Crews for you?  

Crews and shoes: A young adult's look

It just looks odd to me, which may be the point—each generation secures its signatures. I love socks that show, but jamming crews into strappy heels or dressy flats? Even when the socks are on the finer side, this is ugly:

I was in a favourite coffee shop the other day when I noticed three young women in line. Or, more accurately, I was impressed by the one in tiny black leather shorts, worn with a striped cotton sweater and sneakers with the requisite uncuffed crews. She was tall, confident, and the owner of spectacular long legs. "Ah, youth", I thought, remembering the days, when I too had toned, unmarked thighs that could handle abbreviated shorts.

Then I saw that, next to her, two other women who were also wearing stripes:

As I left, I said to Shorts Girl, "Regardez, vous êtes toutes les trois en rayures !" They looked at one another and smiled. Though each looked good, only the shorts-wearer was chic, thanks to the trifecta of her clothes, accessories and posture. (Not visible is a supple camel leather tote over her shoulder.) 

Oh wait, here she is on the street with the bag:

Of course it's those killer shorts, but even in jeans like the other two, she would stand out for her  attention to fit.

I walked home reminiscing about short-shorts, halter tops, mini skirts, all those artifacts of my youth. Then I looked to the present and my fall list, which includes neither shorts nor crew socks, but a new pair of casual shoes for walks and lunches with a friend visiting for a week.  

Four  possibilities, clockwise from upper left:

1. Cougar Luxmotion waterproof suede and leather sneakers. Gwen of perfumeniche loves hers; they are loaded with foot-friendly features and look sporty but not 'workout'. Now s/o in most colours and sizes, so I will watch for a restock. Price, $160.

2. Sezane "Andrea" loafers in terracotta/ecru, price, $225. I like the unexpected colour and the half-inch platform sole.

3. Camper Pix Chelsea boots, black leather with blue vinyl; sale price, $122. (Pix is also made in a shoe and a loafer, in various trim colours.) The Pix models have a generous toe box, I could add an insulating insole if I wish. 

4. Maguire "Lucca" biker boots in Dijon leather; price, $380.  The harness is removable, the colour is versatile, and if mustard doesn't suit your palette, check them in cherry suede! Now those are chic.

I ordered the Pix boots after wrenching myself from the bikers, but might circle back if they go on sale. However, the bikers risk becoming closet trophies because on Maguire's site they are styled with... shorts.

Just like interior designers say that paint is the best renovation update you can make without getting out the power tools, I believe that for clothing, it's shoes. 

Iris Apfel said, "If you have your hair done properly and you're wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything." I'm not even thinking about wearing leather shorts anymore—though the Chelsea boots would look terrific with them!