Step into Fall - Hot Fall 2009 Colors for Shoes

As autumn approaches, it's time to start thinking about transitioning our wardrobes for a cooler season. Like changing leaves, the colors we wear become warmer and richer. Seasonal shoe color choices are a great way to step into a new look for Fall.

Purple shoes will replace my tired black shoes for many outfits this fall. I found a couple of budget friendly options of purple patent pumps at DSW. One is a cute round toe pump and the other is an edgier mary jane platform pump-either choice would work with almost any outfit I would have worn with black pumps last year. For a different look, I love the purple ruffle suede bootie with an open toe from Bakers which can be shown off with tights under a skirt or dress. And for occasions when I prefer a flat, these purple ones from Target are irresistible at $12.99.

Orange shoes will add a punch of color to any fall outfit. This unexpected color looks great with shades of gray, blue (jeans), brown, tan, green...anything except black unless it's Halloween. I found some fabulous orange pumps from Juicy Couture and Martinez Valero. They are both conservative yet fun for a professional look. These orange flats in crinkle patent leather from Michael Kors are casual and chic for the weekend.

Like silver and gold jewelry, metallic shoes are a neutral that coordinate with any color. Dark metallic colored shoes, such as pewter and bronze, are shades that suit any fall outfit. These pewter colored lace-up pumps at Bakers are trendy and versatile for a night out. And these cute ballet flats are a great wardrobe staple in pewter or bronze. Buckles, studs, and other metallic accents are interesting details that I look for on fall shoes and boots as well. Check out these choices for casual looks: bronze buckled flats by BCBGirls, embellished black flats and accented black suede boots.

Animal prints like leopard or cheetah are an improved substitute for plain brown shoes in my wardrobe this fall. The pattern acts like a neutral black or tan. I prefer to use animal prints sparingly as in this cheetah flat or pump (as opposed to a full patterned boot).

Tan, taupe, or natural shoes are another fall wardrobe necessity. Tan leather boots or suede boots go well with a casual weekend look of jeans, pants, skirts and dresses. I also found a classic, dressier taupe pump and a trendier platform shoe in a natural leather. This color family goes well with my lightest colored fall outfits including soft whites, light greys, pinks, beiges, buttery yellows, etc.