Buckles, laces, and pin-thin stilettos. Wearing shoe trends often requires some sartorial bravery. The Fall 2014 runways featured Western details like fringe and distressed leather (as spotted at Alexander Wang) and comfy-casual kicks (recall those couture-quality sneakers at Chanel). Here, Rue La La stylist Caroline M. shows us how to tackle these two talked-about trends.

Slip-On Sneakers
“Thanks to the normcore trend, we’re seeing sneakers everywhere this season. I love the juxtaposition of pairing slip-ons with more feminine pieces like frilly skirts and ladylike dresses. Wear a neutral or monochromatic outfit and add a pop of color or print from your shoes.”

Western-Inspired Boots
“Bohemian, prairie-style dresses are the perfect complement to Western-detailed shoes. A less literal and more modern interpretation of the look would be wearing boots with cuffed boyfriend jeans and a loose slouchy tee. If you’re really daring, try them with cuffed overalls to showcase what’s happening south of your ankle.”

Put your own spin on these essential fall shoes and shop The Fall Shoe Guide: Must-Have Trends Boutique, which opens Thursday, September 11, at 11AM ET.

By Mairead McGonagle, Staff Writer

Which trend will you try? Tweet us at @ruelala to share.

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