Even on the hottest of New York City days, we already have fall food, drinks, and, of course, fashion on our minds; so, we hit the DSW flagship store in Union Square for a preview of what we’ll see in stores this season.

Of all the shoes and styles we browsed, one theme stood out: the color shift. Savor the final weeks of butter yellow, because rich chocolate brown is about to take over. This rich, elevated hue is leading the charge into fall, joined by warm shades of tan, burgundy, and beige, ushering in a season defined by earthy elegance.

As new colors and styles take the lead, a few trends are quietly making their exit. The cowgirl Western aesthetic is starting to fade, not entirely, but it’s getting a more polished and refined update.

Textured Trends: Leather, Suede, and More

Take the Crown Vintage Izzie Western Bootie, for example. It has the same silhouette that defines Western wear. The lower shaft height makes it versatile for jeans or a miniskirt moment. Intertwining suede with leather elevates the shoe, offering the option to dress it up or down with ease.

The chunky “dad” sneaker is also on its way out in favor of a sleeker, more low-key sneaker. During our visit, low-top, flat sneakers were everywhere, taking cues from the Adidas Sambas that defined summer style. Puma’s Arizona Sneaker is a lightweight, low-profile style that’s durable enough for a workout, yet sleek enough to wear on a casual Friday. It’s also reminiscent of the Y2K vibe that we’re not bidding farewell to yet, so make the most of it and grab a brown Juicy Couture velour tracksuit to match.

Versatile Styles for Work and Play

Speaking of casual Friday, this fall is poised to mark the return to the office full-time, meaning a fresh new arsenal of shoes to get you through your commute, 8-hour shift, and happy hour. The Franco Sarto Quinnely Loafer and Aldo Kristyn Mary Jane Flat offer sleek, chic silhouettes fit for business wear, paired with pillow-like cushioning that makes the nine-to-five grind feel a little more effortless.

On the days you want a “feel good, look good, do good” shoe, Madden Girl’s Vogue Pump is an adorable two-inch kitten heel with a bow detail that will elevate any look. The shoe comes in both black and burgundy, making it the ultimate fall staple.

DSW’s fall collection delivers on all the seasonal staples, from classic knee-high boots to edgy ankle booties with statement buckles. The lineup leans into versatile silhouettes that can anchor any outfit. Whether you’re heading into the office or out for drinks. With a mix of textures like leather, suede, and metallic accents, these styles blend timeless appeal with trend-forward flair. It’s the kind of collection that makes transitioning your wardrobe feel effortless.

Check out DSW’s fall 2025 collection here.