Photos: Sarah Brick. Hair & make-up: Carl Stanley

October vibe shift. Or is it a shoe shuffle? I’ve always been fond of lace-ups – in my teens and twenties I would buy men’s shoes from traditional outfitters – and there is a joy in coming back to the things you love to wear.

My feet are happy, too. After a summer of sneakers and sandals, it’s good to mix things up. Different footwear places different demands on the muscles and joints, which in turn can strengthen the feet. So, be sure to rotate on a regular basis.

Say yes to sensible shoes.

The Oxford-style lace-ups in the photos are late-90s Emma Hope (sale bargain), and still going strong. Though they could do with a polish… Today, you can find this type of gender-neutral shoes all over the place. There’s a neat pair from Iris & Ink at the Outnet; which is also the only place to shop for eye-wateringly expensive Churchs brogues. Since Prada bought the British brand and sent the prices sky-rocketing, I’ve moved over to Grenson – mostly purchased in the sample sale.

On a shoot recently, I tried this beautiful Grenson Derby shoe (pictures coming soon) and can highly recommend Style Stalking them into the sales.

Other old-school lace-ups can be found at: Bobbies (available in tan and black); Cos has a square-toed version, while Camper Conscious. has a lovely pair made with the environment in mind. Autumn is the time to bring out the brogues and you can always rely on Clarks for both patent leather and matte. Looking for longevity and craftsmanship? I have two pairs of Grenson’s Martha design ( one white, one pink) that are at least five years old and built to last.

For stompier styles, the lug sole, ‘Michael’ Derby shoe from Paraboot is perennially stylish (fellow French brands, Kleman and Sézane have similar, less expensive versions HERE and HERE).

Hush has high-shine lace-ups (now reduced) – and there’s always Dr Martens (HERE and HERE). The latter has a vegan range, as do M&S and Grenson (they are not paying me, honest!). More on vegan shoes HERE.

Sturdy, sensible shoes make you feel put-together and ready for anything. Style Tip: When it gets cooler add black ankle or knee socks.

Loadsa lace-ups:

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STYLE NOTES

I’m wearing a vintage tweed jacket from Menage Modern Vintage ( bought a few years ago). The black dress is by Skall Studio from Gather & See (gifted approx two years ago). The vintage Gucci bag is also from Menage Modern Vintage. My old leather lace-ups are from Emma Hope.

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