Stylists reveal 8 shoe trends that are in and 6 that are out this year

According to Ashley Full, personal stylist and cofounder of AMOUR781, school shoes are rising in popularity.

The style, usually referencing a cross between a loafer and a lace-up boot, is a great way to make an outfit more sophisticated or edgy.

"It is so fun to play with that feminine menswear look, and these shoes will look great with the tone-on-tone trend we'll also be seeing in the New Year," Full told BI.

Rustic, suede Chelsea boots are another emerging trend, according to Margaret Stone, personal stylist and founder of My Happy Closet.

The stylist said Blundstone makes a classic version with two pull tabs and elastic cutouts on each side of the ankle.

"These boots were originally seen back in the 1800s and offer a timeless look," she told BI. "Rugged enough for some time out on the nature trail but refined enough for your morning coffee run."

Loafers are back and perfect for everyone, according to Stone.

"A loafer is effortless, yet polished all at once," she told BI. "Try pairing these with jeans, or dress them up a bit with a casual suit."

We'll probably see a lot of metallic footwear this year, according to Full.

"Having that little sparkle and shine will add some spice to your look," she said.

White, unbranded sneakers are in, according to Kim Appelt, celebrity fashion stylist and author of "Style for Everybody."

The timeless sneakers are perfect for casual and semi-casual outfits.

"Dress them down with a light linen dress on a winter vacation or in the summer," she told BI. "Or add a classic, non-branded pair with a pair of jeans or joggers."

Ballet flats are comfortable and great for a polished yet laid-back style, according to Appelt.

"The slingback pointy toe is currently the top of the most-wanted list for 2024, and the traditional 'ballet'-style ballet flat is close behind," the stylist told BI.

According to Stone, people are moving away from sky-high stilettos in favor of kitten heels.

"The kitten heel is a mini-sized heel that offers both comfort and a fashion-forward look," she said.

Western boots showcase a unique look for all genders, according to Stone.

"We are seeing boots in all colors and styles for this season," she said. "Paired with a simple jean and white top, you are ready to go."

You can put away your combat boots for now, according to Abby Young, fashion stylist and CEO of Abby Young Styling.

"That isn't to say that there won't be a comeback, but in the meantime, consider a pair of pointed-toe zip-up calf boots instead," she told BI.

You shouldn't expect to see a lot of flip-flops this year, according to Full.

As an alternative, she recommended a light, summer mule.

"We'll be seeing a lot of capri/mid-calf pants with a little bit of flare, which will look great with a mule," the stylist said. "This new look will be casual and easy, just like the flip-flop."

Stone said it's time to put away the boat shoes and replace them with a loafer.

"The traditional loafer is having a comeback and is much more polished and sleek-looking than the boat shoe with its more aggressive tread," she told BI.

The chunky, basic dad shoe is on its way out in 2024, according to Full.

She told BI that old-school styles of flat, slim, and sleek sneakers are being favored instead.

The easy-to-wear, woven shoes were previously very popular, according to Stone, but the trends have moved on.

"Make room for a more polished, classic look like the ballet flat," she told BI.

"The square toe was emblematic of 2021, during the peak of the Bottega padded heel's popularity," Young said.

But for 2024, the stylist recommended opting for a pointed or rounded toe for a more modern style.