If you know anything about fashion, you will know that no outfit is complete without the perfect air of shoes – think SJP in Sex and the City and you will know just how important footwear is to the final effect of any outfit.

So, as we leave summer 2011 behind, and slip off our sandals in deference to the chance of season, what shoes should we be shopping for to keep us up to date this autumn?

Autumn 2011 catwalk shows offered an exciting range of shoes trends for the serious fashionista to follow, with footwear broadly falling in line with the pervading themes of the season, shoppers can expect a exciting mix of vintage and modern inspiration in the collections on the shelves of such stores as Kurt Geiger and Nine West, with a few surprises thrown in along the way.

If you are looking to bag a bargain then think about trawling the online auction sites for recycled fashions, or try looking out for money off vouchers for your favourite stores.

Autumn Shoe Trends: Materials

The catwalk shows for the upcoming season showed three standout winners in the material stakes for the autumn show collections. If you are looking for Fall 2011 footwear then think about buying something that uses one of the following:

• Patent Leather: This favourite of 1980s schoolgirls is making a catwalk comeback for the coming cooler weather, offering a touch of luxury to styles that might otherwise be considered utilitarian.
• Suede: An impractical favourite for the wetter weather, suede designs pervade the autumn collections. Thinks bold shades to bottom off a colour blocked combo, or neutral tones in keeping with the seasons trademark shades.
• Faux snake/alligator/crocodile: If you are looking for something a little more edgy this season, then replica reptile skinned shoes are where it’s at. From full length boots to smart and sensible slip ons – choosing faux-skin shoes is a great way to add a little rebellious touch to otherwise conventional clothing.

Autumn Shoe Trends: Heels

As always heels this autumn come in a range of shapes and sizes, but the catwalk previews for the season revealed three distinct trends to watch for, which were:

• Wedges – the chunky heel substitute is better known for its use in the summer sandal, but will be seen all over this autumn.
• Chunky heels – a massive relief for many, the chunky heel with its additional stability and ankle friendly design is making a return to footwear fashion. Last seen in earnest in the early nighties, this practical piece of design looks set to prove popular.
• Spike heels – for those who want to fly in the face of the abovementioned nod to comfort and practicality, the spike heel will also be a feature of the autumn lines. Great for nights out and posing purposes, not so easy to wear around the office.

Autumn Shoe Trends: Features

The 2011 “Fall” footwear collections offered a selection of exciting features to liven up this dull time of year, key themes that emerged from the catwalks included:

• Buckles – with military and biker styling influencing autumn fashions we will be seeing quite a bit of the buckle.
• Laces – with vintage Victorian one of the influences in play this autumn look out for lace features, especially on boots.