Regardless of budget, we all want to look expensive, right? Now, yes, an infinite bank balance and a wardrobe filled with The Row might help some on this endeavour, but unfortunately, I can’t give you that. Instead, I can offer you some essential fashion guidance.
At its core, looking expensive is an art form. High-quality pieces, complementary colour palettes and a carefully curated capsule wardrobe will serve you well, but it’s the finishing touches, such as your shoe colour choice, that really make the difference.
As Carrie Bradshaw always proved, the right shoes can make or break an outfit. Tailored trousers look great with trainers, sure, but with a heeled boot or a pair of soft loafers? You’ve added depth and a luxurious finish that your favourite sneakers simply can’t achieve.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
With shoe trends moving far slower than the rest of the fashion cycle, certain silhouettes have reigned supreme for years and continue to do so: think kitten heels, chunky and soft leather loafers, satin ballet flats and knee-high boots. In recent years, each has consistently reappeared on the runways and all over street-style looks.
From Chloé’s boho renaissance, which saw the return of maximalist wooden-soled wedges in every colour from attention-grabbing gummy pink to classic tan brown; to Miu Miu—Lyst index’s hottest brand of 2025—steering the way for glossy black patent loafers and washed-brown boat shoes to be again deemed chic, certain shoe colours and shapes time and again prove their worth within the fashion set.
So, how to narrow down the shoe colours that will give that luxe finish you’re after? Don’t fret; I’ve done the research, delved into the trends and found the most expensive-looking shoe colours, no matter your budget. Plus, they work so well for autumn. Scroll to discover.
The Most Expensive-Looking Shoe Colours to Shop Now, Whatever Your Budget
1. Chocolate Brown
Style Notes: Brown shoes have undoubtedly been one of the biggest footwear trends of the year. From boots to loafers, this rich, warm and versatile hue adds an air of polish and refinement to even the simplest look, one that can’t be matched with the traditional black.
Shop Brown Shoes Below:
I’ve spotted so many fashion people in these H&M boots.
These H&M ballet flats are selling out fast!
COS
Minimal Leather Trainers
These trainers ooze expensive-looking shoe.
Simple yet utterly divine, these boots would pair well with jeans and a tee as well as a monochromatic ensemble.
Gucci
Women’s Horsebit Ankle Boot
With the ankle support of a boot and the finish of a loafer, all the most fashionable people on my grid are loving the Gucci Horsebit boot at the moment.
Miu Miu
Vintage-Effect Leather Penny Loafers
Find me a more expensive-looking than the Miu Miu Penny loafer…I’ll wait.
M&S Collection
Suede Square Toe Slingback Shoes
With a square toe and sling back finish, these heels look 10 times more expensive than their £56 price tag.
2. Burgundy
Style Notes: A sophisticated hue, burgundy shoes have a depth of colour which feels unique, fresh and undeniably expensive-looking in 2025. Adding depth, it plays well with your naturals as well as a pop of colour, elevating even the simplest ensemble.
Shop Burgundy Shoes:
You can never go wrong with a knee high boot, especially at this price!
MANGO
Gathered Leather Moccasin
If you’re after a budget-friendly option, look no further than Mango.
ZARA
Leather Heeled Boots
These are wide calf approved.
YSL
Le Loafer Supple in Smooth Leather
Featuring a sleek design with the iconic Cassandre emblem, Saint Laurent loafers are perfect for both formal and casual wear.
These shoes are also available in black, white and navy.
AEYDE
Nomi Leather Ballet Flats
BALLY
Pathy Leather Boat Shoes
The heel is a nice touch.
3. Taupe Suede
Style Notes: Taupe, specifically taupe suede, has been an expensive-looking shoe colour for generations. Loro Piana, a brand known for high-quality craftspersonship and suede loafers, has become synonymous with this sandy shade. With a cool undertone, this elevated shade styles well with so many of the colours that dominate an autumn wardrobe and can provide a laid-back polish to sophisticated elevation, depending on the silhouette.
Shop Suede Taupe Shoes:
MANGO
Suede Penny Loafers
With an elasticated back to ensure the perfect fit, and a minimalist design to work with your capsule wardrobe staples, I have a feeling these will sell out fast!
Birkenstock
Naples Wrapped Suede Leather
Reiss
Rounded-Point Toe Ballet Flats
The almond cut is such an expensive-looking detail.
Mint Velvet
Effie Suede Loafer Boots
Almost identical to the Gucci Horsebit boots, but in a soft taupe hue.
These look almost identical to the viral (sold-out)Miu Miu X New Balance collab.
4. Glossy Black
Style Notes: Now it goes without saying, black shoes will forever be chic; however, I find that glossy black shoes look ten times more expensive than their matte counterpart. With a vinyl-like finish, patent shoes add a polished, smart energy to an outfit that smooth leather simply can’t replicate.
Shop Glossy Black Shoes:
& Other Stories
Patent Leather Slingback Pumps
Style these heels with tights or bare legs.
M&S Collection
Patent Croc Block Heel Knee High Boots
The perfect heel light, these faux croc boots would pair nicely with light-washed denim.
These chic Mary Janes are a staple in so many Who What Wear UK editors’ wardrobes.
AEYDE
Oscar Patent-Leather Loafers
Simple yet undeniably sophisticated.
M&S
T Bar Flat Pointed Ballet Pumps
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
So Kate 120 Patent-Leather Pumps
Could I truly mention patent shoes without mentioning the So Kates?
River Island
Black Heeled High Leg Boots
These went straight into my basket.
5. Green
(Image credit: @smythsisters)
Style Notes: Now green shoes looking expensive wouldn’t initially have been on my 2025 bingo card. But as I said before its all about the shade. In a warm, earthy hue, green coloured shoes is one of the easiest new-season shades to tap into, regardless of your style as it just plays well with the blacks and greys that dominate most capsule wardrobes. If you’re looking to add some dimension to your transitional looks, try styling with brown, black, beige and creams.
Shop Green Shoes:
COS
Minimal Leather Trainers
These trainers made my best trainer list for a reason!
Le Monde Beryl
Stella Ballet Flats
The buckle detail not only provides support but an expensive-looking finish to these ballet flats.
Gucci
Women’s Loafer With Horsebit
I’m love a chunky loafer at the moment.
Manolo Blahnik
Maysli Suede Slingback Pumps
YSL
Lee Slingback Pumps in Patent Leather
I’m a Saint Laurent heel devotee.
Ganni
Buckle Strap Ballerinas
A minimalistic twist on Ganni’s signature scandi-cool.
Birkenstock
Naples Wrapped Suede Leather
I’ve never check out so fast on a colour way.
