CLEVELAND — We're lucky to enjoy all four seasons here in Northeast Ohio. But those vastly different weather conditions that come along with having a summer, fall, winter and spring means having the proper footwear is essential.
But adjusting from summer to fall can be difficult.
Lucky for us, 3News Style Contributor Hallie Abrams broke down fall’s best buys and biggest trends - and the good news is you can do it all on a budget.
We met up with Abrams at Aurora Farms Premium Outlets to check out some of the season's best buys.
"I really wanted to come here because there are so many great deals here. The premium outlet really means you are saving money," she explained.
The styles she featured are all from Famous Footwear, but Abrams says they’re looks you can find across all brands and price points.
First up, Abrams showed off a back-to-school classic - the loafer.
"When you think of fall loafers, oxfords come to mind," she said. "They're a closed-toed shoe that really can transition from season to season. So they've been reimagined this year with that really hefty lug sole."
The "lug" sole Abrams pointed out on this pair.
"This pair is by Madden Girl... [and it's] in the $60 range. And I just think it looks really cool. I can picture someone wearing it back to school with like shorts or a skirt and knee socks... I also think it would look really great with a wide leg pant or a suit and also really current with jeans."
Speaking of chunkier soles, Abrams says the look is making it’s way into boots as well.
"Same thing [with this pair,] lug soles are very in, and we saw them on a lot of the runways for fall 2022 fashion," she said.
Abrams says this suede option is perfect for these transitional weather days, and it's a style that has lasted through the years.
"What makes it classically a Chelsea boot is that it has that elastic [around the ankle] which allows you to get your foot in, but it also allows the shaft of the boot to be a little tighter to your ankle, which creates a really nice silhouette and then balances the bottom, which is the chunkyness."
But if you’re worried about investing in something that will only stick around for a season, Abrams says this is a trend that has some legs.
"We're catching the trend at the beginning of the upswing. So it should be around for a good five to seven years."
Just remember to use a waterproofing spray to keep suede and leather shoes in good shape for seasons to come.
Now, when it comes to sneakers, Abrams selected a converse style that also shows off that chunkier sole. It also comes with the added benefit of a little height.
"Converse high tops are classics. They've been around forever," Abrams said. "The newest version is this platform version in for height challenged girls like me...It's a dream to be able to have platforms be really in because you still have the comfort of it being flat."
And finally – the 70s are calling. Look for clog styles to make a comeback, but you don’t have to go full-on flower power to rock this look.
"So clogs do look really great with a wider leg pants, but I think they look also really good with a midi skirt," Abrams explained. "It’s that again, the push and pull of the casual and the dressy and the clog sort of is right in the middle and it helps you marry those two."
Now we can’t forget about the guys! We know they love their new shoes too, and Abrams says just like the ladies, men should look out for updated twists on classic styles - like these lightweight loafers from Hey Dudes.
"You pick them up and you're like, there's no way they're that light," Abrams said of the style. "They also have a really wide toolbox. So for somebody with bunions or wider feet, they're just super comfortable. And literally, they have a cult following."
Another style that has remained universally popular for men? The Chukka boot – Abrams says it’s a look that works for all ages.
"It's a great shoe. It sort of has a sneaker bottom to it. And Chukkas come in all price ranges, all styles. It really means that it's sort of a desert boot style....it helps make a suit more casual and it helps jeans feel a little dressier."
Doc Martens has also updated its classic look for 2022 with a new canvas fabric, which Abrams says comes with an extra benefit.
"It also is interesting because it adds a little texture. So these are black, and if you're wearing them with black pants, you don't have to match it exactly," she explained. "Texture is your friend, because it makes it look intentional as opposed to like, whoops, they made a mistake and it doesn't match."
And finally, Abrams points out that a fresh white pair of sneakers will always be in style.
"This is Nike's version and a white sneaker just sort of goes with everything...it just creates a seamless look, and it's very even though it's athletic, it's somewhat elevated and classic."
So go ahead and step out in style, and comfort this fall. Just take Abram's advice and remember...
"Don't be afraid to try something new, especially a lug sole. They can fit any price point, any profession, any age, and it'll make you feel fresh."
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Sept. 22, 2022.