Shoes may sit at the bottom of the closet, but they’re at the top of the fashion food chain. Of any accessory we wear, it’s shoes that have the greatest effect on upcoming trends and fashions. This idea makes a lot of sense, really… after all, you build entire outfits around “that one incredible pair of shoes” in a way that you don’t for any other item in your closet, right?

An amazing pair of designer shoes is the quickest and easiest way to both follow the season’s biggest trends and make a real statement about your personal style. And the shoe trends we’re seeing in fall of 2008 don’t disappoint. From fun prints and shapes to streamlined styles in soft leather, this season’s best shoe trends are both eye-poppingly unusual and utterly wearable.

Statement Shoes
In spring and summer of 2008, “statement” shoes were all over the runway. With artistic heels, acid colors, and never-seen-before styles, some of spring’s statement styles of 2008 were downright un-wearable… even if they were fascinating to look at. Fall 2008 shoes, however, are all about edgy-but-wearable style, and this season’s statement shoes are pretty, softened, and more wearable versions of their springtime cousins.  But they still announce their presence in no uncertain terms.

For fall 2008 statement shoes, expect to see artsy shapes and embellishments in natural colors and with more wearable details.  The Stella McCartney Super High Wedge Pumps with brushed steel plating at the back of the heel are a good example of this.  With their unusual, high-art shape, they make an effortless statement.  But with their soft, natural leather and easy wearability, they also combine perfectly with some of the softer, more feminine styles of the season.

Embellishment
Embellishment is big all over the runways for fall 2008.  Embellished jacket and bags… and especially embellished shoes.  However, some of the over-the-top embellishments that graced the runways in Spring have gone softer and subtler, adding plenty of edge without going over the top.  Fall 2008’s embellished shoes are subtle, feminine, and flirtatious.

One of my favorite examples of this season’s embellished shoes are the Giuseppe Zanotti black suede hidden platform pumps.  With subtle but flashy detailing at the back of the heel (a fun and flirty hint of 1980’s rock chick), these ultra-sex sky-high heels are almost architectural in shape, but oh-so feminine. For a tougher look that will travel well into winter, the Gucci High Heeled Bootie in black leather and suede is fun and cocky. These shoes’ studded embellishment gives them a whimsical but tough feel, perfect for both winter and fall.

Animal Print
We’re seeing animal print everywhere on the runways for Fall ‘08… and of course it hasn’t bypassed the season’s shoes.  There’s something so fun and sexy and casual about a pair of animal-print pumps, and there are some great ones on the market this season.  One of my favorites is the Brian Atwood Trixy Platform Pumps.  Made of pony skin, these five-inch heels have an ultra-sexy open toe and black-and-caramel leopard print. Paired up with a simple little black dress or skinny jeans, they make the perfect casual-but-sensual statement.