Your GALA Guide to Fall/Winter Footwear 2020

I may be a Florida-girl through and through, but my favorite season of the year to dress for by far is fall! So many rich colors, cozy fabrics, vibrant textures, structured silhouettes and fun patterns to look forward to! Not to mention all of the accessories that come out to play, with a hyper-focus on two of my favorites — bags and shoes. OMG, shoes!

To bring you the most spot-on footwear trend forecast for Fall 2020, GALA ushered in some serious fashion consultation, as we enjoyed an incredible chat with the ultimate shoe queen herself, Lalin Pedroso.

Based out of New York with her awesome husband, twins and Mu Shu (their adorable giant Shih Tzu), Lalin was born into shoe royalty and is an expert when it comes to all things footwear.

GALA Life approached Lalin for her take on what is certainly fashion’s strangest fall season yet and how we can most stylishly navigate the bottom half of our cold-weather looks. Read on for some fashion knowledge that will totally change the way you shop for your autumnal shoe line-up!

GALA Life: What's your background in fashion?

Lalin Pedroso: I was born into a shoe family. My father had a successful brand in the early 80’s and 90’s out of Spain that sold in the U.S. and Europe. I majored in Fashion Design and Art History at Savannah College of Art and Design.  After college I was able to briefly work with my father in Spain and then went on to work for footwear giants Steve Madden and Vince Camuto.

GALA Life: Do you have any current projects in the works?

Lalin Pedroso: I am currently a design director for a large company and also working with my partner on a relaunch of the brand ZALO, the line my father created over 30 years ago.

GALA Life: Why are you passionate about shoes and what inspired you to become a creator in fashion?

Lalin Pedroso: Since I was a little girl, I remember flipping through my father’s stamp filled passport, being around his shoe friends and wanting to someday live that exciting and glamorous lifestyle. I really became enamored with shoes once I was able to spend time in the sample room testing out ideas, new materials and just creating alongside amazing artisans.

GALA Life: What fall/winter shoe trend are you most excited about?

Lalin Pedroso: So many! FLATS: can’t get enough of classic loafers from designers like G.H. BASS and CELINE and lace up sneakers which still look fresh, while comfortable, check out releases from classic white VANS, and high-tops from Good News.

Lalin Pedroso: HEELS and PUMPS: the business has shifted, and extreme high heels look so dated and out of touch at the moment.  Not everyone would agree with me, but a kitten heel sling back and barely there sandal is really sexy and feminine while still being sensible and comfortable enough to enjoy yourself.

GALA LIFE: Check out this über chic kitten heel mule style from Alias Mae, this slingback kitten heel from Banana Republic, or this amazing leopard slingback from Sam Edelman, perfect for the busy career gal on the go.

Lalin Pedroso: BOOTS: this fall I’m looking to purchase a great combat lace up style that can be worn casually with jeans or dressed up with a baby doll dress. For a dressier bootie option anything with a square toe and a set back block heel feels modern and very 90’s. When it comes to tall shaft boots, I prefer a tubo style to the knee in beautiful calf leather. These will be an investment piece, that will become your staple every winter for many, many years to come. This type of boot is leg lengthening and incredible over skinny jeans or worn under a pleated skirt or dress for a very feminine and polished look.

Shop the shoes by clicking the images below!

GALA Life: Some of GALA Life’s favorite combat lace up styles include the classic Doc Martens or the Logan over the knee boot. Check out an adorable style, wearable all-year long, the cone-heel suede shootie from Vince Camuto, now on clearance at HSN.com!

GALA Life: What is your go-to shoe style to wear in the fall/winter?

Lalin Pedroso: I’m all about flats since I am always on the go. Between commuting, presenting to customers or visiting trade shows I need to be able to not only walk a lot but also to sit on the floor to look at product. In the fall I love a high waisted jean with a suede jacket and penny loafers or Chanel ballets, and of course, I’ll be wearing our ZALO velvet embroidered smoking slipper. Even though we have very cold winters up here, I’m a Florida girl at heart and pretty much wear shoes without socks all season long.

GALA Life: What's your favorite color this season?

Lalin Pedroso: I am really loving CHOCOLATE BROWN. It looks so gorgeous in a ballerina or a slouchy soft suede boot.

GALA Life: I'm HORRIBLE at selecting the appropriate winter shoe. I fell on my butt the second I arrived in Montreal because I was totally wearing a cute but wrong ankle boot with no support (lol). For a girl like me, what's an important feature to keep in mind for a cold weather shoe?

Lalin Pedroso: It happens to all of us! With our lifestyles being much more casual these days, it’s so easy to now find booties that are not only fashionable but also functional. When shopping, look out for features like a lug bottoms or actual cold weather brands like SOREL that are now offering more “fashion” styles.

 GALA Life: What fall shoe trend do you love but could never see yourself wearing?

Lalin Pedroso: Never say never. I used to think socks with loafers was a major NO NO, but after traveling to Milan a few times last year, I fell in love with these beautifully thin socks in man tailored prints like houndstooth. They add such a fun twist to my basic uniform of loafers and jeans. Anyway, back to the question, a fall trend I won’t be wearing are any kind of platforms. They look fantastic on a runway but never in real life.

GALA Life: What designer are you keeping your eye on this season?

Lalin Pedroso: Always CHANEL. Also love CELINE right now and STAUD is doing some great 90’s throwbacks, which remind me of why I fell in love with fashion in the first place. For more budget friendly footwear, MARC FISHER and SAM EDELMAN offer great fashion at a price.

GALA Life: Where can we keep up with all things Lalin?

Lalin Pedroso: Follow our instagram account @houseofzalo for our holiday shoe launch. You’re going to want every pair. 

So there you have it, the ultimate shoe tea for fall 2020 from the very best! Even if these brands aren’t all in budget, I love to use high-end wish pieces as inspiration for budget-friendly finds from other designers. Don’t be afraid to try something new or to invest in those timeless, rewearable pieces, such as the basic tube style boot or lace up sneaker. Comfort is key, especially when it comes to cold weather wear, so be sure to research before making your purchase and be sure you’re able to make returns until you find your perfect size.

Remember to always keep galavanting (with your best shoes on)! xx Alexia