This fall's 5 most popular pairs of shoes—they look great no matter how you style them!

Lyst recently released its fashion list for the second quarter of 2025.

The most surprising thing wasn't which brand rose to the top, but rather that over half of the items on Lyst's list were shoes!

What kind of mood do shoes carry?

Remember when the first quarter list was released? Everyone was still debating the fate of creative directors and the hype of runway shows. Now, attention has shifted from grand brand strategies to the most accessible, everyday items.

This suggests that fashion is increasingly focused on practicality and authentic experience—on everyday choices that are close to home. They represent a lifestyle attitude, not price: effortless and practical, yet still able to express personal style.

◆ Minimalist Flip-Flops

The Row's Dune slippers, with their nearly no frills design, took the top spot on Lyst's Q2 list. The rise in popularity of flip-flops is a shift away from formality.

In the past, people used exaggerated logos and expensive materials to flaunt their status. Today, the simpler the look, the more it projects a quiet power.

Minimalist flip-flops are no longer exclusive to the beach; they're now an everyday companion in the city. They demonstrate the shift from ostentatious fashion to quiet luxury.

For everyday wear, pair flip-flops with high-waisted blazer pants and a simple shirt to break the formality of a work look. Or pair them with a long skirt for a seamless blend of formality and casualness.

◆ Boat Shoes

Also on the list are Miu Miu boat shoes, which combine the casualness of a boat shoe with the sophistication of a loafer.

Here's a look at the differences between these two shoes:

Boat shoes, originating from sailing, emphasize slip-resistant soles and practicality, often featuring stitching and eyelets on the upper.

Loafers, on the other hand, are simple, with sleek lines, symbolizing the sophistication and stability of a preppy school.

Miu Miu's boat shoes perfectly meet young people's love of retro and tap into the resurgence of "old money" style, appearing neither too formal nor too casual.

They reflect the current young generation's pursuit of identity and aura. They are no longer satisfied with a single label, but instead seek to strike a balance between nostalgia and practicality.

Boat shoes are also very versatile, but by focusing on color continuity, focusing on brown and nude tones, they can create an unexpected and textured look.

◆ Five-toe shoes

If flip-flops and loafers emphasize understated retro style, then Vibram's five-toe shoes challenge aesthetics.

Originally designed for barefoot running, they are now worn by celebrities like Jennie-Smith.

Originally considered "ugly shoes," they have become a uniquely charming accessory thanks to a redefined fashion trend.

Beyond the traditional aesthetic, people are increasingly open to experimental designs. After all, that's the fun of fashion: diversity and variety.

Those who wear five-toe shoes aren't just expressing a cosmetic change, but rather a willingness to be different and break the mold.

These shoes have a strong silhouette and pair well with simple sportswear or casual ensembles.

For example, like Jennie, light-colored five-toe shoes can be paired with minimalist cotton sweatpants, creating a harmonious contrast.

In short, the key is to keep the overall look clean and let the shoes be the focal point.

◆ Ballet Flats

Lyst's sixth-placed ballet flats from ancient Greece, with their transparent materials and decorative embellishments, attract attention.

However, compared to ballet flats, they are more translucent and lighter, thanks to the popularity of "barefoot shoes."

The so-called barefoot shoe blurs the line between the shoe and the foot, diminishing the shoe's presence.

When life becomes overwhelmed by information and material, people yearn for lightness and transparency.

Barefoot shoes offer precisely this sense of escape. They create a soft, breathing space in the city.

Shoes are particularly well-suited to pairings with lightweight dresses or gauze trousers, creating a sense of transparency that complements the fluidity of the fabric.

Choose a light hue that matches your skin tone, or match the color of the shoes with the other pieces to create a more versatile look.

◆ Satin Thin-Sole Sneakers

Ranked 10th on the list is Prada's Re-Nylon Satin Paneled Sneaker.

This ranking further demonstrates the resiliency of thin-soled sneakers. Compared to the more ostentatious thick-soled shoes, their advantages lie in their lightness and simplicity.

Shoes like the Adidas Samba and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 remain popular on the streets, exuding a vibrant and retro vibe.

Prada, through its use of satin and nylon materials, gives its sneakers an understated yet refined elegance.

Thin-soled sneakers are incredibly versatile. They can be paired with sweatpants, jeans, or simple blazers for a casual yet sophisticated look.

If you choose a satin or glossy material, you can pair them with a light dress for an unexpected touch of elegance.

From The Row's minimalist flip-flops to Miu Miu's popular boat shoes.

From the quirky experiments of Vibram's five-toe shoes to the barefoot poetry of Iro's ballet flats to Prada's thin-soled sneakers...

While shoes dominate the seasonal charts, people are shifting away from symbolic consumption and focusing on self-perception and daily life. Shoes are not only a status symbol, but also a way for everyone to connect with the world.