Ukrainian designer Andrei Tan published a selection of shoes that, in his words, should be added to your wardrobe for the autumn 2026 season. A link to the designer's Instagram video is shared by the entertainment project Styler (RBC-Ukraine). The focus is not on a single 'main' pair, but on a set of silhouettes that, taken together, cover the full spectrum of looks: from strict classics to striking evening accents. Tan's key idea is that the autumn 2026 wardrobe should move away from the usual dominance of universal sneakers in favor of more expressive, yet still balanced, footwear.
Classic oxfords as an alternative to loafers
The first item on Tan's list is classic black oxfords. The designer openly calls them an interesting alternative to the usual loafers for autumn 2026. At the same time, he warns against wearing them 'too literally.' The recommendation is built on contrast — oxfords should be paired with feminine dresses and skirts or with relaxed wide-leg trousers. This approach, by the designer's intent, softens the strictness of the shape and makes the look more modern. The illustrations accompanying the selection show how black models on chunky soles are combined with white socks and lace, emphasizing a contrast-driven rather than canonical approach.
Straps and the return of 1920s aesthetics
The second relevant model of the season is shoes and ballet flats with a distinctive strap. Tan links this silhouette to last century's fashion, specifically the aesthetics of the 1920s, which, in his assessment, are noticeably returning in the autumn–winter 2026/27 season. The strap silhouette, forming a cut-out at the toe, fits well into both feminine and more modern everyday outfits. In the photos accompanying the piece, this model is shown in a glossy black platform version with white socks — yet another example of how a retro detail is presented in a contemporary, slightly 'coquette' interpretation.
Two-tone contrast in the spirit of Coco Chanel
The third trend is footwear in two contrasting colors. Tan points to the iconic two-tone shoes popularized by Coco Chanel as one of the most famous examples of such a design. The specifics can vary: a contrasting toe, a heel in a different shade, or a combination of two colors in a single pair. According to the designer, such a simple accent can make even a basic look more interesting and visually more 'expensive.' In the selection, this trend is represented by a pair of beige stiletto pumps with a black toe and a slingback strap — a classic interpretation of the two-tone solution.
Maximum-height boots and 'wow shoes' with décor
The fourth point is maximum-height boots. Tan advises choosing models that visually lengthen the legs without making the look overly feminine. Balance is achieved by pairing them with long coats, midi-length knitwear, or a voluminous top. The fifth and final trend is so-called 'wow shoes' with prominent décor: stones, metal elements, flowers, feathers and other details that, in the new season, allow footwear to become arguably the main ornament of the look. The main rule the designer formulates is simple: the brighter the shoes, the calmer the rest of the outfit should be.
How to wear: the principle of balance
The underlying logic of all five of Tan's recommendations is contrast and balance. Classics (oxfords) are softened with femininity or oversized trousers, retro straps are presented in a modern material, two-toning works as an accent on a calm base, and decorative 'wow shoes' call for restraint in the rest of the look. Thus, in the designer's version, autumn 2026 is a season when footwear steps out of the role of a 'neutral accessory' and becomes an independent styling tool — but only on the condition that the other details of the look remain in the background.
