Whether you routinely look to new trends for inspiration or have an unwavering sense of style, seasonal footwear defines a wardrobe and often steers outfits in a fresh direction. A leading look this fall is lug-sole shoes, but not the ordinary kind. Think durable and lightweight designs—like Stuart Weitzman’s new LIFT Collection—for combating mixed weather in style.

With an inherent toughness devised for function, new-season lug soles are versatile and sleek—they’re as chic in the city with a dress as they are with jeans for a cold-weather retreat. Here, discover three outfits to get you through fall, from effortlessly polished to distinctive and daring.

City Chic

Bottega Veneta dress, $2,590; Max Mara coat, $1,350; Loewe bag, $950; Judith Ripka ring, $295; Stuart Weitzman 5050 LIFT boots, $725

Knee-grazing leather boots with chunky lug soles embolden a sweater dress with chain-link detailing, toeing the sophisticated and edgy line. Keep up the juxtaposition with a technical coat, sleek bag, and polished ring for active days shopping, running errands, or attending appointments in the city.

Dinner, Drinks, or Both

Vince sweater, $465; Proenza Schouler skirt, $790; KHAITE clutch, $1,231; Lizzie Mandler earrings, $1,233; Stuart Weitzman 5050 LIFT booties, $550

A lug-sole ankle boot offsets a printed midi skirt’s feminine effect, while a ribbed pullover brings a touch of coziness to the look. For dinner or drinks, play up the boot’s luxe pinot color with linked earrings and a golden hinged clutch.

Weekend Getaway-Ready

Victoria Beckham shirt, $682; LEBRAND jeans, $200; Rochas coat, $2,870; SAINT LAURENT tote, $2,550; Sophie Buhai earrings, $325; Stuart Weitzman JESSE LIFT boots, $695

Dial-up denim with studded and buckled ankle boots—better yet, make it a pair with serrated lug soles. For a flawless take on weekend style, mix in a printed blouse, wrap coat, a sleek carryall tote, and hoops.

Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.