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I’ve been looking at blazers for our capsule wardrobe (coming soon!), and one silhouette keeps jumping out at me… we’ve seen it before but it is EVERYWHERE right now. I’m not even sure what to call it, to be honest! The brands have called it a collarless cutaway blazer, crewneck jacket, a split hem blazer, a curved hem blazer…. if anyone has a better suggestion I’m all ears! A lot of the details started in the vests and waistcoats we’ve been seeing over the past few years, but it feels new to see it in a full blazer shape.

Collarless Cutaway Blazers for Fall 2026

The Premise

Some of the fashion leaders have had this shape for a while. Over and over, we see a round neck without a collar. A nipped waist. Many buttons (buttonpalooza all over again!). The buttons either stop at the waist, or if they continue below they aren’t meant to be buttoned.

Some iterations of it from leaders in the space:

Max Mara

If you’re looking to spend $2350 on a blazer, this cashmere crew-neck jacket from Max Mara is (predictably) gorgeous. I especially like the minimalist flat pockets. It’s available in sand (pictured) and dark grey in sizes 0-16. (Lafayette 148 New York has a suede version in the big Nordstrom sale, as well.)

Veronica Beard

This is the blazer that started me noticing the trend — I love the strong shoulders and call me crazy but for once I like the larger buttons. It’s $798 at Veronica Beard. (If you’re thrifting, their Jessup blazer was a similar cut.)

Anine Bing

I love the new Huda jacket from Anine Bing. This version isn’t as nipped in as some other versions we’re seeing (which seems to be another trend worth reporting on, but perhaps in another post) and I like the elongated silhouette. Shopbop has it for $590, so do a few other retailers, as well as AnineBing.com. You can find a similar option at Argent at this price point.

Affordable Options

Madewell

Madewell has this blazer on sale — it was $228, but is now marked to $150 (final sale only, alas).

Boden

This collarless textured blazer comes in both red and navy at Boden. The jacket is $299-$320, available in sizes 0-22 and 0P-12P.

Ann Taylor

I like the unusual buttons on this “curved hem blazer” from Ann Taylor. The blazer is marked down to $132 in sizes 00-18 and 00P-16P. They have similar versions called “split hem jackets.”

Variations on the Theme

The Vest: M.M.LaFleur

If your social media feeds are like mine, you’ve seen the founder of MMLF wearing this chic vest all over the place. I especially think it looks nice paired with matching pants, but that’s me. The vest comes in five colors, priced $236-$329 (select colors on sale for Labor Day).

The Sweater Blazer: Nordstrom

I picked this sweater blazer up in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and it’s one of my keepers. I forget how much I paid for it, but it’s included in the big clearance sale that just started on the site for 40-50% off, or $90-$107. It’s available in black, white, and burgundy. (PSA: Nordstrom seems to be having a ton of annoying tech problems for the past day or two; try searching on “Nordstrom merino sweater blazer” if you get an error from the link.)

The Varsity Jacket: Favorite Daughter

Love the fun collar on this boucle jacket (and as always, love the sweater-lined cuffs). The blazer is $398 at FavoriteDaughter.com, available in sizes XS-XL.

The Scoopneck: Pomander Place

I like this scoopnecked version from Pomander Place. It’s available at Tuckernuck for $168 in sizes XXS-XXXL. A similar option from Paige is on sale, also. Ooh, and Simkhai has a square-necked version.

Readers, do tell — have you picked up this blazer recently? How have you been wearing it?

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Ooh: a lot of Labor Day sales are starting already. NET-A-PORTER has a lot on sale, including this (very!) expensive hooded scarf. It is STILL very expensive, even though it is 40% off, but I really do like the idea of it.

I’ve always loved the wrap or ruana as a topper for a blazer because it’s such an easy layer — it goes on top, it looks intentional, you don’t have to do the whole “hold my cuffs while I put my arm into my jacket” dance (or buy a coat a size or two up to accommodate a blazer). This version makes it even better, at least, by adding the hood. Head warmth + hair protection = sign me up.

The scarf was $4000, but is now marked down to $2400 at NET-A-PORTER. (Two other finds in the sale that are a bit more reasonable in price: I love this Gabriela Hearst scarf in dark green, as well as the colorful print on this gorgeous Acne Studios scarf.)

Sales of note for 8/28:

• Ann Taylor – End of summer sale, last call — extra 70% off all sale, new markdowns added.
• CVS – Epic beauty sale, $10 off when you spend $30 (Walmart is having its “Beauty Event” as well right now!)
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• J.Crew – Last chance summer styles on sale
• J.Crew Factory – 40% off new arrivals, extra 15% of $100+ orders
• J.McLaughlin – Extra 40% off sale
• Lilysilk – Anniversary sale, save up to 70%
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 60% off (new lines just added, exclusively online)
• M.M.LaFleur – Labor Day Sale Event, save sitewide! (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clearance, new markdowns up to 75% off! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Talbots – End of summer clearance, 70% off markdowns, including lots of colors of the reader favorite cardigan!
• Theory – End of season sale is on!

September is here! Let’s take a look back and some of the top looks from August 2026:

1.Toke Makinwa and Her Daughter in Dolce & Gabbana

Taking first place among August’s top looks was Toke Makinwa, spotted with her daugher by the Lagos Paparazzi in a red and white Dolce & Gabbana Majolica-print dress. The sweetheart-neckline design, cinched at the waist with a full, tiered skirt, made for an easy standout — polished, vibrant, and instantly photograph-ready. She finished the look with white heeled sandals and a quilted white top-handle bag, keeping the focus on the dress’s bold print.

2.Harry Styles

Taking second place was Harry Styles, spotted in New York on his way to the first of a 30-night residency at Madison Square Garden, the sole U.S. leg of his “Together, Together” World Tour. He kept it casual in a vintage graphic tee, green sweat shorts, and black loafers with white socks, finishing the off-duty look with dark sunglasses and a woven tote slung over one shoulder.

3.Celine Dion in Alaia

4.Cardi B and Kashdoll for AHA Music Video

Cardi B and Kash Doll linked up on the streets of New York for the video shoot of their new single “Ah Ha,” out now. Cardi B wore a red and white two-piece Chanel look with a zip-detail crop top and matching shorts, styled with layered diamond jewelry and thigh-high black boots. Kash Doll kept it casual-cool in a white crop tee, distressed denim shorts, a rhinestone-studded cap, and glittering gold ankle boots, finishing the look with a diamond watch and bracelet.

5. Miley Cyrus

Rounding out the top looks was Miley Cyrus, spotted stepping out of Fouquet’s New York in a sleek black ribbed sleeveless top and matching pinstriped trousers. She finished the look with dark square sunglasses, a compact black shoulder bag, and black strappy heels — a pared-back, elevated take on off-duty dressing that let the fitted silhouette do the talking.

Finding the best elevator shoes on the market means looking past marketing claims about extra inches and focusing on what actually makes a pair worth wearing: comfort, craftsmanship, natural appearance, and how well the shoe holds up over months of regular use. With so many brands now competing in this space, it helps to know what separates a genuinely well-made pair from one that will leave your feet aching by lunchtime.

This guide covers what to look for when shopping for elevator shoes, the categories worth considering, and the features that consistently show up in the best-reviewed pairs.

What Makes an Elevator Shoe “The Best”

Not every elevator shoe on the market is built with the same care. The best pairs share a handful of common traits, and understanding them makes comparison shopping far easier.

First is the height mechanism itself. Cheaper shoes often use a single rigid insert that adds height but sacrifices comfort, since a hard block under the heel and arch does not flex naturally with the foot. Better shoes layer multiple materials, combining foam cushioning with a firmer structural base, so the added height still allows for a natural walking motion.

Second is the ramp angle, meaning how gradually the shoe transitions from heel to toe. A steep, abrupt ramp forces the foot into an unnatural position and can cause strain in the calves and lower back after just a few hours of wear. The best designs spread that height increase gradually across the length of the shoe.

Third is material quality. Genuine leather uppers, properly stitched soles, and quality linings all contribute to a shoe that both looks good and lasts. Synthetic materials might lower the price, but they typically wear out faster and rarely mold to the foot the way leather does.

Top Categories Worth Considering

Classic dress shoes remain the gold standard for elevator footwear, since oxfords and derbies naturally accommodate a slightly raised sole without looking out of place. Whenever a suit is involved, whether for the office or a black-tie evening, this is the category most men reach for first.

Elevator sneakers have grown into one of the most requested categories in recent years. Chunky-soled trainers already carry a thicker profile as part of current style trends, which makes hiding a height boost inside them easier than ever. This category works particularly well for men who spend most of their week in casual or business-casual environments.

Boots offer some of the best options for height enhancement because the additional shaft height and existing heel structure of a boot give designers more room to work with. Chelsea boots and chukka boots in particular tend to hide internal lifts exceptionally well.

Loafers fill the gap for men whose wardrobe sits somewhere between a suit and jeans. A well-made elevator loafer looks completely ordinary while adding noticeable height, making it a versatile option for smart-casual dress codes.

Brands Known for Quality Craftsmanship

When narrowing down the best options, brand reputation and manufacturing background carry real weight, since the internal engineering required for a comfortable elevator shoe is more complex than standard shoemaking. GuidoMaggi has built a strong name in this space through handcrafted Italian construction, with each pair built specifically around the demands of a hidden lift rather than adapted from an existing non-elevator shoe design.

Italian craftsmanship in general has a long history of producing well-regarded elevator shoes, largely because traditional shoemaking techniques translate well to the more complex internal structures these shoes require. Brands rooted in that tradition tend to place heavy emphasis on hand-finished leather work, properly cushioned insoles, and a natural-looking silhouette that gives no visual hint of the internal lift.

Key Features to Compare When Shopping

Shopping for the best elevator shoes comes down to comparing a handful of specific features across brands and models.

Height range: Most quality brands offer multiple height options, typically starting around 2 centimeters and going up to 10 centimeters or more for the most dramatic styles. Choosing a height that feels natural for your frame, rather than maximizing the boost, generally produces a more comfortable and confident result.

Removable insoles: Some of the better designs allow the internal lift to be adjusted or swapped out, giving one pair of shoes multiple height settings depending on the occasion.

Breathability: Because elevator shoes pack more internal structure than standard footwear, proper ventilation becomes more important. Linings that let air pass through, paired with a well-finished upper, keep feet drier and cooler across a full day on your feet.

Weight: A well-balanced elevator shoe should not feel significantly heavier than a standard shoe of similar style. Overly heavy construction is often a sign of low-quality filler materials used to bulk out the sole.

Sizing accuracy: Since the internal structure changes how a shoe fits compared to a standard pair, brands with clear sizing guides and responsive customer service make a real difference in getting the right fit on the first try.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many first-time buyers make the mistake of choosing the tallest available option without considering comfort or how the height will look with their existing wardrobe. A dramatic height increase can also throw off a person’s natural gait if they are not used to the added elevation, so easing into a smaller lift before moving up to a larger one is generally the smarter approach.

Some buyers also let sticker price outweigh how the shoe is actually built. A cheaply made elevator shoe might save money upfront but often needs replacing within a year, while a well-constructed pair from a specialist brand can last for years with proper care.

Ignoring return policies is another pitfall. Because fit varies more significantly between elevator shoe brands than with standard shoes, buying from a company with a clear and fair return policy protects against a costly mistake.

The best elevator shoes for men combine thoughtful engineering, quality materials, and a completely natural outward appearance, giving wearers extra height without sacrificing comfort or style. Brands built specifically around this category, such as GuidoMaggi, tend to outperform generic shoes with an inserted lift, largely because the entire shoe is designed from the ground up with the height mechanism in mind rather than treating it as an afterthought. Taking the time to compare ramp angle, material quality, and sizing accuracy before buying will make the difference between a pair of shoes that feels like a clever upgrade and one that feels like a daily compromise.

Steampunk fashion can look intimidating from the outside. Corsets, top hats, goggles, long Victorian coats and elaborate accessories are great for conventions or themed events, but they are not exactly what most people want to wear to grab a coffee.

That doesn’t mean steampunk has to stay in the costume closet. A lot of its individual pieces work surprisingly well with modern clothes. Victorian shirts, worn leather, boots, waistcoats and antique-looking jewelry can all become part of an everyday wardrobe without making you look like you’re heading to a steampunk festival.

The trick is simply knowing what to borrow from the style.

Borrow From Victorian Fashion

You don’t have to dress like a nineteenth-century aristocrat to bring some Victorian influence into an outfit. Start with the details.

A blouse with puff sleeves or a high collar, for example, can look completely contemporary with black jeans. Lace and ruffles work in the same way. They carry that historical feeling, but the rest of the outfit keeps things grounded in the present.

Corsets are another obvious steampunk reference, although they don’t necessarily have to be worn as traditional corsets. Corset belts can be layered over dresses and shirts, while corset-inspired tops work well with trousers or a simple skirt.

For men, a waistcoat is probably the most straightforward option. Skip the full three-piece Victorian suit and wear one with a plain shirt, dark trousers or even jeans.

If you’re not sure where to begin, browsing complete steampunk outfits can be useful for spotting combinations you like. Instead of copying a look from head to toe, pick out one or two details and see how they could fit into your existing wardrobe.

Use the Steampunk Color Palette

Sometimes you don’t even need an obviously steampunk garment. The right colors and materials can do most of the work.

Think brown leather, black, charcoal, cream, burgundy and deep olive. These muted shades naturally evoke the Victorian and industrial influences behind the style, especially when several of them appear together.

Brown is particularly useful because it immediately moves an outfit away from a modern all-black alternative look. A brown leather jacket, belt or pair of boots can introduce a warmer, older feel without being overly theatrical.

Then there are the metal details. Brass-colored buckles, chains, rivets and aged silver jewelry bring in the mechanical side of steampunk. They look especially good against leather and dark fabrics.

You don’t need gears attached to everything. In fact, a few understated industrial details usually look better when you’re dressing for everyday life.

Accessories Are Your Best Friend

Steampunk has no shortage of accessories, and this is where you can have a little more fun.

Pocket watches are a classic. They’re closely associated with Victorian menswear and have naturally become a staple of steampunk fashion. Wear one with a waistcoat if you want the traditional look, or attach one to a belt for something less formal.

Jewelry is even easier. Rings with antique finishes, layered chains, mechanical pendants and vintage-inspired necklaces can add character to a very simple outfit. Bronze and aged silver tend to work particularly well.

Then there are goggles. They’re probably one of the first things people associate with steampunk, but admittedly, walking around town in aviator goggles isn’t for everyone. Round metal sunglasses give you some of the same visual effect while being much easier to wear.

Don’t overlook bags either. An old-fashioned leather satchel with buckles can fit the aesthetic beautifully and still carry everything you need for the day.

Get the Boots Right

A good pair of boots can carry an entire steampunk-inspired outfit.

You don’t need anything particularly extravagant. Black or brown lace-up boots already have the right character, especially if the leather has a slightly worn finish. Buckles and straps can push them further into steampunk territory without making them impractical.

They also work with almost everything. Wear them under jeans for a subtle look, with a long skirt for something more Victorian, or with fitted trousers and a waistcoat if you want the steampunk influence to be more noticeable.

For women, heeled ankle boots and knee-high lace-up boots are good alternatives. Decorative buttons, buckles or vintage-style shapes can make even a fairly simple pair feel appropriate.

This is also one area where buying something explicitly marketed as “steampunk” isn’t really necessary. Vintage, biker and heritage-style footwear often works just as well.

Mix It With Clothes You Already Wear

This is probably the most important part. Don’t build every outfit around steampunk.

Take one interesting piece and wear it with clothes that already feel like you. A Victorian blouse with faded jeans. A waistcoat over a T-shirt. A corset belt over a plain dress. Lace-up boots with cargo trousers. An antique pendant with a basic black top.

Those combinations feel much more natural than wearing five heavily themed pieces at once.

You can also adjust the amount of steampunk depending on where you’re going. An everyday outfit might only need boots and a piece of jewelry. For a night out, add a dramatic blouse or fitted waistcoat. If you’re heading to a festival or event, that’s when the goggles, top hats and more elaborate layers can come out.

There’s no reason every steampunk-inspired outfit has to announce itself immediately.

Make the Style Your Own

Steampunk has always mixed influences rather than following one strict historical formula, so there’s plenty of room to experiment.

Someone with a goth wardrobe might lean toward black Victorian blouses, corsets and dark metal accessories. A more casual dresser could stick to brown boots, leather bags and waistcoats. If you prefer feminine outfits, long skirts, lace, fitted jackets and corset details are easy places to start.

You can even borrow from steampunk without thinking of your outfit as steampunk at all.

That’s what makes the style interesting outside conventions and costume events. You don’t need to recreate an entire fictional Victorian world every morning. Take the parts you genuinely like, mix them with your regular clothes and leave the rest behind.

Sometimes a great pair of boots and an old-looking pocket watch are all you need.