By Jamie Duncan / Source: Ecosalon

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Finding vegan shoes and boots for fall may take a bit more time than looking for regular shoes, but it’s worth it. And since I’m forever on a quest to fulfill all your vegan shoe fantasies, I have created this handy-dandy list to help get you started.

Not only does animal-based fashion harm the innocent, it also heavily pollutes the environment. The hide tanning process is highly toxic, as is the waste run-off that finds its way into our water supplies from animal agriculture – and this only skims the surface of the hidden atrocities we seldom hear about.

If it wasn’t for synthetic and recycled materials, we compassionate, conscious animal lovers would be subjected to wearing leather, suede, snakeskin, and other parts that once belonged to living, breathing beings. And let’s face it – the fall season is synonymous with suede and leather. Fortunately, vegan shoes are becoming easier to locate and are more budget-friendly than ever.

And now, just in time for fall, we’ve rounded up some super cool vegan kicks that are fitting for five of the hottest fashion categories around.

1. Bohemian Beauty

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Vegan Tulsi Boot from Free People by Coconuts by Matisse, $88

These gorgeous booties are sure to be a staple in your bohemian fall fashion repertoire. Brought to you by Matisse for Free People, the highly-coveted vegan suede ankle boots boast free flowing tassels, leg lengthening slits, and perfectly sized three inch heels. The Vegan Tulsi Boot, shown in natural, is crafted from faux suede material, which is an excellent fall textile that completely omits animal skins altogether.

Three Ways to Wear:

1. Bell bottom jeans paired with a flowing, off the shoulder, high-low blouse, belt with an ornate buckle, and your favorite bohemian headband.

2. Homemade distressed cut off shorts with a long sleeve crop top, long and flowy sleeveless cardigan, chunky necklace, and a matching fedora.

3. An oversized cable knit sweater layered over a printed maxi dress with tights, an arm full of bangles and your favorite round sunnies.

2. Posh Prepster

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Bolen Tassel Heel from Moo Shoes by Le Bunny Bleu, $69.99

The Bolen Tassel Heel by Le Bunny Bleu is super cute with just the right amount of prep for the Ivy Leaguer in your life, or at least those who want to dress like one. A great faux suede and leatherette find, this two-toned pump is completely vegan and absolutely perfect for fall. Purchase these from the always cruelty-free Moo Shoes for the perfect addition to your prepster wardrobe.

Three Ways to Wear:

1. Try a solid pleated skirt with knee-highs, a V-neck varsity sweater, thick-rimmed glasses and your philosophy textbook.

2. Layer a quilted vest over a crisp button down shirt with cuffed skinny jeans and a cute bow style barrette.

3. Top a plain white tee with a camel blazer, pair with slim-fit navy blue pencil slacks, and don a pretty fish tail braid.

3. Glamour Girl

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My Delicious Aveta Vegan Suede Stiletto from LuLu’s, $24

Boasting the most popular Pantone color of the year, LuLu’s Marsala hued pumps are just right for all of your glamorous fall ensembles. The closed toe and sweet ankle strap with buckle detail give these heels just the right amount of coverage for all of your autumn outfits. With sexy four inch stiletto heels, these vegan beauties are perfect for the glamour (and animal) loving gals.

Three Ways to Wear:

1. Pair these heels with a black, knee length, long sleeve turtleneck dress with a matching scarf and black lace-textured tights for a sleek look.

2. Because nothing says glamorous more than sequins, wear a barely cropped, ultra-soft sweater with a sparkly clutch and a pair of strap-skimming jeans for a simple and stylish outfit

3. For a holiday party or evening out, wear these shoes with wide-leg satin pants, a curve hugging bustier, and a form-fitting blazer.

4. Sophisticated Siren
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Lindsay Vegan Ankle Boot from Bourgeois Boheme, $184

If your middle name is Classic, with a hefty dose of practicality, then these black and white faux suede and leatherette boots with contrasting lotus flower print from Bourgeois Boheme are sure to mesh well with your closet full of separates. Not only are these an excellent classic fall staple, but these vegan boots, with their unique details, are far from boring.

Three Ways to Wear:

1. A classic, belted winter white sweater dress, opaque tights, and a navel-grazing necklace would be a homerun with these vegan ankle boots.

2. Try them with boot cut jeans, a striped sweater, coordinating scarf, and your trusty messenger bag for a casual weekend look.

3. Wear a pencil skirt with a belted peplum blouse, and sheer tights. If it’s extra chilly, top it off with a sophisticated double-breasted trench coat.

5. Punk Princess $130

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Vegan 1460 Boots from Dr. Martens, $130

Nothing screams punk princess quite like a pair of vegan shoes from Dr. Martens. Fulfill all your alternative fantasies that Mom and Dad wouldn’t condone with a pair of these sturdy boots complete with signature yellow stitching. The air-cushioned sole, 8-eyelet combat style, and Goodyear welt, are sure to get you everywhere you need to be this fall.

Three Ways to Wear:

1. If the classic grunge look from the ’90s is calling your name, channel your inner Angela from “My So Called Life” with these boots paired with leggings, your boyfriend’s flannel shirt, jean vest and a cozy beanie.

2. A plaid A-line skirt, shredded tights, oversized sweater, and a cute cat-eared headband would give an unexpected edge to this schoolgirl inspired outfit.

3. Wear these to the office with a quirky menswear look consisting of pencil leg slacks, suspenders, and a long sleeve white button down. Throw on a tie if you’re feeling daring.

Read more @ Ecosalon