The Summer-Approved Top We’re Already Seeing Everywhere

Short Steve Madden Boots

Roland Brown Leather Boots

Every fall closet needs at least one pair of Steve Madden boots that are a little rugged. These are great for the days when it's rainy out and you're not trying to chance slipping on the pavement.

Put on your best trench coat, rib knit sweater, and boot cut jeans for a casual look you'll replicate well past winter!

Lizabelle Leopard Boots

The leopard print trend is the gift that keeps on giving because it seems to refresh itself every year. It seems like everyone can agree it's one trend you can't mess up. The sleek design and squared heel give it an air of chicness that makes it look like you're ready to take on the Runway office á la The Devil Wears Prada.

Rogue Black Box Leather Boots

Feeling drawn to dark academia books now that it's fall? We don't blame you, but we do suggest slipping into these Rogue Black Box leather boots! We can see someone from the cast of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina wearing them with something preppy.

Keeper Black Leather Boots

More concerned with walking to the beat of your own drum than keeping up with trends? You'll love these comfortable moto boots. While these don't come in half sizes — so you'll have to size up if you're more of a 7.5 than a 7 — they're still the perfect match for all the cute leather jackets we can't stop looking at!

Brooks Beige Snake Boots

Going for a rocker vibe this fall and need something that'll make you stand out in the crowd? Go for these snake print ankle booties! They're the pointy best friends to the faux leather pants you'll be shuffling into. Who knows, you might keep them in heavy rotation with all of your fall outfits.

Crue Chestnut Boots

You don't have to go over budget to wear UGGs — these dupes to give you the same appeal and comfort for much less. The inner lining is made of cozy faux shearling which will work with those days you'd rather be bed-rotting, but are forced to show your face at school or to run a few errands.

Avalanche Tan Boots

Plan to spend a week at a semi-secluded log cabin? This pair is very aptly named 'Avalanche' for all your outdoor adventures. They're cute, functional, and will keep your feet warm when the temperature drops.

Long Steve Madden Boots

Dawn Wine Boots

These tall boots are the exact shade of wine red everyone's going crazy over this fall! No really, you need Dawn — yes, I'm on a first-name basis with these boots — because she's going to elevate your sweater dress. Although the picture shows otherwise, the heel on these boots are more comfortable than you think.

Lasso Brown Distressed Boots

We've seen a lot of cowgirl boots during the past couple of years, but none are quite as sexy as this pair. Keeping on par with the distressed look, we're sure the stitching also plays a role in what makes them unique.

Since each pair of these boots are handmade, it's normal if you buy a pair that doesn't look exactly like this. You'll still be getting the same premium leather and sexy wear these boots promise to give.

Baddie Brown Distressed Boots

These pair of distressed Steve Madden boots are like a foray into that rebellious part of ourselves we generally keep locked away. While we're not talking about anything too crazy, we are talking about our inner rebels who have finally learned to stop being people pleasers.

It's no coincidence these are appropriately named 'Baddie.' Let yours out and grab this pair!

Lucid Brown Suede Brown Boots

If you plan to spend time in printed maxi dresses, you need these suede boots. If you're giving them the side eye because they have a kitten heel, but we say don't knock it until you try it! Every outfit doesn't have require 4+ inch heels, especially if you plan to spend time visiting an apple orchard before heading over to a pumpkin patch!

Lizette Cognac Suede Boots

There's the squared-heel we've fallen so in love with! While traditional stiletto heels are usually praised, we think nothing beats it's sleeker (and more supportive) sister. When that heel is paired with suede, you get these perfect Steve Madden boots.

Lander Black Crocodile Boots

The best thing about crocodile print boots is how well they elevate any outfit. From casual to date night outfits, the Lander Boots will make you look sophisticated with every step you take. Don't be surprised if people keep stopping to ask you where you got them from.

Bellamie Sand Suede Boots

Is it the year of the suede boots? We won't go as far as to say that, but it seems like our favorite Steve Madden boots have this one feature in common. The slouchy appearance will still give your outfits a touch of elegance, but people will know you're approachable given the relaxed fit.

Ruskin Chestnut Suede Boots

Take a break from anything with a heel height over 2" and go for the Ruskin boots. They have a squared-toe that'll make people think twice about messing with you in public. They have the perfect weather-beaten look that makes certain boots look better over time which adds to the appeal of them.

Faye Bone Leather Boots

If you could care less about looking approachable, slide your feet into these bone leather boots. They're trendy and look like they mean business — like all your upcoming fall outfits.

Women's Diana Buckle Mule Heels

The buckle on these mule heels is giving "I'm rich" in all the right ways. There's just something about the contrast of the lighter gold paired with the smooth leather that's both classy and trendy all at once. Pair these slide-on heels with a gorgeous midi dress for an easy, early fall look!

Women's Ricky Platform Heels with Memory Foam Insole

It's no secret that the '70s make their reappearance every time fall rolls back around. There's just something about the chunky heels and that "all the leaves are brown" vibes that really calls out, you know? These platform heels are perfect for embodying that chic nostalgia, while giving you all the comfort of memory foam insoles. Score!

Journee Collection Womens Sylvia Sling Back Covered Block Heel Pumps

Slingbacks? Kitten heels? Together with a velvet finish? Yeah, these are really fantastic for anyone looking to add a black block heel to their closet this year! I can picture these paired with a dark jean, a crisp white button down, and a tan sweater over your shoulders for that "old money" look.

Journee Collection Womens Shasta Tru Comfort Foam Mid Heel Square Toe Pumps

Remember what I said about the '70s? These gorgeous patent leather pumps are all that wrapped into a Mary Jane silhouette. You can wear these to the office, at your next girly happy hour, or when you wanna pull out a casually adorable look just for the heck of it! I can already picture an argyle sweater vest and some wide legged jeans...

Women's Aubrey Slingback Pumps

If you're looking for a sexier slingback, look no further than these! They scream, "I'm confident!" no matter what you pair them with. These would just look too perfect with a slinky little slip dress and a leather jacket draped over your shoulders for date night!

Perphy Women's Platform Buckle Ankle Strap Chunky High Heels Sandals

Another chunky heel for your fall wardrobe! This two-toned brown option is adorned with gold accents and tan stitching that give this pair a kitschier look. I love these for a day date with the girls, full of gabbing and baked brie and wine galore.

Journee Collection Womens Junie Tru Comfort Foam Slip On Double Strap Sandals

These tan heels are sleek, sleek, sleek. Another pair of shoes that are the quiet luxury look that Sofia Richie seems to effortlessly pull off day after day. Add these to cart for a touch of chicness to any outfit.

Pointed Toe Slip On Block Heel Slide Mules

Point me in the direction of all the leopard mules because they're my new version of a 'neutral' shoe. I love that this slip on design will look great with bootcut jeans or a midi skirt, making them cute and versatile.

Journee Womens Ezzey Loafer Mid Stacked Heel Square Toe Pumps

Loafers are THE shoe of fall, so add a heel to them and I'm immediately sold! These '70s-esque heels come in five different colors, so if you're tired of all the different shades of brown this fall, you can grab a hue that suits you better!

Multi-Strap Mary Jane Heels

Mary Janeshave made their way back in our fashion orbit and it seems like everyone can't get enough of them. This pair of heels has the classic look we love with a modern color way and multiple straps to keep them on your feet.

Allegra K Women's Pointed Toe Block Heel Slingback Heels

If you thought to yourself, "Another pair of leopard shoes?" Well, yes. I just can't get enough! They're a fun and stylish way to update your neutral tones. Grab these if you want the same effect of the leopard mules with a the safety net of a slingback strap to keep your feet in.

Ballet Pumps

I didn't know you could elevate ballet flats until I saw these pumps online. They have a 1.5 inch heel that'll look cute with your new sweater dress — trust me!

All-Day Heeled Mule

I should've said that I love all mules — leopard print or not — but we're here now! All that matters is the cushioned insoles have extra padding that won't make them uncomfortable after a few hours. Also, the upper leather is waterproof. Cha-ching!

Bow Pumps with Memory Foam

Heading to a fall work event and need a pair of heels that look party-ready? You need these bow pumps to make an extra statement! They're red, which is the new unofficial color of fall, and they have memory foam insoles! Heels aren't always comfortable so the fact this pair is being so thoughtful makes it an instant win in my book.

Open Square Toe Block Heel Sandals

I used to have a pair of block heel sandals similar to this pair, and I'd wear them with my summer-to-fall transitional outfits until they fell apart. That's a major hint you'll love these sandals as much as I did.

Cross Strap Mule

You'll avoid thin straps digging into your skin with these cross strap mules! These mules are breathable and cushioned enough for you to wear them to the pumpkin patch friend date you have coming up at the end of September.

​In which episode does JJ die?

JJ dies at the end of Outer Banks season 4 episode 10, "The Blue Crown" after rescuing Kiara from his father Chandler Groff. "I feel mad, betrayed, disappointed and heartbroken to say the least," Bruder adds. "JJ went through a lot of crap through the show and he was the one character who deserved his happy ending the most. When the series first came out, people fell in love with JJ and [Kiara]."

While the cast obviously found out about the ending while filming, fans are frustrated with how they chose to promote the show. "Obviously the cast can’t spoil a character death, but to blatantly lie and mislead fans by saying that Jiara was 'evergrowing' and fans would be happy with how the season plays out?" Bruder says. "Jiara fans deserved so much better than what we got, ESPECIALLY when they knew they were killing JJ off."

Why are Outer Banks fans so upset?

The show is the kind of phenomenon that made instant stars out of its cast, but it also made waves because of how the first season portrayed issues like classism, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. "As someone who has been around domestic abuse, I think the handling of the character JJ was detrimental culturally," another fan (who would like to remain anonymous) says. "The character suffered abuse at the hands of a man who was not even his biological father, and the writers almost framed it as if that was okay because in the beginning, his father loved him. Instead of telling a story to victims of abuse about hope and making it through trials, the writers went the opposite way. I also find it interesting that they stated this was a planned death. I think writing a character who is suffering from anxiety and clear mental health issues as well as abuse who is very young like JJ only to let him fall in love and kill him right when he starts to feel happiness doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sense narratively."

Another viewer adds that ending JJ's story that way felt "disrespectful...especially when in an interview following the episode, one of the creators literally referred to his death as pointless." She even says "it feels almost like the show died along with him."

Actress Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron) called JJ the "heart of Outer Banks"and for a lot of fans, JJ also became a beacon of hope, a reminder that you can endure, persevere, and come out stronger on the other side. Since the first season of the show dropped during April 2020, it's been one consistent, fun thing for TV fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which makes the loss feel even greater.

"Seeing him die at the hands of another abusive father was honestly kind of sickening," the viewer adds. "It’s also unfortunate that his death didn’t seem to mean anything. A character death like this would be one thing if it meant something. If he had died protecting his friends or actively protecting Kiara, rather than having already saved her and then getting killed afterward, it might’ve be easier to get past."

"It’s like a connection to something good and steady was just broken," X user @onlykiep4l says. "Killing a character that has literally gone trough so much trauma and was finally happy just doesn’t make sense. It’s not just the character that’s gone — it feels like a part of the show has ended too."

Why does JJ get killed off?

Rumors have been circulating for years about behind-the-scenes drama between actors Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, which has fans believing Rudy asked to be written off the show(for the record, Outer Banks creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke have said it was the plan from the beginning). With Rudy's exit, the writers had a difficult choice in front of them. JJ isn't the kind of guy to abandon his friends, meaning the writers obviously felt like killing him was the only option. But according to an additional viewer, "Outer Banks hasn't been that type of show."

"To attempt to turn this fun, summer, boat show into some dark, depressing story where the heart of the show is gone destroys everything that the show started out as," she says.

Another anonymous fan calls the choice "a character assassination," adding other moments from the season that feel like a different character than the one fans have come to love: barely reacting to John B. and Sarah's pregnancy announcement, or to the fact Rafe had come to talk to Kiara — especially after his reaction to Rafe catcalling Kie in the first season is a moment that led fans to ship them in the first place.

The fan continues by calling JJ's treatment a "lack of respect" toward the character. "The fact that the writers tried to make us dislike him, to soften the blow of him dying. It didn’t work. It has everyone distraught because many people’s favorite character ended up dying after 'finding happiness' for about 10 minutes in Episode 10."

​Does Sarah get pregnant in Outer Banks season 4?

But JJ's death isn't the only moment that has fans reeling. In addition to the fact viewers are saying the Pogues barely reacted to the death of their lifelong best friend, Pope is now a murderer and Kiara makes an absolutely chilling vow to get revenge on Groff — a far cry from the characters we fell in love with in season 1.

"Outside of the JJ of it all, a lot of plot lines/dynamics in part 2 felt off," one of our anonymous fans continues. "Sarah’s pregnancy plot line, especially when coupled with the quote from a creator about ‘giving her a baby specifically because she wasn’t ready’ feels incredibly tone deaf given the current state of things here in the US. The fact that there wasn’t even a conversation of if she wanted to continue with the pregnancy felt very icky. Overall, episodes 1-4 of this season did feel like Outer Banks, but everything after that felt like it was from an entirely different piece of media."

However, some fans are excited to see where the show goes from here. "JJ was such a strong character and his presence will obviously be missed, [but] I am excited to see how the Pogues react and what they do to get revenge on Groff," Virginia McGrew says in an email. "I also think that the scene of JJ dying with Kiara was extremely well done and emotional, making his passing even sadder. I ultimately believe that JJ’s passing serves as a reminder of the themes the show."

"JJ made the group even more aware of friendship, the importance of chosen family, and loyalty, which was seen throughout the season and especially in the finale," she continues. "Now that he is gone, the other Pogues will have to step up even more, creating a shift in their dynamic. While many believe that Outer Banks might not be worth watching after this finale, I truly think that it is only going to get even deeper and more interesting."