Our Go To Back-to-School Colors: Shades that go with every outfit

By Lisa Oberst 30 July 2026
Close up of vanilla and black Womads Oxfords

Back-to-school season is all about fresh starts. Whether you're heading back to campus, returning to the office after summer or simply refreshing your wardrobe for fall, now is the perfect time to invest in pieces you'll wear on repeat.

The best wardrobes aren't built around fleeting trends — instead they're built around timeless colors and comfortable essentials that work with everything you already own. I could probably talk about building a minimal but versatile wardrobe for hours but I already did and you can read it here.

This season, our go-to back-to-school shades are Vanilla, Blue Cloud, Cognac and Burgundy in our Oxford silhouette. Our Oxfords are light enough for the final weeks of summer yet perfect for autumn layering.

Each designed with high quality leather, lightly cushioned insoles, breathable materials and durable rubber soles, Womads shoes are made to keep up with long days — whether you're walking across campus, commuting to work or doing both in one day.

Vanilla: Everyone Needs a Neutral

Close up of woman's foot wearing Vanilla Womads Oxfords

Vanilla offers the versatility of white with a softer, warmer feel. It's an easy color to pair with denim, black trousers, linen, earthy browns and rich fall tones — basically anything you own. It's the kind of color that quietly goes with everything, which means you'll wear it more often than you think.

One of my favorite things about our Vanilla shade is how easy it is to dress up and to dress down. You can wear them to class but you can also slip them on for Wine Wednesday. Meaning you don't need to bring too many shoes with you, especially if you have limited closet space.

Blue Cloud: Fresh Without Being Trendy

Close up of Blue Cloud Womads Oxfords

Soft blue is having a moment, but Blue Cloud feels timeless rather than trendy.

It pairs effortlessly with white, navy, grey and cream, adding just enough color to brighten your outfit while not being really hard to style.

Blue Cloud gives you a fresh alternative to traditional neutrals while still being easy to style — it adds a subtle pop of colour without overwhelming an outfit. Combined with breathable leather and cushioned support, it's a shade you'll reach for more often than you might expect.

Cognac: A Timeless Leather Classic

Close up of Cognac Womads Oxfords

Some colours never lose their appeal, and Cognac is one of them.

Rich, warm and endlessly versatile, Cognac complements everything from jeans and knit sweaters to tailored trousers and dresses. It's one of those shades that instantly makes an outfit feel more put together.

Whether you're dressing up or keeping things casual, it always feels right. Genuine leather develops character over time, meaning Cognac — and all our other shades — become more beautiful with wear.

Think of Cognac as your go-to shoe: no matter the occasion or the season, it just works.

Burgundy: The Color of Fall

As the weather cools, deeper colors naturally have their moment again. Burgundy easily brings richness and warmth to the season and in my opinion will always be the color of fall.

Woman posing with Burgundy Womads Oxfords

It pairs beautifully with black, charcoal, cream and navy, making it surprisingly easy to incorporate into your everyday wardrobe.

It is also the perfect shade for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you're looking for one color that instantly transitions your style into fall, Burgundy is a classic you'll never regret adding to your collection.

Style That Keeps Up With Your Day

Close up of woman walking wearing Womads Oxfords

Back-to-school days often mean you're on your feet longer than expected — walking across campus, commuting between meetings, running errands or meeting friends after class.

That's why comfort matters just as much as style.

Every pair of Womads shoes is thoughtfully crafted with premium leather, breathable materials, cushioned insoles and flexible rubber soles to provide lasting comfort throughout your day. You shouldn't have to choose between looking polished and feeling comfortable.

Build a Smarter Wardrobe This Season

Close up of Womads Oxfords

Choosing versatile colors makes getting dressed easier.

Vanilla brightens your wardrobe. Blue Cloud adds freshness. Cognac brings warmth. Burgundy creates depth.

Together, they form a timeless palette that mixes easily with the pieces you already own.

At Womads, we believe great shoes should do more than complete an outfit. They should support every step of your day with lasting comfort and design you'll love wearing season after season.