At a glance…
- The Australian Women’s Weekly fashion team curate the gorgeous fashion shoots and spreads in our monthly magazine.
- In the August 2026 issue, they collaborated with ECCO to create a lifestyle guide perfect for the transitional season.
- Plus, they give their styling tips and tricks for your fashion wardrobe.
Some wardrobe staples earn their place year after year, and a great pair of shoes is one of them. Whether it’s a trusty ankle boot you reach for every winter, a classic trainer that works with everything or a sandal that carries you through summer, the best styles are the ones that combine timeless design with all-day comfort.
As someone who wears their shoes to death once they find a style that works, I appreciate a shoe style that can work for multiple purposes. For instance, slides that work for holidays and office days in heatwaves; sneakers for the shops and board meetings. You get the idea.
In the September 2026 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly, our Style Director, Mattie Cronan, curated a stunning fashion guide with ECCO shoes to demonstrate how versatile their styles can be. But I wanted to go deeper. I asked Mattie and our Market Editor Lilly Veitch to share what separates a fleeting trend from a true wardrobe staple. From the styles they rely on every season to their tips for creating polished looks that don’t compromise on comfort, here’s how the fashion team approaches choosing shoes that go the distance.
What was your vision for this shoot? How did you approach styling the shoes so they felt relevant to our readers?
Mattie: I worked with a colour palette that enhanced and complemented the ECCO collection, choosing cool yet elevated styles that every woman could wear. In winter, I like to mix textures like wool, suede, leather and create tonal layers.
What makes a shoe truly versatile enough to earn a place in your everyday wardrobe?
Mattie: Great craftsmanship, quality fabrications and timeless designs are the key to investing in any footwear. I like to have a signature style that works for each season. So, a strong boot for winter, a chunky sandal for summer and comfy trainers for the in-between seasons.
Which shoes would be the easiest to incorporate into multiple looks?
Lilly: The ECCO Metropole Seoul brown leather sandals would easily be the best to incorporate into multiple looks. Not only is the brown and black colourway easy to wear with a range of different colours, but they are also a super comfortable style. In my opinion, they are a perfect everyday shoe but definitely can be dressed up for a chic springtime lunch.
If you could only pack one pair of shoes from the ECCO shoot for a long weekend away, what would you choose and why?
Mattie: I think a trainer like the ECCO Soft 11 is the perfect shoe as it can take you on a weekend away, but is sleek enough to wear with a suit or denim in the office.
Lilly: The ECCO Soft 11 beige leather sneakers would be a perfect addition to any wardrobe. They are a great day-to-day functional style, and the neutral tone could be paired back with lots of different outfits. Plus, the premium leather fabrication also elevates the style and will stand the test of time.
Which outfits from the shoot would you recreate in real life?
Mattie: Any of these outfits are achievable to recreate, and ECCO has an extensive collection that can help complete the look.
Which pair did you find yourself reaching for most during the shoot?
Mattie: As we are in the midst of winter, I loved all of the boots, from the sculpt ankle boot to the knee-high riding boot.
Why do you think comfortable shoes have become such an important part of modern dressing?
Mattie: Comfort is key, and it is great pair of flats can take you anywhere. My job consists of a lot of running around, and flats are essential! Don’t get me wrong, I still love a heel, but they are less desirable than a great statement boot or sandal these days.
What are the essential shoe styles every woman should own?
A great heel that is not only stylish but comfortable is a must. My pick is the Sculpted Abla 65 yellow leather heeled sandals. A stylish knee-high boot, like the Sculpted Lx 55 brown suede high-cut boots, is also an essential for year-round dressing – great for winter, or they can be paired back with a summer dress. And a great leather sneaker, like the ECCO Soft 11 beige leather sneakers, can elevate a casual everyday look.
This photoshoot first appeared in the August 2026 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Subscribe so you never miss an issue.
This photoshoot was done in partnership with ECCO Shoes.
