Compared to the other offerings of this season (see the Prada and Gucci shoes, to name just the most recent ones), the Fendi shoes for this fall seem positively austere. Oh, sure, the height is still there–these look like at least 4 inches tall, without the benefit of a platform–but the rest is just tastefully understated. The proportions are beautiful, and the combination suede-patent and suede-metallic is worked in elegantly and not at all ostentatiously. Sobriety, these boots say, is your friend; especially if you happen to circulate in and out of highfalutin aristocratic circles–as these boots are no doubt predestined to.

(All photos courtesy of Style.com.)