There’s an incredibly rich list of ingredients simmering in the melting pot of fashion right now. Fashion has moved on from fads, and trends now have more longevity. The range of colours, silhouettes and outfit combinations in fashion is greater than ever, and keeps growing. We are at the point where almost anything goes.
For the last few seasons, fashion has been bringing back classic and iconic looks. In fact, the bringing back of the looks is a trend in itself. This is FABULOUS because it increases variety and diversity, and celebrates the “personal” in personal style. Items also don’t date as easily as they used to.
A great example of all of this is the return of the closed-toe slingback shoe. Slingback pumps and flats look like regular closed-toe pumps, loafers and flats in front, but have open backs to expose the heel and ankle. A strap that “slings back” keeps the shoe on the foot and is what differentiates it from a backless mule. The collection below showcases a variety of examples.
The pointy-toe flat and stiletto-heeled versions look particularly modern classic to me. The block-heeled, wedged-heel, loafer, and mule versions look a little “newer”. The versions with vamp straps have a Mary-Jane vibe and look more Modern Retro.
Where closed-back pumps and flats without straps can slide off your feet, the strap of the slingback can make it a very secure style of shoe. That said, you need a little luck with the strap so that it doesn’t slide down the heel (very annoying). Another annoying thing with slingback styles is when the hems of regular length wide hemmed pants or jeans slide under the heel as you stride because the heel is exposed.
I like slingback pumps and flats because they create a breezy, yet closed-toe look. I prefer to keep my toes covered, but exposing my heels gives the shoe a sandal vibe. I feel a little ahead of the curve because I wore my low block-heeled white slingback pumps into the ground last year. I tried to duplicate them, but they were gone in my size. I LOVE how dainty and dressy they look. The extra strap across the vamp cleverly prevents the strap around the back of the ankle to slide down the heel. It also gives the pump more of a ‘60s Modern Retro vibe.
I bat for Team Slingback Pumps and Flats. How about you?
