Although these are Spring footwear trends, feel free to wear them whenever the weather is appropriate. I don’t wear sandals, so most of them work well for me in the Summer. And even if it’s baking outside, most of these styles are practical in a chilly air conditioned office.
You’ll probably recognize most of the styles. There’s a good assortment of heels, low heels and flats across dressy and casual styles, so something for everyone. Note: the visual representation of each style is by no means exhaustive. Each trend comes in many, many variations.
Loafers
Loafers, in both classic and less traditional styles, are my top vote for comfortable and on trend Spring shoes. They tend to stay on your feet when ballet flats fall off, and provide sufficient arch support. They are particularly comfy with a one inch heel, and available in dressy and casual styles. I prefer refined and slightly masculine styles with an elongated toe, high vamp and some hardware detailing because they look extra modern to my eye. But driving mocs, penny loafers, chunky heels, styles with fringe or tassels, and round toes are just as fab.
D’Orsays
D’Orsay styles are pointy toe or almond toe heels and flats that are cut away at the sides to showcase more of the foot. Sometimes only one of the sides is cut away. Vamps are either high or low. They work best on feet that can fill out the shape. I haven’t found a pair that stays on my low volume foot. This is not a good style for narrow heels.
Pointy Toe Flats
Pointy toe ballet flats are trendier than classic round toes, and help to elongate the leg line. Wear them with skirts and dresses, keeping the colour low contrast against the skin tone for further outfit elongation.
Slipper Flats
This is a type of loafer that resembles an old fashioned men’s slipper. The vamp is high and the toe either round or pointy. Wear these like a loafer and you’ll be fine. The style is particularly good for wide feet.
Oxfords
Oxfords are another take on the high vamped masculine shoe. Oxfords can be flat or heeled, lace-up or slip-on, casual or dressy, and refined or chunky. Some of the styles have cut-out detailing, which tends to make the look more feminine. Sporting them in a pretty colour, a light colour, a metallic, and with a refined heel and sole tends to amp up their feminine integrity even further.
Slip-On Sneakers
Slip-on Van sneakers are an inexpensive way to wear this trend. There are many, many versions of the look and I’ll be going into detail about the slip-on sneaker in a later post. I view them as the sneaker version of lace-less oxfords, and they are the sassy sneaker style of the season. They’re also a more subtle way to wear flatforms.
Booties and Shooties
Booties have been on trend for several years, and there is no stopping the versatility of this ped. Booties are being worn with just about everything, and year round. Flat, heeled, dressy, casual, refined, chunky, slouchy, tailored, round toe, pointy toe, studded, plain. You name it.
Cut-Out Booties
Cut-out bootie styles are gaining momentum. Heels are usually between one and a half and three inches, and straps are pretty wide. Most of the styles are chunky, but more refined styles do exist. Opt for a non-black version to create a softer edge with this style.
Peep-Toe Booties
A bootie with toes peeping out might seem seasonally confused, but there’s something grounding about the style to my eye. Gorgeous with ankle pants in the same colour.
Ankle Strap Pumps or Flats
This is one of my favourite trends because ankle straps are ladylike and elegant. Think d’Orsay pumps or flats with an ankle strap positioned above the ankle bone. Remember that you don’t need to have dainty ankles and long legs to sport ankle straps. Pointy toe ankle strap pumps are fab with boyfriend jeans, ankle pants, skirts, dresses and long shorts.
Pointy Toe Pumps
The pointy toe pump gets my vote for most versatile shoe. The low vamp creates conventionally flattering proportions. The tailored fit adds a structured touch to slouchy outfits. Looks just as great dressed up with formal wear, as it does with distressed denim.
It’s possible to combine a few trends into one shoe, like wearing a pointy toe slipper flat with penny loafer vamp detailing. Or opting for flat oxfords with cut-out detailing. Or wearing d’Orsay pumps with ankle straps.
I’m feeling loafers, ankle strap pumps, pointy toe pumps, pointy toe booties and flat oxfords the most from this list. I’m intrigued by the slip-on sneakers and might give them a whirl too. And you?
