As the fashion world continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the power of a good pair of shoes. While I’ve never invested in my shoes before because they inevitably get worn and don’t last as long as bags or jewelry, I’ve recently had a mindset shift. In fact, shoes are all I think about these days. I have about 10 pairs in my cart, all waiting to be purchased. But they’re not your average footwear: they’re shoes with a strong personality.
This season, I’m prioritizing quirky footwear, while keeping the rest of my outfit simple and relaxed. After all, I always seem to like the same pieces: well-fitting jeans or an LBD that won’t go wrong. Instead of buying trends, I opted for minimal closet basics (with some exceptions, of course) – now I can let my feet do the talking. While the pair I have my eye on will wear out with mileage, extra care and a great cobbler will extend their lifespan.
Gone are the days when shoes were an afterthought in my outfit. Now they will turn heads and are an effortless way to make my outfit look cooler. As spring approaches and summer draws near, I eagerly look forward to ditching my boots and practical shoes for some gorgeous styles that will refresh my warm weather closet.
From classic designs to bold and unexpected choices, I’ll be wearing these three highly individual footwear trends on repeat this season.
When it comes to warm weather shoes, there’s nothing like a pair of lace-up sandals. In particular, I’m eyeing the colorful options and sculptural shapes offered by Molly Goddard and Brother Vellies. They’re versatile: you can wear them with dresses, denim, pants – the list goes on.
For quick style hacks, I like to wrap long bands around my pant legs to create a tapered look. I also like to choose bright colors to add a little zest to an otherwise minimalist outfit. No matter which style you choose, lace-up sandals are a must-have for any summer closet and you’ll find yourself wanting to wear them again and again.
The embellishment trend is going strong this year, so you’ll see your favorite shoes filled with extra details. There are a variety of shoes to choose from, including sparkly crystal sandals, studded flats and beautifully embroidered heels. Basically, what was once considered a party shoe is now the perfect choice for everyday footwear, and my teenage heart is ecstatic about it. I love wearing a simple pair of jeans and a white t-shirt with embellished ballet flats, or adding drama to my go-to LBD with a pair of jewel-encrusted stiletto heels. The more of this trend the better – the way I plan to shine throughout the season!
You may be familiar with Bottega Veneta’s viral mesh heels, which, fortunately, are still popular in the summer months. Mesh shoes come in a variety of styles, from the aforementioned sexy styles to the cute pastel open heel mules. I personally plan to pair my mesh heels with denim shorts and an oversized button-down shirt for an effortlessly sophisticated summer look.