Shoes we love cover the gamut and there’s nothing that makes us happier than buying a new pair. This year’s crop of ladies shoes will give even the most Carrie Bradshaw-esque, shoe obsessed woman over 50 among us more styles, colors, heel variations than we can catalog or find room in our closet to store!
A continuation of the feminization of fashion is the name of the game in ladies shoes! Feathers and embroidery are featured as finer embellishments. The flashback to the 1990s continues, as well, making our mules and slip-ons a bit chunkier, and elevating the loafer to it’s ‘preppy’ origins. Loafers also provide a bit more support than a ballet-flat, so we’re happy about that, as well.
Animal prints and snakeskin are still towing the line. You’ll see seafoam green dominate the color punches, as well as this year’s Pantone of the Year: Living Coral. Cobalt blue gets an honorable mention, here, as it’s popularity is sky high at the moment and is complimentary to many of the color trends out there.
Braided leather enhances many shoe styles, adding a bespoke quality to the trend list. In a similar applied-geometry fashion, the barely-there “floss” sandal will dominate this summer’s ladies shoe list.
You may have seen more than a few celebrities embracing the lucite trend-which started in bags and jewelry. Yes, this is a trend that originated with strippers (gasp!) but don’t hesitate to join in the fun just because of that stigma. Clear platforms have been re-appropriated to serve as a staple of female empowerment. Plus, you look like you’re floating on thin air, and that’s pretty cool!
J Lo steps out in lucite heels by Charlotte Olympia
Heels have a special shape to them this season-wider at the bottom than at the point where it means the foot, called “narrow-to-wide”, which transforms the typical block-heel into something creative and sculptural.
Below we break down the styles and selected the most “prime womanish” choices, so you can #ShopTheLook.
What’s not to love about a sexy heel? Not only are you taller but psychologists say we feel more confident in a pair of heels. We love our shoes because of the way they make us feel, and nothing makes us feel more empowered than a 3+ inch heel! However, for a long day at work, we’re getting more partial to the block heel, and thankfully, there are lots of options this season.
Gucci, Victoire Leather Pumps, $890
The Row, Bare Leather Sandals, $790
Stuart Weitzman, Anny 70 Pump, $398
By Far, Danielle Embossed Leather Pumps, $460
Stuart Weitzman, Mary Ann 60 Pump, $385
Everlane, Square-toe Slingback, $165
Jeffrey Campbell, Cheetah Purdy Heels, $158
Everlane, The Day Heel (short), $150
Anthropologie, Tia Heels, $128
Traditional mules are open back, slip on shoes with a closed toe. They are definitely shoes we love for ease of wear. Like mules, slides are slip on and can be flat or with a heel. Either way, you are going to want a couple of pairs of mules and slides for work, casual and dressier occasions this season. Open-toed mules are making a huge comeback, as well, for the warmer months ahead.
Manolo Blahnik, Maysale Suede Mules, $745
Alberta Ferretti, Mia Embroidered Denim Mules, $486
Stuart Wietzman, Wylie Slide, $375
Stuart Wietzman, Suede Wylie Slide, $350
Jeffrey Campbell, Snake Print Leather Mules, $160
Schutz, Evenise Kitten-heeled Mule, $160
Katy Perry, Kaitlynn Heels, $109
When you think of flats, you may conjure up visions of that Parisian gal who always looks chic, no matter what she is wearing. But if you examined her attire a little more closely, you’ll find they are always paired with a pant or skirt that balances the flat shoe and elongates the leg. Think skinny jeans, slim trousers, straight cropped jeans, A-line dresses, and shorter skirts. If you are a bit challenged in the height department, buy a flat (or heel for that matter) in nude to create an unbroken line that lengthens the whole silhouette. Loafers are the flat of the moment, and go with everything in your closet.
McQ by Alexander McQueen, Liberty Fold Leather Loafer, $200
Everlane, The Modern Loafer, $165
Everlane, The Day Glove Ballet Flat, $115
AVA & AIDEN, Woven Patent Leather Loafers, $100
Steve Madden, Feather Loafer Flat, $90
Kenneth Cole New York, Caila Classic Leather Loafer, $75
Athleisure wear has ushered in another trend, and that’s wearing sneakers with virtually everything! While we’re no proponent of that trend, there are certainly some great looking sneakers on the market in various styles and colors that do look good with any number of outfits and are suitable for multiple occasions. Just don’t give up your dress shoes. Otherwise, it really does make it appear as if you’ve thrown the towel in! With that said, here are some shoes we love to wear with our most casual looks.
Coach, C101 In Signature Canvas, $195
Frye, Ivy Slip-On Leather Sneakers, $198
Athletic Propulsion Lab (APL) Techloom Bliss, $220
(Oprah’s Favorite Sneaker)
Gucci, New Ace Embroidered Sneakers, $620
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