It may be tempting to default to wearing Havaianas all summer, but with this season’s variety of fabulous footwear, slipping on sandals, clogs and wedges is just too tempting not to try. Here’s the season’s hottest shoe and sandal trends, and how to wear them:
Clogs
No longer branded the lazy footwear tailored only to dorm-residing college students, clogs have made a full comeback, with brands like Chanel offering chic-yet-edgy alternatives to the delicate trends that bombarded lookbooks over the spring. With wooden soles and the tallest of platforms, clogs have become part of the 90’s resurgence, as updated versions feature metallic detailing and chunky heels.
Paired with minis, short-shorts or an uber-feminine sundress, clogs will give any outfit the attitude it needs, helping to exude an effortless style. And with stores like Joe Fresh, Browns, Zara and Free People offering them at reasonable prices, investing in this vintage-inspired trend is affordable for anyone.
Chanel Clogs
Gladiator Sandals
Footwear’s skinny jean equivalent, this trend appeared on the radar two seasons ago and has worked to prove that it’s here to stay. Whether as flats, stilettos or platforms, gladiators have appeared on the feet of countless celebrities and fashionistas, as the innately detailed and elaborate designs work to add extra attitude to each and every outfit.
Pair them with jeggings and a tank for casual cool, with shorts and a printed blouse for business chic or use metallic-embellished versions to harden an otherwise delicate look. With no signs of slowing down, gladiators are available in simplified versions or the shockingly ornate; proving that looks for everybody can be achieved and flaunted.
Aldo Gladiators
Wedges
Adding both height and fashion credibility, wedges may have just moved into the A-list spotlight, but their presence has been celebrated by fashionistas for years. Offering height without the back strain, this particular trend is perfect for those summertime nights on the patio, dressing any outfit up with their elegant details and gladiator-inspired accents.
The perfect counterpart for floral print sundresses or high-waisted shorts and big floppy hats, wedge sandals can be casual or elegant, with cork soles ideal for day and patent leather versions calling for night.
Michael Kors Wedges
Flats
No longer confined just to the ballet flats of the late 2000’s, flats in many forms are in high demand for summer 2010, with oxfords, boat shoes and penny loafers appearing on countless streets and runways. Worn by the likes of fashion heroines Alexa Chung and Victoria Beckham (shock!), flats compliment nearly every look perfectly, and can be worn with tights, embellished ankle socks or even on their own.
Paired with tights, shorts and a vintage blouse, oxfords will prep up an otherwise casual look, while boat shoes help re-create the nautical vibe that’s re-surfaced again since its debut in the early 90’s. Easy on the feet “ and eyes “ flats are no longer the footwear reserved for Saturday grocery shopping or things of the sort, and can instead add class and refinement to an outfit craving the traditional.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Flats
