Spring Into Shoes
By Sharon Mosley
Buying a pair of shoes for a new fashion season is one of the best ways to instantly put some spring in your step. Shoes can transform any outfit as fast as you can say - "Aah, what cute shoes!"
Here are the trendiest ways you can step out in style right now:
GET A LEG UP. Gladiator-inspired shoes have been fighting for a front-row fashion seat for some time, but this spring, the cagey Mediterranean look is getting tall and leggy in knee-high sandals and even high heels. Ditch the sweltering boots and engage in a cool new way to wrap those legs up for the warmer weather ahead.
SLIDE RIGHT IN. Easy does it. The slip-ons this season have all the cozy comfort of a Dr. Scholl’s sandal, but embellished with a twist. In minimalist crisscross straps or banded with belts and buckles, the traditional sports-inspired slide gets dressed up or down, depending on just how much you want to slip-slide away.
SKIM IT FAST. Another way to slide into spring. The pointed-toe skimmer is a statement-making shoe that gives you the ease of a flat, but dressed up with new details. Laces and ties are a major way to give these flats some oomph; fringe is another trendy adornment.
ROLL WITH RUBBER SOLES. The thicker the sole the better this spring. Hit the streets in the newest “flatforms” that will definitely put a bounce in your step with bold soles and bright colors. These are the ones you’ll want to wear with those wide-leg pants and romantic ‘70s dresses.
DO WICKED WEDGES. These are the shoes for tough girls or girls who want to add a little rock-star glam to their wardrobes. Think platforms trimmed with metal studs or chunky wooden heels. Girls, these are your go-to dancing shoes this spring.
GO RETRO TO A T. For the femme fatales in the group, the T-strap shoe is a way to indulge in some old-fashioned footwear that has been reinvented for the diva in all of us. Buckle on a pair of these little jewels and give anything you wear some sexy sizzle. In kitten heels, they’re perfect for work; in stilettos, they will jazz up any cocktail dress.
BE CHIC WITH SNEAKS. Comfort reigns again with this footwear trend. Whether it’s all-white sneakers trimmed with gold or a pair of colorful floral slip-ons, you’ll love wearing these new trendsetters that will get you around the city or the beach in style—no limping allowed.
BLOCK IT WITH COLOR. Shove the blacks and the browns to the back of your shoe closet and bring out the bright new hues for spring and summer. Check out all the artsy architectural designs inspired by Mondrian graphics. These new shoes will definitely put you in a great mood.
BOOTS ARE BACK. Yes, the weather may be warming up, but these new boots are made to take a little fashion heat. Ankle boots with chunky heels in luxe leathers, soft suedes and exotic skins are doing double duty all year long. Now, that’s footwear with a future!
Thick soles and bold colors for this spring's newest footwear trends. Halogen "Turner" slip-on sneaker with contrast sole and pleated midi skirt teamed with Marc by marc Jacobs' "Rebel" crossbody bag.