The 5 footwear trends dominating this season

Chances are your sneakers have been on heavy rotation in recent months, which is why it’s never been more important to ensure your selection is up to scratch. Deftly blending the avant-garde design that has become a calling card of high-fashion trainers with the simplicity of more minimal styles, retro-inspired sneakers promise to add directional edge to any outfit – from oversized tailoring to pretty summer dresses. For this season’s most covetable styles, look to sportswear titans Adidas and Nike, whose remastered styles strike the perfect balance between nostalgic and cutting edge.

It’s not difficult to see where this season’s craze for elevated slip-ons came from, not least because they bear more than a fleeting resemblance to traditional house slippers. Over the past year, many women have seen their personal style evolve, as comfort and versatility have become increasingly important sartorial factors – and shoes are no exception. As a result, we’ve seen utilitarian styles such as mules, clogs and slippers soar in popularity. Porte & Paire’s sumptuous leather designs, created in collaboration with cult brand Frankie Shop, are top of our wish list.

When it comes to summer-style staples, they don’t get much more quintessential than a pair of leather sandals. A fail-safe complement to everything from denim cut-offs to kaftans and wrap skirts, they’re unparalleled in terms of versatility, making them the vacation shoe par excellence. Whether you’re preparing for your first post-pandemic getaway, still dreaming about it or wrapping your head around dressing for summer in the city, The Row’s chunky flip flops, Jimmy Choo’s pearl-embellished designs and Manolo Blahnik’s gladiator sandals are enduring styles you’ll reach for time and time again.

Of course, there’s also a case to be made for using fashion as a means for inspiration and escapism. Enter, the Cinderella shoe. Whether your diary is once again filling up with previously postponed weddings, parties and date nights or you’re manifesting better days by donning more extravagant pieces, a beautifully crafted pair of high heels will never fail to put a smile on your face. Manolo Blahnik’s exquisite designs are utterly timeless, while Amina Muaddi’s modern take on fantasy footwear has made her a favorite with everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Rihanna.

A closet essential of the highest order, the classic penny loafer has captivated emerging and established designers alike, with covetable new iterations debuted this season. These chic shoes exude an effortless elegance that makes them the perfect post-pandemic investment if you’ve spent the past year living in loungewear and slippers. It should come as no surprise that Khaite – the revered New York label that has become a go-to for industry insiders – has remastered this preppy classic to sublime effect. The brand’s streamlined suede designs promise to slot seamlessly into your everyday look.

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