Hey there, fashion friends! As a seasoned footwear fanatic who’s seen trends come and go faster than sample sales, I’m thrilled to share what’s hot and what’s not this season. Shoes can transform your entire look, so knowing which styles to rock and which to dock is essential for staying ahead of the style curve. Let’s strut through the must-haves and the must-nots for your feet this season!
1. Chunky Loafers Are Taking Center Stage
Remember when dainty loafers ruled the roost? Those days are gone! The chunkier, the better is my new mantra.
I’ve been pairing these substantial beauties with everything from floaty dresses to tailored trousers. Though they might add a bit of weight to your step, they’ll definitely add tons of style cred to your wardrobe.
2. Ballet Flats With A Modern Twist
Forget what you knew about basic ballet flats! Today’s versions come with unexpected details like asymmetrical cuts, square toes, and even ankle straps.
I’m absolutely smitten with how these reimagined classics bring both comfort and character to any outfit. While traditional round-toe styles still have their place, these updated iterations feel decidedly fresh.
3. Sculptural Heels Making Statements
Whoever said heels need to be straight and boring never saw this season’s architectural wonders! Curved, geometric, and utterly fascinating, these sculptural supports are wearable art.
My current obsession? A pair with glass-like spherical heels that catch light with every step. Even conservative dressers can appreciate these conversation-starting details that transform simple shoes into masterpieces.
4. Fisherman Sandals For Everyday Chic
Where have these been all my life? Fisherman sandals combine the breathability of sandals with the coverage of proper shoes, making them ideal for tricky transitional weather.
I’ve worn mine with everything from midi skirts to cropped jeans. Honestly, they’re the perfect solution when you’re tired of sneakers but not quite ready for open-toed sandal season.
5. Platform Mary Janes Reaching New Heights
Mary Janes aren’t just for schoolgirls anymore! The addition of chunky platforms has catapulted this nostalgic style into must-have territory.
Yesterday, I paired mine with ribbed socks and a mini skirt for major ’90s vibes. These playful yet powerful shoes somehow manage to be both sweet and subversive – exactly the kind of contradiction that makes fashion fun!
6. Western Boots With Urban Appeal
Howdy, partner! Western boots have galloped far beyond their ranch roots into city streets everywhere. The current iterations feature sleeker silhouettes and unexpected colors.
I’ve been rocking my turquoise pair with flowy dresses for a delightful style clash. Whether ankle-height or knee-high, these boots bring just enough cowgirl energy without veering into costume territory.
7. Sporty Slides For Effortless Cool
Athletic slides have transcended their locker room origins to become legitimate fashion players. No longer just for post-workout recovery, they’re now statement pieces in their own right.
My puffy quilted pairs have become weekend staples. The genius lies in their duality – supremely comfortable yet visually interesting enough to elevate even the most basic outfit.
8. Square-Toe Everything
Round toes, you’ve been wonderful, but square is where it’s at now! This geometric update instantly modernizes every shoe style from sandals to boots.
Just last week, I scored square-toe slingbacks that make my old pointed pumps look positively dated. Something about that blunt edge brings a certain architectural confidence that feels perfectly aligned with current fashion sensibilities.
9. Retro Sneakers With Modern Flair
Throwback sneakers are enjoying a major renaissance, but with contemporary updates that keep them from feeling like costume pieces. Think ’70s and ’80s silhouettes with unexpected color combinations.
I’ve fallen hard for a pair inspired by vintage track shoes. The beauty of these kicks? They somehow complement everything from slouchy suits to floaty dresses with equal aplomb.
10. Transparent Elements For Peek-a-Boo Fun
Clear components are having a moment, with PVC and lucite details adding unexpected dimension to otherwise ordinary shoes. Though potentially sweaty (keeping it real here), the visual payoff is worth it!
My see-through mules garner compliments every time I wear them. There’s something undeniably futuristic yet playful about this trend that adds instant interest to any footwear.
11. Colorful Clogs Making Comebacks
Clogs have shaken off their hippie-only reputation to become fashion darlings once again. The updated versions come in candy colors and unexpected materials like patent leather.
I’ve surprised myself by reaching for my cherry red pair almost daily. What makes them work now? The chunky silhouette feels right at home with today’s voluminous clothing proportions.
12. Lug Sole Boots For Edgy Attitude
Combat-inspired boots with exaggerated treads continue their fashion domination, bringing edge to even the most feminine outfits. The contrast is what makes them magical!
My go-to pair makes floral dresses look instantly cooler. Despite their tough appearance, most are surprisingly lightweight, making them practical choices for all-day wear without the expected foot fatigue.
13. Sky-High Platforms Are Fading Fast
Those towering platform stilettos that dominated red carpets? They’re taking a much-needed break. While height is still appreciated, the extreme versions are looking increasingly dated.
I’ve retired my six-inch monsters to the back of my closet. Current fashionistas are embracing more moderate lifts that don’t require an ambulance on standby or physical therapy afterward.
14. Logo-Covered Sneakers Losing Ground
Remember when sneakers were billboards for designer names? That ostentatious era is waning fast. Today’s coolest kicks feature subtle branding or none at all.
I’ve noticed my heavily logoed trainers gathering dust lately. The shift toward understated luxury means quality materials and interesting silhouettes now speak louder than splashy logos plastered across every available surface.
15. Sock Boots Sliding Out Of Style
Those second-skin sock boots that were absolutely everywhere? They’re retreating faster than ice cream melting in July. The stretchy, cling-to-every-curve style feels distinctly past its prime.
I’ve already consigned my collection to the fashion history books. Current boot trends favor more structured shapes with interesting details rather than that spray-painted effect.
16. Kitten Heels With Pointed Toes Losing Appeal
Those dainty, needle-thin kitten heels with razor-sharp toes? They’re looking increasingly tired in today’s landscape of substantial shoes. The combination feels too prim and proper for current tastes.
Even I, a former devotee, have moved on to more modern proportions. If you’re keeping kitten heels, look for square toes or chunkier versions to avoid looking stuck in 2015.
17. Over-Embellished Evening Shoes Fading Away
Those crystal-encrusted, feather-festooned party shoes that scream “special occasion”? They’re looking increasingly passé. Modern evening footwear favors cleaner lines with perhaps one standout detail.
I’ve swapped my bedazzled pumps for sleek metallic mules. Today’s approach to glamour is more about architectural interest and quality materials rather than piling on every embellishment in the decorator’s arsenal.
18. Flip Flops As Fashion Statements No More
Those designer rubber flip flops that somehow commanded three-figure price tags? Their moment in the fashion sun has definitely set. Beach is where they belong now, not paired with everyday outfits.
I cringe remembering how I wore mine with jeans and dresses. For casual summer footwear, structured slides and fisherman sandals offer similar ease with significantly more style points.
19. Uncomfortable “It” Shoes Losing Their Luster
Remember suffering through events in those gorgeous but torturous statement shoes? That era of fashion martyrdom is officially over! Post-pandemic priorities have shifted toward styles that don’t require suffering.
I’ve donated several beautiful but brutal pairs that left me hobbling. Today’s most coveted footwear manages to balance head-turning design with the radical concept that walking shouldn’t be an extreme sport.