Shoes this spring give an option for comfort as well as being bang on trend. In amongst the usual clutch of vertiginous heels comes lower footwear such as clogs, brogues and kitten heels. So it’s say goodbye to bunions and blisters in the name of fashion!
Footwear breaks the rules this summer, wear sandals with socks and ankle boots against bare skin. Choose footwear in this season’s gorgeous nude tones for extra leg-lengthening.
Wooden Clogs
Fashion goes Dutch with the clutch of clogs ruling the runways this season. Spring summer 2010 sees a makeover of the wooden clog; be it wedged, platformed or studded.
Born to be worn to complement this season’s shorter-than-short shorts and simple shirt dresses, like it or not, 2010 is the year of the clog. This ’70s-inspired favorite from the runways of Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Vera Wang is set to become summer’s coolest (and comfortable) shoe trend.
Kitten Heels
2010 sees fashion taking a sensible pill when it comes to comfort and longevity. In amongst the grown up pieces and enduring cuts and colors of this season’s runways, the kitten heel is back on the prowl. For those who refuse to bow to the 4-inch sky-high footwear but feel frumpy in flats, the kitten heel gives just enough height to flatter an outfit and give a lift to legs.
Ankle Boots
Fashion’s love affair with the ankle boot continues to endure. Dubbed “summer boots”, styles remain fierce and funky but fabrics have a softer edge. This season sees ankle-sandals, lace-ups, bandage-style straps, wedges, and peep-toes to show off that summer pedicure. Find them in canvas and soft slouchy leather in a palette of nude and go-with everything colors like military khaki. Use them to add attitude to this spring and summer's floaty chiffons.
Oxford Brogues
Boyish brogues add a touch of masculinity to Spring 2010’s delicate fabrics and frills and ruffles. From the runways of Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti and Michael Kors, this season is all about counter-balancing masculine and feminine shapes.
Tribal Heels
Spring wouldn’t be spring without a touch of tribal. Show off a wild side with the season’s sexy animal print sandals, with their dramatic stitching and striking shapes. These vertiginous heels are to be partnered with bold floral dresses; or wear them with rolled-up cargo pants.
Decorative Heels
New season footwear wouldn’t be the same without the usual collection of super-sized heels. Over the last few seasons footwear has gone to new heights in fantasy footwear, with ultra-high heels and shoe art that would make even Salvador Dali proud. As designers like Victor & Rolf, John Galliano and the late Alexander McQueen rush to outdo themselves, with feathers, frills, frothy lace, beads, crystals and wacky architectual designs, skyscraper heels are bigger and bolder when it comes to bling.
Sock Trend for Spring 2010
Socks also take centre stage this spring. Show a rebellious streak by wearing them with sandals.
This spring sees schoolgirl-inspired knee highs, cute ankle socks and thigh-high (a carry over from Winter’s over-the-knee boot) in sporty, lacy or sparkly versions. Layer them over tights or wear them with platforms for an up-to-the-minute look.
Whether its wooden clogs, Oxford brogues, tribal print sandals, ankle boots, decorative ultra-high platforms or the more demure kitten heel — the fashion world's eyes are on legs for Spring Summer 2010.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
