From The Feet Up

Words: Maxinne Mboweni | Images: REX Features

Who doesn’t love a statement? Who doesn’t love fun? Who doesn’t love shoes so cool they elevate a simple jeans-and-a-tee look to iconic status? Here are our picks of silhouettes and styles that successfully hand the microphone over to your shoes.

Platforms

Platforms were one of the top shoe trends seen all over the runway and are undoubtedly going to be major this summer. If you’re looking for height-enhancing, leg-lengthening, attention-grabbing shoes, then look no further. Now be warned: platform shoes are not exactly for the faint of heart, but what truly iconic look ever is? Devising a plan on how to pull these off is imperative. Firstly, you need confidence, because although this trend is *flame emoji* cool, they do have the potential to solicit comments from strangers on your apparel that you may not be prepared for. Let your shoes be the statement and keep the rest of your outfit understated.

Lace up Everything

There is nothing worse than a potentially great outfit falling short due to snooze-worthy shoe pairings. Lace-ups are the shoes that take every look to that bad-bitch level. Teamed with a slinky night-out dress, strappy lace-ups add glam and edge to any look. Extra points for chunky platforms, and super extra points for lace-ups with perspex heels!

Flatforms

Flatforms are the super fun hybrid of platform and flats. They're not only nostalgically cool (hello 90s Spice Girl vibes), but fashionably quirky. Flatforms are the ideal shoe to add a layer of interest to a simple sundress look.

Low heel

As much as we struggle to admit it, kitten heels are a major trend this season. If you’re absolutely not here for that trend, you’ll be happy to know that the minimal, open-toe, thin-strap block heels are also on-trend. With their barely-there design and slinky straps, this silhouette adds a dainty elegance to the foot and can instantly make a simple outfit of high-waisted jeans and a tee look lazy chic.

Experimental flats

Flats sure have come a long way from simple ballerina pumps. We're currently coveting the ones that experiment with new shapes, embellishments and unusual fabrics. Flats are fast becoming increasingly dressier and they’re a great tool for subverting dress codes and breaking fashion rules.

Sporty Cool

What would this list be without some sports-luxe vibes? Evidently, this season is all about bold and innovative design, and that goes for kicks too. Experiment with colourways and shapes. Bold chunky sneakers are a super inventive way to add a pop to basic outfits.