Additional Coverage:
- 4 shoe trends that are in right now and 3 that are out, according to stylists (businessinsider.com)
Stepping Up Your Spring Style: What’s In and What’s Out for Your Feet
Spring is in the air, and with it comes the perennial question: what on earth should we be putting on our feet? Fear not, fashion-forward friends! We’ve consulted with some top professional stylists to get the lowdown on which shoe trends are hitting their stride this season, and which ones are, well, taking a permanent siesta.
The consensus? Think fun, expressive footwear with a focus on comfort and practicality. So, let’s dive into the soles of the matter!
Loafer Mules: The Polished Slip-On
Gone are the days of overly chunky mules, at least for now. According to Patrick Kenger, lead personal stylist at Pivot, we’re seeing a more refined evolution: the loafer mule.
“Instead of chunkier styles, we’re seeing slimmer silhouettes made from materials like leather or suede,” Kenger shared. These backless beauties offer the ease of a slip-on with the sophisticated, closed-toe look of a classic loafer, instantly elevating any casual ensemble.
Express Yourself: Shoes with Personality Take Center Stage
If your shoes have been playing it safe, now’s the time to let them shine! All three stylists agree that people are using their footwear as a canvas for personality.
From eye-catching embellishments and bold color blocking to adventurous prints like zebra or leopard, statement shoes are making a grand return after a long minimalist reign. Kenger even noted that for men, this could mean loafers sporting snakeskin or other textured finishes.
Vintage Clogs: A Boho Blast from the Past
Get ready to embrace your inner free spirit, because vintage-style clogs are back! Stylist Vanessa Powell highlights the resurgence of boho-inspired clogs, noting that their popularity aligns with the broader comeback of vintage fashion.
“It’s fun to see the vintage resurgence because you can find these styles in so many vintage stores, but a lot of brands are bringing them back as well,” Powell explained. Expect earthy tones like mustard, beige, and soft pink, often paired with natural wooden or cork soles.
Low-Profile Sneakers: The Versatility MVP
For those who prioritize comfort without sacrificing style, low-profile sneakers are your new best friend. Natalie Tincher, principal stylist at BU Style, praises their versatility.
“Low-profile sneakers offer a cleaner look and work with the wide range of bottom silhouettes that are trending right now,” she said. Their slender design provides a more balanced aesthetic than bulkier options and feels less athletic, making them suitable for a wider array of outfits.
Some iterations even feature decorative laces or satin finishes for an extra touch of flair.
On Their Way Out: Saying Goodbye to Certain Styles
While we’re welcoming new trends, some old favorites are taking a backseat this spring:
- Hybrid Dress Sneakers: Remember those shoes that tried to be both a dress shoe and a sneaker? Kenger says they’re missing the mark.
“They don’t really play a good role in either situation,” he commented, noting that people are now opting for clearly casual or formal footwear.
- Sky-High Heels: Comfort is king, and towering heels are seeing a decline.
Tincher explained that as fashion leans into wearability, “Instead of sky-high heels, we’re seeing more block heels or heels with interesting shapes.” Curved heels, in particular, are trending, offering a stylish lift without the impractical height.
- Stark-White Sneakers: While a classic, the blindingly bright white sneaker is losing some of its appeal. Tincher suggests a softer approach: “I would consider updating a white sneaker to something off-white or with softer neutral tones, like ecru or light gray.”
These subtler shades offer more versatility and year-round wear.
So, as you spring clean your closet, remember these tips to ensure your footwear collection is perfectly in step with the season!
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- 4 shoe trends that are in right now and 3 that are out, according to stylists (businessinsider.com)