Shoes are one of those fashion items that can make or break any outfit. Season to season the trends change and a new shoe style can instantly update your look.
It’s no secret I like my shoes- even when I was a teacher (many moons ago) I recall a parent telling me her son loved coming home from school and updating her on my shoe choice of the day!
Having a bigger than average foot size (size 11AU/42EU) means my options can sometimes be limited. Which perhaps is not such a bad thing for my bank balance considering most designer shoes stop at a size 41.
But I do love to take on new shoe trends, and my current obsession is the ‘granny chic’ shoe.
There are a few variations of this trend, but mostly it is categorized by a block heel, round to square toe and deep toe box (no toe cleavage!)
The low down on the Granny-Chic trend:
The V-Neck: The Most Slimming Style for Any Legs, Anywhere
The addition of this simple silhouette detail to courts, sandals and slingbacks alike does wonders for lengthening legs – even when the heel height is turned down to low or mid – it leads the eye to the end of your feet and extends the appearance of your ankles. Every hemline suits them: Your V-neck shoes will go just a nicely with cropped and frayed jeans as they will with a miniskirt. And, as a bonus, they’ve got a whiff of the 1980s about them.
The Glove: This Shoe Is The Fashion Crowd’s Best-Kept Secret
Let’s be honest, the fashion crowd rarely considers comfort when selecting the next big shoe trend. Thankfully, the coolest new silhouette in the footwear arena is the low-heeled glove shoe, named so because it snugly covers top of the foot. Rendered in soft leather or suede with a minimal heel, the totally wearable style lends itself to all day wear – minus the cramps normally associated with trendy kicks. Pair these styles with vintage denim and a boyfriend shirt or cigarette pants and an oversize sweater for a fashion-forward (and outrageously comfortable) ensemble.
The Block Heel (Chanel two-tone optional, but preferred!): this season’s wardrobe staple
The classic two tone pumps are making a resurgence on catwalks, celebrities and street-stylers. Hence why my Pinterest board is awash with block heel snaps.
At around two inches, this heel gives your body support and stability, improves posture and is better for you than most ballet flats. Needless to say, they are incredibly comfortable. This heel brings instant polish to any outfit. Freshen them up with ripped denim or sharpen with tailored culottes. Add to a simple monochrome ensemble or wear with clashing prints as a statement piece.
You know that the days of five inch platforms are long gone when even Victoria Beckham says that she can’t do heels anymore!
Category: Style Advice, Women's Shoes
