Summer Trends: the Top Five Must-Have Shoes

Summer Trends: the Top Five Must-Have Shoes

Whether you’re going to a wedding or a festival, on a night out or to a gig, Amber Stainrod has the perfect summer footwear for your outfit – and in budget too.

Words: Amber Stainrod

A wise and beautiful woman once said “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

And boy was Ms Monroe right.

A good pair of shoes can give you the confidence to feel like you could do anything.  They can turn even the simplest of outfits into a show stopping, awe-inspiring, jaw-droppingly good outfit.

Choosing the right shoes for the right outfit can sometimes be tricky. And with more and more selection out there for us shoe lovers; the decision can be mind-bendingly hard.

So to help you out a little, we’ve tracked down our five favourite styles out there on the high street at the moment and given our spin on where to show them off and more importantly what to team them with.

#1- The Cut Away Wedge

Now girls, don’t be frightened. We haven’t lost our minds. These are real shoes, not some of Lady Gaga’s cast offs.

This summer has seen the rise of the sculptured wedge, all thanks to outlandish shoe designer Jeffrey Campbell.  These shoes are sure to be a winning ice breaker and you’ll have girls having serious shoe envy when you’re out on the town.

These are sure to add the wow factor to your LBD or try balancing the curve of the shoe with an edgy dress with big shoulder pads to create that Gaga look.

 

#2 The Creeper

They’re back! Again. With masculine styles a big hit this season, the trend has spread to footwear, bringing back the Brothel Creeper.

Creepers are this season’s must-have flats. They are a cool addition to your summer staples of daisy dukes and your favourite band tee for the ultimate grunge look, or add them with a floaty summer dress and a leather biker jacket for a casual dressed down look.

#3 Studs and Spikes

From Christian Louboutin to Jeffery Campbell, they’re all using them; studs and spikes.

What was once a necessity for goths and punks has now been seen on clothing and footwear around the world. Small hard, shiny embellishments that bring out the real rock chick in us all.

Spice up this season’s peplum dress with a pair of studded-toecap heels for a look that screams chic. Or try a studded shoe-boot with a pair of leather leggings and a cute blouse for a fusion of soft and hard.

If you’re strapped for cash, try out a little DIY and customise an old pair of your fave heels. You can buy packs of studs and spikes off the internet in different styles and sizes and then just let your imagination run free. A hot trend at a fraction of the price.

#4 Festival Fever

Whether you’re off to Creamfields or V Fest, a pair of wellies should be number one priority on your checklist.

With the unpredictable Great British weather we’ve seen lately a great pair of wellies will help you survive the ghastly mud-bath and keep your tootsies nice and dry.

But wellies don’t just have to be granddad green, they come in all sorts of colours and styles to match each and every outfit. Team with a pair of coloured skinnies or patterned leggings and an oversized vest for an easy-to-do trend.

#5 Summer Brights

Summer means two things; holidays and weddings.  Joyous occasions that deserve a cracking pair of shoes to go with them.

Bold and bright colours help to get us in the summer mood and what better way to wear them than on your feet.

Accents of colour teamed with a white lace playsuit or pastel skater dress can boost your outfit to dazzling heights (so long as you don’t snag the limelight from the Bride!)

For a relaxed holiday feel wear a pair of bright wedges with a sheer maxi skirt or a dipped hem skirt and a bra top that oozes sex appeal and glamour in the Mediterranean heat.