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It doesn’t feel like long ago that we were ankle-deep in snow but don’t let that put you off dreaming of your new spring footwear wardrobe. The new season is just around the corner, so we thought we’d take a look at what’s hot on the street and on the catwalks to give you some shoe shopping inspiration.
Whether you like to keep things casual, or you’re looking for your next pair of killer heels, you’re in for a treat. The fashion houses have been busy this year, introducing more footwear trends than we’ve seen in years. So check out these hot tips and ready, steady, shop!
Ditch the Cons for Vans
If your footwear collection’s more track and field than Manolo Blahnik, then this season’s hottest sneaker will undoubtedly be close to your heart already. While the Converse All Star’s been riding high for the past decade, another street shoe’s been simmering under, waiting for its chance to shine. We’ll always love Cons, but they’ve been worn to death, even making their way onto the red carpet. So it’s officially time for them to move over and make way for Vans. The skater shoe, Vans started out in 1966, gracing the feet of every surfer and skater in California. Still a bona fide punk classic, pick up a pair of the original checkerboards for a retro vibe, or check out the grey Ferris model from BANK for a more versatile shade.
Giddy up, cowgirl!
Looking for a new ankle boot to see you through spring? There’s only one style to go for if you want to stay on trend. The cowgirl boot has been given a makeover for 2013, giving us a fresh alternative to the must-have Chelsea of 2012. It’s a style classic that’s been due a comeback, and this year its been glitzed up, morphing with other emerging shoe trends like clear plastic and metallics. Look out for luxe gold snakeskin detailing, peep toe shapes and heeled boots too – cowgirls never looked so glam.
Bare your sole
A major trend that’s big news for accessories across the board, including footwear, is transparency. Clear plastics were all over the S/S 2013 runways, and being utilised in ever more imaginative ways. Lending an instantly futuristic vibe to any outfit, it’s a simple way to make a bold statement with footwear. Look out for transparent boots, straight-laced heels, and clear-detail pumps for a really wearable style for the daytime. And for evenings, transparent skyscraper heels are everywhere. Whether you go for no-tint clear or use the transparent look to add a hint of colour, it’s time to give your feet some TLC before you bare all this spring.
The new look gladiator
Thought we were through with gladiators? Not if the world’s leading fashion houses have anything to say about it. Reinventing the gladiator sandal for another season, it’s amazing to see just how fresh this new look is – and testament to the skills of the creative talent behind them. The statement from the catwalks is this: it’s knee high or bust. Alexander Wang paired them back for a bold, minimalist approach, Tom Ford went for blinging metallics, while Rick Owens kept the look more traditional, but with oversized metal plating packing a punch.
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