AW18 Shoe Trend Guide
CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NET-A-PORTER
If you think the choice is overwhelming, think again – NET-A-PORTER is here with their curated selection of must-haves to set you on the right cold-weather footwear path. From ubiquitous cowboy boots to grown up, kitten-heel party shoes, there’s a distinctly high-fashion approach from designers this season. But that doesn’t mean those not gracing the FROW aren’t catered for, with black ankle boots, comfortable trainers and timeless leopard print pumps all on the agenda for everyday wear. We all know investing in good, trend-lead footwear can make or break your capsule wardrobe, and right now there's 15% OFF everything on site until Monday 15th October – just enter code FASHIONFIX15 at checkout. With that in mind, let us present the shoe styles you absolutely need to consider for the season ahead…
Animal Print
Forget cheesy puns about taking a walk on the wild side – it’s no joke that animal print can elevate any edit. Gianvito Rossi has been a significant proponent of the trend, but this season thanks to its universal presence, it’s not hard to find footwear emblazoned in the print. Whilst zebra and snakeskin are getting ready-to-wear airtime, it’s still leopard patterns dominating footwear – perfect for dressing up all-black-everything outfits or (if you dare) clashing prints. Charlotte Olympia slippers will stand the test of time, but our money is on ankle boots for a fashion win this season.
Black Ankle Boots
If you invested in a block heel or suede design last season, you’ll just about still get away with it this year. But for a more directional approach, pointed toes, spindly heels and patent leather are all essential ankle boot characteristics. More flattering than their clunkier cousins, we love the look with floral dresses for a feminine/cool hybrid, and while we don’t play favourites, Aquazzura’s Quant design is topping our new season wish list.
Chunky Trainers
When the reinvented sneaker first burst onto the scene (thank you, Louis Vuitton) it was met with much scepticism. But with every new designer creating their own version comes more credibility for the look, with fashion girls appreciating their leg-slimming powers and comfortable credentials. Chunky white designs are for the faint-hearted, but lovers of athleisure should embrace colourful mutants from Balenciaga and Stella McCartney teamed with white floral maxis - trust us when we say there’s no easier way to bring your wardrobe up to date.
Cowboy Boots
If leather shirts, denim jumpsuits and Navajo cardigans are a bit pistols-at-dawn for you, try cowboy boots for a more wearable gateway. There are endless ways to wear the look – channel your inner Ganni girl with prairie prints and gingham separates, or go for those 90’s Calvin Klein vibes with double denim. And if that still sounds a little too street style for you, use more wearable designs from Isabel Marant to put a fashionable spin on skinnies and knits.
Knee-High Boots
Move aside, Stuart Weitzman thigh-high boots: this season, footwear should absolutely not by-pass your knees and a leather – preferably slouchy – finish is mandatory. Sure, there are myriad high-street interpretations of this look, but for durability and comfort, it’s well worth investing in designs from Gianvito Rossi, Acne and Victoria Beckham. The trend rolls around again every few years, so you won’t regret the splurge – plus, with their ability to elevate jeans, chunky knits and floral dresses alike, they’re Autumn/Winter’s surprisingly versatile hero.
Ladylike Heels
There’ll always be space in our wardrobes for a classic court, but this season we’re looking to glamorous, embellished kitten heels to elevate even the simplest of evening looks. Whether it’s LBDs, velvet wrap midis or smart tailored trousers, pearl-adorned slingbacks, studded bow mules and pom-pom detail strappies have transformative powers – plus, sticking to simple black will give them extra longevity. Roger Vivier will always be a hero in the glam department, but it’s new-shoe-kid-on-the-block Magda Butrym who’s really tempting us right now.
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