Spring Shoe Styles 2008
Platforms, Wedges & Flats Every Woman Should Have in Her Wardrobe
From embellished heels, casual flats to wedges and platforms, Mary Janes, T-bars and peep-toes; this year the range of women's shoe styles has never been wider.
It seems (especially to men) to be one of life’s strange phenomena that no matter how many pairs a women has, she “always needs more shoes”.
Whilst the average male is generally happy with a few pairs, in Allan and Barbara Pease’s book Why Men Don’t Have a Clue and Women Always Need More Shoes, (Orion, July 2006) the authors go some way to explaining the difference between the sexes.
A woman's shoes are just as much of part of her outfit as her blouse or skirt. Team clothing with the wrong shoe style and it can kill the whole ensemble. Choose wisely and the right pair can not only complement an outfit but flatter the feet, making legs look slimmer, longer and sexier!
No matter how many shoes you have sitting in your closet, be it 20 or 200, there are some staple styles that should be part of your wardrobe this year. But remember to match them to your body shape and ensure you are actually wearing the right size shoes.
The Black Pump – The "Little Black Dress" of Shoes
- Not much needs to be said about this classic pair of go-anywhere shoes, as versatile as the little black dress. Choose a style which makes you feel glamorous rather than conservative. Whether they be patent courts, sling bags or peep-toes, keep the heels fairly high to provide a feminine "leggy" feel.
The Neutral or Metallic Shoe
- For the times when black is boring or too somber, a neutral shade or metallic gold or silver is versatile enough to lift any outfit. In fact, metallic-colored shoes tend to elongate the foot, more so than classic black. Metallics look great against the canvas of a little black dress and this season's Goddess gowns.
The Semi-Casual Flat
- Be they colorful, or simply black. "A pair of stylish flats is an essential element of any woman’s wardrobe for the times when common sense must prevail", says Nina Garcia, author of The Little Black Book of Style. Low heeled enough to be practical, yet smart enough to pass muster in the office or less casual social occasion.
The Sexy High Heels
- Every women should have a pair of slutty, sexy shoes (preferably a pair of Manolo Blahnik's!) for the times they really want to create that “look-at-me” effect , or to really dress-up a mini dress or classic shift. According to Allan and Barbara Pease, “men’s brains are hard-wired to find certain physical female attributes sexy” – high heels feature heavily in this programming.
- “When it comes to snaring the perfect man, the solution could be as simple as slipping on a pair of high heels.” Says the Daily Mail’s Fiona Macrae in her article, “Good health and good fortune – why men find a leggy lady lovelier” of 17th January 2008.
- Color choice is up to you; metallic gold and silver tones have now become staple colors for any season. In the past “metallic shoes that fill up shoe racks in every department store have always been tacky, matronly and shoes that you can only wear for weddings or prom. This year was an exception,” says Paul of theshoegoddess.net in his blog of 29th December 2007, “Best Shoe Trends.”
- If you want to really cause a stir, then go for red and teem them with a pair of “red-hot” framed sunglasses – red specs and accessories are a "cheeky" trend this year, according to the In Style magazine feature "Red Alert", November 2007 issue.
The Casual Ballet Flat
- Whether it be for the beach, walking the dog or just messing around, the casual flat is a practical necessity to be kind to your feet. Easy and comfortable; if you don’t have many pairs, then go for a metallic, black or neutral color, which will match pretty much anything.
- If the rounded toe of a ballet flat does nothing for you (especially if you are short) then opt for a more pointed toe to lengthen the leg, but avoid the elongated, outdated “winkle pickers” of previous years.
Wedge-Heels or Platforms
- One fashion indulgence for this season has to be some chunky, wedge heels or platform shoes. A perfect accompaniment to flowing maxi-dresses and micro minis, the heaviness of the shoe balances out a baby doll, smock or long flowing skirt. Wedges and platforms are a necessity if you are petite, as they make you look taller and give you some bulk.
- Be right on trend by choosing a pair with embellishments or heel art; jewels, studs, bells and petals are so hot right now.
- Snakeskin wedges and two-tone colored platforms are an emerging trend for 2008. This season, wedge heels and platforms can be found in such variety it is easy to find a style which will flatter your feet. From T-bar or peep-toes, platformed Mary Janes, wedge-heels, sandals or platformed courts, retro '70s platform styles may still be chunky but have a much greater feminine feel for 2008.
Above all let your choice of shoes range from practical and comfortable to fun and flirty. Let your personality shine through by also adding some statement shoes to your wardrobe this year.
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