Women's Shoes for Summer 2008
From Wedges & Rubber Rain Boots to Gladiator Sandals & Deck Shoes
Jun 27, 2008
The singer and actress Bette Midler once said, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” Well, this summer forget about your ballet flats and flip flops and slip on a pair of deck shoes and this summer’s pretty gladiator sandals. Raise yourself up to loftier heights under the summer-staple maxi, with a pair of raffia wedges or hefty heels. Whilst too-short trousers (7/8th pants) are having a moment, now is the time to show off those shoes!
Deck Shoes
Deck shoes make a big return this summer so grab some while you can. These are the coolest look, replacing classic ballet pumps — with their slightly preppy and nautical feel. Wear them with this season's 7/8th (on-the-ankle) pants or playsuits.
Gladiator Sandals
According to Eve magazine, June 2008, "say goodbye to last season’s chunky gladiators and say hello to summer’s more delicate, prettier styles." From dainty strapped thongs, embellished sandals with tortoiseshell, studs and beading, replace your flip flops with a pair of these for greater beach chic. Miu Miu’s pretty pink and gold gladiators, with ankle fastening are a case in point, and are on offer in the Net-A-Porter designer sale with a 25% reduction.
Hefty Heels
Hefty heels are to be worn with thigh-high shorts, this season’s on-the-ankle or roll up pants, and under maxi dresses. Forget dainty footwear, these thick strapped-sandals with thick heavy heels and platforms are the way to go. Match them with some handbag hardware; studded purses and tough totes.
Raffia Wedges
You can’t go wrong with the trademark fashion formula of summer raffia hats and heels. This year it’s raffia wedges that gives some chunky definition to dainty maxi dresses and minis. Wear them with safari jackets, thigh-high shorts and jumpsuits, for stylish elegance. Match them with a summer raffia handbag or clutch purse and some trendy raffia cuffs.
Rope Espadrilles
When it comes to summer staples, try Look magazine’s (9th June 2008) recommendation of rope wedges from Castañer, as this Spanish brand has made espadrilles for YSL and Hermès. This fashion footwear is available from Zappos and Neiman Marcus and are made from hemp rope, rattan, straw or wicker. According to Zappos, Castañer manufactures for some of the most prestigious brand names in the world of fashion and luxury products. Castañer prides itself on reinventing the espadrille, keeping this 200 year old item fresh and fashionable, “in a time when everything seems so 10 minutes ago.”
Ultra-high Heels
Dubbed taxi or limo shoes, these sky-high heels of up to 7-inches see celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow tottering around this season in the highest and narrowest of heels. This is in keeping with this summer’s waspy mini dresses and thigh-high shorts, wear them if you dare. Lessons in walking in them are advised. In the words of Karen Homer, in her book, Things a Woman Should Know about Style — "if you can’t walk in high heels, take taxis!"
Wellingtons or Rubber Rain Boots
Just in time for the rainy Glastonbury, the world’s biggest music festival, and other summer open air concerts. Rubber rain boots (dubbed Wellington boots in the UK, after the Duke of Wellington) have been given a fashion facelift with floral patterns, leopard prints and bold, strong colors. Both Asos and Primark have some quirky and fashionable Wellie rubber numbers, so splashing about in puddles has never been so much fun!
