Step out in style with our guide to the key footwear trends of the season
The look for 2010 was all a bit high maintenance. Edges and cuts were sharp and cold and strong military styling as well as bold structured tailoring was in. For spring and summer 2011 however style has a softer edge, and of course, footwear is no exception. So ditch those killer concealed platform heels that you had trouble walking in and instead look for shoes that give out a far more relaxed feel. Natural beauty is what designers are keen to explore this year, so footwear is easy to wear traditional styles with a modern twist. This laid back attitude is perfect for summer with a relaxed feel suiting the relaxed tone of the warmer months.
A major trend is noticeable all fashion trends in 2011, and that is the need for all things natural. Designers have taken nature on as their muse for 2011, so as well as earthy and sandy tones coming to the fore, there is plenty of wood, cork, rope and gold to choose from. Contrasting heels are big news too. It is no surprise then that the shoes of the season all feature heels that are especially distinct, notably the wedge and the clog.
Clogs began to surface as the fashionista footwear of choice last year and this spring the clog trend becomes officially mainstream. Clogs are throughout the high street stores. Look out for traditional leather Swedish clogs as well as unusual heel details such as wedges and chunky high heels, as well as natural materials like cork heeled clogs.
Wedges are one of the biggest footwear trends for this year. Wedge heels are a clever way to add towering height but without the foot pain. This seasons wedges also provide an instant way to a more 1970s look, which is a really important trend for this year in both modern and vintage fashion circles. To keep your wedges looking current you need to opt for wedges that make use of traditional textiles and materials like wood, cork, metal and rope.
The preppy trend is still around for 2011, but specifically in relation to accessories and footwear. This applies to mens and womens shoes too and the popular nautical deck and boat styles of 2010 will carry on comfortably into mens footwear for 2011. If you really want to get the preppy look, it has to be the loafer, which is also a wonderfully comfortable shoe for the spring and summer months. The spring runways also featured a reinvention of this footwear classic specifically for women, the heeled loafer.
Elizabeth Baur is a freelance fashion writer, blogger, and self confessed shoe addict. She recommends House of Fraser for the latest spring and summer shoes online to see you through the new season.
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