| If a shoe can make or break an outfit, then is it merely an accessory or the main feature?
Like clothing, footwear changes each season to reflect the key trends. Often times, the style shifts are so subtle that only a true shoe aficionado will be able to differentiate between last season’s pointy-toed stiletto and its current reincarnation. However, those subtle changes will perfect your new look and satisfy your "sole" for the season.
A major update for fall 2003 is the texture of the leather. To reflect the dominant fabric trends, which focus on fabrics like tweed and angora, footwear emphasizes the treatment of the leather – crocodile embossing, pony skin, suede and distressed leather are all signatures of this season’s tactile mood.
"Almost every line is producing a shoe with distressed leather – even Adidas and Diesel came out with sneakers in distressed leather," says Jody Kirk of Gravity Pope.
The variety in trends and ideas in this season’s styles will keep many fashionistas on their toes. Jimmy Suarez from Browns Shoes says that, like the clothing collections, footwear trends go straight across the board. "There really isn’t a dominant style in footwear this season – there is something for everyone."
However, both Kirk and Suarez advise that no matter the trend, people should still put comfort before indulgence. "Comfort, flexibility and, to a point, practicality should be considered when buying new shoes," says Suarez.
For those that are looking for shoes that are strictly fashion forward, the variety of styles within each trend is so deep that this simple guide will help you decide on which shoe to wear with the key trends.
Athlesiure
Yoga gear and lounge suits deserve knockout footwear. Earlier this year, boxing boots stepped out of the ring and onto the streets. This season, they are weighing in as a major contender – see Reebok, Adidas, Puma and Gola. For women with funkier tastes, go for Manolo Blahnik’s pointy-toed sneaker stiletto or Fornarina’s calf-hugging wrestling boot in traditional flat or killer kitten heel. These boots also look hot with jeans – tucked in, of course.
Buffalo Boys
The mix and match of athletic and dressy calls for leather sneakers in old-school classic styles – Puma, Adidas Gazelles and Y-3’s Adidas’ collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto will look great with jeans or wool pants. On a more casual note, go for colour with Gola or Reebok, or try distressed leather from Diesel and Adidas to funk up a suit or dress up a leisurely look.
Leg Action
This look calls for over-the-knee boots – one trend that is not for the shrinking violets. In black suede, this boot will look amazing with a tweed miniskirt, black tights and a chunky sweater. And it will also complement jodhpurs, in case you were wondering what to wear with them. For those who dare to go higher, look for thigh-high boots later this fall.
Medieval
The medieval trend demands a shoe with romantic charm and a gothic edge. Women should look for pointy-toed kitten heels with topstitching details, lace-up calf-height boots or sexy stilettos in metallic finishes. Browns ID or Fornarina has the perfect pair to seduce your Romeo.
Military
The military look remains strong this season, and the footwear has been updated in camouflage prints and cargo detail. For GI Janes, Fornarina and Miss Sixty perfect the look. Men can go for the urban vibe with Reebok camouflage print or the classic army boot from Crown Surplus. Also, Moma’s distressed leather or Camper’s 1910s will make an interesting statement with this season’s pared-down cargos or aviator pants.
Mod
For women, white ankle boots, kitten heels in any colour and pointy toes are de riguer for the mod look. Prada – the design house that sets the stage for most of the shoe trends – produced a sexy kitten mule and round-toed pump in limited edition silk prints from the 1960s for women. For men, try Chelsea boots in crocodile from John Fluevog or pointy-toed croc lace-ups by Prada.
Well Suited
Pointy-toed shoes in croc are once again the answer for men in suits, as well as distressed leather to complete the textured look from head to toe. Women should look for round-toed Mary Janes with a stacked heel or sexy stilettos – in croc, of course. |
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