There are few things that are ever completely new in the fashion industry. Fashion prefers to draw from the past to blend classic styles with materials and details of the now. That’s not to say fashion is not fresh and vitalised; it just prefers to work with what it has got and improve on it.
This season’s collection of footwear has built on – quite literally in some cases – designs from the past. Platforms, wedges and boat shoes are some of the strongest looks of the summer taking inspiration from the seventies and eighties. Platforms have been given a new shape, boat shoes are decked out in fresh colours and wedges are taken from smart to casual in one clean sweep. Here are all three of these ‘new’ trends explained. To see these shoes brought to life check out Next’s extensive collection of shoes online.
Platforms to flatforms
OK, so there are still dozens upon dozens of summer platform styles that play to all the classic rules of high heels, high platform sole creating achingly beautiful shapes as a result. However there is also a new kid on the block. Flatforms, favourite by celebrities like Rihanna, are basically flat platforms. There is no arch created, simply put they are flat shoes, elevated. These shoes aren’t for everyone; there is no leg lengthening and they can look rather masculine, but as soon as they are viewed as casual shoes with attitude they will attract a much greater following.
Wedges to high tops
High top trainers are casual, wedges are ladylike shoes of summer; together they make… wedge hi tops. Sounds odd, but these uber cool shoes actually just look like too cool for school hi tops. The wedge is built into the heel so it’s completely concealed. The effect: legs lengthened, feet saved from pain and a casual, laidback daytime look nailed.
Boat shoes to girl shoes
Boat shoes were manly shoes of the eighties symbolic of Ralph Lauren and Henry Lloyd wearing rugged boatmen who loved the great outdoors. They were study and practical, not exactly the most feminine shoes you could wear then. Fast forward to 2012 and you have a collection of soft brown, tan, golden, mustard or pastel coloured boat shoes based on ballerina pumps just with a little more sole. Perfect for shopping and weekend lazy days.
Boat shoes were manly shoes of the eighties symbolic of Ralph Lauren and Henry Lloyd wearing rugged boatmen who loved the great outdoors. They were study and practical, not exactly the most feminine shoes you could wear then. Fast forward to 2012 and you have a collection of soft brown, tan, golden, mustard or pastel coloured boat shoes based on ballerina pumps just with a little more sole. Perfect for shopping and weekend lazy days.
I like the Flatforms although I’d never wear them myself. Also like the stripy wedge hi tops.
Cruelty not comfort. Can`t imagine wearing some of these styles.
Gorgeous shoes. Recently bought myself my first wedges and love them, also waiting for some to arrive in the post. Can’t wait. It is always great to add some fashionable height being quite small x
wedges are great but stillettos are a big no no!
They are so much more comfortable aren’t they, while still giving you that little lift in hight. Fantastic invention LOL xx
I’m the same, fall flat on my face in anything too high lol xx
I love those boots!!!! Don’t they look so fabby. My friends would be so jealous of me in them, until I’m flat on my face with a broken nose. LOL But I can dream that I can wear them or do what Mrs Beckham does, take a flat pair for when the camera (friends) aren’t around.
Loving the other styles so great for summer with three quarter or a maxi dress, but think the boots have my vote.
Some styles that the wife would no doubt like
I cant do heels – im more for comfort then style sadly! Would love a pair of heels that didnt hurt! xoxo