By Lauren Basra
We all know about the importance of the perfect pair of shoes. The old adage, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world”, is attributed to the superstar Marylin Monroe. And she was right! A pair of shoes can change your outlook on life and tie your outfit together perfectly.
The shoes don’t necessarily make you more confident, but they can give you that little lift and a sense of power.
Women are often decried by their partners for having too many pairs of shoes, but they can be an extension of your mood and bring some added shine to your personality.
They can become witnesses to the important moments in our lives: the wedding shoes on your special day, the hiking boots you wore on a memorable trek or the sandals you kicked off on a tropical beach where you fell in love. They can be why you feel confident to go and talk to that person you’ve been eying across the bar. They can even help you stay upright as you traverse the difficult moments we all face.
Here are five of the best new trends to elevate your 2023 summer, so you can find a season full of adventures and walk into the best year of your life so far!
The Fisherman Sandal
This sandal has recently exploded onto the fashion scene but is also a classic. A unisex style sandal that boasts an enclosed toe and open heel, it is perfect for walking along the sea-swept shore or the city’s summer hustle. A staple of the holiday outfit since the 1970s, this shoe is an agreeable addition to any outfit, giving it the air of studied style without trying too hard.
Comfortable and versatile, this style can go with a festival look or a beach/poolside number and give a nomadic vibe to your summer office look.
Vogue’s Laura Jackson recommends styling your fisherman sandal “For a look that achieves low-key polish, style Emme Parsons’ caramel-coloured Ernest sandals with Polo Ralph Lauren’s matching suit vest and trousers.”
Give it a go; you won’t be disappointed with the compliments!
The Reimagined Wedge
The wedge is a summer staple for the sandal lover who wants a bit more stability than a regular heel. But don’t confuse it with the basic cork from the 2000s; the wedge has grown up and matured into an essential for all fashion lovers this summer.
Wedges have re-entered the conversation, from sandals to mules to wedged boots. Designers are jumping onto the comfortable and statement style: Fendi, Stuart Weitzman, Chloé, Zara, Mango and Gucci are all on board. The high-street and high-end are obsessed with the classic shape and comfort of the summer wedge. You should be too!
Marvellous Mules: The Sexy Slip-On
Sleek and sexy slip-on sandals are the sartorial godsend for your summer wardrobe. Choose from flats, heeled and even wedged versions; this sandal is the perfect and easy way to vamp up your summer outfits and create a relaxed but fashion-conscious look.
A perfect way to elevate a denim and t-shirt look, a heeled slip-on sandal can give that indifferent sophistication that can be so difficult to master.
Be the fashion-forward friend this summer, and moisturise your skin on your heels: cracked heels and mules are not the trend you want!
Dazzling Embellishment For Evening Sandals
Add a little sparkle to your ensemble with an embellished heel or sneaker that draws the eyes and stirs envy. A minimal effort maximum payoff piece, the evening sandal that glimmers can jumpstart your summer wardrobe and bring glamour to the most homely summer plans.
Being a native of London, a bit of glitz can be the one aspect of shine that comes in a British summer! From feathers to rhinestones, metallic accents to appliqué, the embellished shoe is the best way to give your look a pop of glamour and sex appeal without trying too hard. One statement piece is all you need to stand out and turn those heads.
The Gladiator Sandal
Modern Bohemia is in for 2023. This sandal with straps for days adds a shocking silhouette to any summer outfit. You can keep it simple with a tie around the ankle or go the way of Gucci with straps that wrap around the whole calf!
This style never fails to make an impression, striking a balance between flirty, edgy and even a bit sporty. You can go for flat or heeled versions, but either will add a bit of whimsy Bohemian style reminiscent of the 70s.
You can step it up and combine this style with the thong sandal that is also hot this summer, as seen in the lookbooks or Mango and Proenza.
Any of these styles are the perfect addition to your summer capsule wardrobe and the easiest way to stay on trend this summer. So put your best foot forward and stride with pride in some gloriously glam footwear.