There are a few flattering shoes on the High Street!
From clumpy clogs to garish gladiator sandals, it’s the ugliest shoe season ever. But don’t fret...
NOTHING makes a woman feel better than a beautiful pair of shoes. But this spring, you’ll be hard pressed to find any on the High Street.
From, oh- so-trendy clumpy clogs to hiking sandals and pool sliders, shoe shopping has become a minefield for anyone out of their teenage years.
As the author of Style Forever: The Grown-up Guide To Looking Fabulous, I often hear from middle-aged women that they just don’t know where to look.
So here’s my pick of the shoes that will look wonderful — and the ones to avoid at all costs.
PRETTY PUMPS
ONE of the fashion experts’ favourites is an updated version of the traditional Ghillie shoe, a flat pump with lace ties.
Originally designed for Highland dancing, I first encountered this style in the early Eighties, when I wore them to the local youth club discos. The Ghillie’s latest incarnation, though, provides a far more wearable alternative to the gladiator sandal.
It serves best as a pointed flat and is a great way to elongate the leg, proving that elegant ankle ties can look chic!
This easy-to-wear style will update any outfit. Wear them with pretty much anything: dresses, skirts, boyfriend jeans, Capri pants and, dare I say it, culottes.
My picks are Office’s Low Down Ghillie Lace-up shoes, (£60, office.co.uk), which are pretty and practical, or Boden’s Lille Lace-ups in orange (above) or navy suede and silver metallic leather (£89,
boden.co.uk).
If ankle ties are not for you, Boden’s Alice Flat Suede Pumps with tassle ties (£99,
boden.co.uk), are a good nod to the trend.
FANTASTIC FLATFORMS
NOW that more than a third of the UK population is over 50, I’m hoping that j aunty summer flatform sandals, as opposed to orthopaedic-style shoes, are going to come back in to fashion for us. The fantastic flatform is a modern update of the wedge, but one that’s comfy and easy to walk in as the platform extends all the way across the sole. Fo r chic appeal, you can try Camper’s Damas style (£ 120, in navy or white leather, or opt for a pair of Chie Mihara’s Ocra sandals in silver or gold metallic (above), for around (£187.50, chiestore.com).
Alternatively, Next’s Two-part Flatforms (£32, next.co.uk), in red will perk up any outfit.
Flatform-friendly clothes include the simple tunic dress and statement necklace, a pencil skirt and Breton top or white summer trousers with a crisp cotton shirt.
GROWN-UP TRAINERS
I CONSIDER chic but grown-up trainers to be an absolute style essential for women beyond a certain vintage — and yes, you can wear them. They can liven up any outfit and put a spring in your step.
No need to worry about looking like an over-grown teenager, just treat them like a pair of regular lace-ups and choose a simple style that wi l l wor k we l l wi t h trousers.
Grown- up trainers will help you feel both comfortable and confident — and as we all know, no one ever looked glamorous when their feet hurt.
Boden’s vintage floral hotchpotch shoes (above, £59, boden. co.uk) have a lovely retro vibe. And Liberty’s on-going collaboration with Nike has just seen another range arrive in- store and online; the Nike Air Rift trainers in ‘Merlin’ geometric print are fun without looking ridiculous.
Use your trainers as the focus of your outfit and temper casual footwear with elegant, simple tailoring. You’ll be surprised at how modern your look becomes.
BLINGED-UP FLATS
METALLICS, jewelled designs and animal prints have become a grown-up wardrobe staple, and everyday style is so much better for it.
A side order of bling teamed with a relaxed outfit is what I like to call Casual Glamour — and countless fashion editors regularly pair a navy blazer with j eans and designer decorative flats.
For something similar without the hefty price tag, I recommend Russell & Bromley’s The Frame Trim D’Orsay Flat in shimmering glitter fabric (£165, russelland bromley.co.uk), or the Tantrum Jeweled Flat in Luxury Leopard Print Calf Hair (£225, russellandbromley.co.uk).
If twinkle toes are what you’re after, then check out Jigsaw’s Navy Suede Grace Jeweled Sandal (above, £98, jigsaw- online.com), or Next’s eye-catching Jeweled Tbar Sandals in Pony Effect, £50 ( next.co.uk).
Team your fancy flats with rolledup jeans, a gorgeous silk blouse and a Parisian, i nsouciant attitude. For weddings, garden parties and special occasions, you can easily swap trousers for a simple shirt dress in a summery shade.
BLOCK SANDALS
EMBRACE the Seventies vibe without the risk of a sprained ankle in a blocky-heeled sandal t his summer. Sturdy straps together with a midheel height provide more stability than conventional vertiginous platforms, and Sam Edelman’s Sandals from next.co.uk in silver leather (£130) or black ponyskin (£150) could be just the thing to lift your outfit. Opt for trademark Seventies-style boho chic with Carvela’s Tan Sadie Shoes (above, £59
kurtgeiger.com) or head to Spanish brand Chie Mihara ( chiestore.com) for a fabulous collection of mid-heel styles.
Wear your block heels with flared jeans (or bootcut if you can’t face all the flapping about) or widelegged trousers.
The style looks just as neat and beautiful with a flowing summery dress.
SEXY BUT SENSIBLE
WHO doesn’t love elegant, timeless shoes that you can actually walk in?
Classic styles such as brogues and loafers never go out of fashion and are perfect for slipping into on sock-free summer days. Wear them in a nd then wear without socks for a chic, Parisian vibe. OptO for slimmer, elegant shapes rather than anything too chunky — just take a look at Samantha Cameron in a navy suit and white loafers for inspiration.
I have a pair of raspberry-pink brogues that I wear every summer and am regularly stopped in the street by fellow sensible shoe fans and asked about their provenance. For some- thingthi similar, Hobbs’ Percy Derby Shoes (below left, £99
uk), come in a lovely pinky-red. I’ve also got my eye on Russell & Bromley’s Chester Tassle Loafers in White Leather (£175, russelland bromley.co.uk), which would look fabulous teamed with a pair of white jeans and a blazer.
Watch out for Clarks’ new Made In England range of brogues, available from this July, and dress up your look with Capri pants and a beautiful kimono jacket.