Ladies, if you want to stay in style, you know the number one rule is actually to stay ahead of style and look a bit into the future, as we try to predict what the number one, top-selling shoe styles will be for the spring-summer season of 2012. So, whether it’s warm and toasty where you live or if you’re currently wading through mountains of snow and a downpour of sleet on your way to work or school, forget all about it and enter a summery mind-set, as we explore some predictions for the warmer season. Bear in mind that these predictions are not necessarily based on what the designers said would be in, during their catwalk shows late last year. They are mostly inspired by current street style trends and a bit of guesswork all our own, based on how styles evolved over the past couple of years.
Ballerinas… with a Twist
Ballerina shoes or ballet flats have been around on the trend and style scene for several seasons now. There are two reasons for which they continue to stay in style. The number one reason, which is hard to dispute, is that they are incredibly comfortable and are viable candidates for wide women’s shoes. Along the same lines, ballerina flats can flatter any shape of leg, when paired with a mini skirt, a mid-length skirt or a cute summer dress. The number two reason is that they keep reinventing themselves with each passing season. The next one, we predict, is going to be dominated by ruched ballerina flats in pastel colours, as well as by low-cut flats with a peep-toe end. Patterns on ballerina flats (or, alternatively, straps) are no longer in style, nor does it look like they will be making a comeback any time soon.
Chunky Heels Are All the Rage
If you’re into stilettos or cone-shaped heels you might as well kiss them goodbye for the upcoming warm season. Styles are about to change with respect to high-heels, be they booties, pumps or sandals. Next season is going to be all about chunky heels – solid, stable blocks of strong colours, apparently clashing with the body of the shoe, but, in actuality, giving rise to a whole new trend. Chunky heels have the great advantage of being much more stable than most other versions. We predict that, come next season, lots of women who had previously avoided heeled shoes for their lack of comfort, will now slowly start to reconsider, as they note that this new style doesn’t look anywhere near as encumbering as previous ones.
Go Androgynous with Brogues
This elegant, male-inspired shoe has been in since last spring to say the least. More recent developments have brought us brogues in warm, loud colours, with floral or geometric patterns or adorned with ruffles, to ‘sweeten’ them up a bit. Functionally speaking, since they are flats or have very low-heels, brogues are great for walking or long days at the office. Since those who have trouble finding comfortable shoes tend to complain that it is hard to stay in style, the good news is that brogues (or Oxfords, their ‘sister’ model) are also available as wide women’s shoes. The cute flats go great with skinny jeans, but can also be paired up with a floral dress for an effect that is equally inspired and unexpected.
Sandals, Sandals, Sandals
Roman sandals with lots of straps have come and gone in and out of fashion. Next season will only see straps added onto high-heeled sandals – but the number of straps on any given shoe will be far below what we saw during previous seasons. Remember when Roman sandals were a sort of boot-like mass of straps and buckles? There will be no more of it this season, as sandals will go no higher than the ankle. Flat sandals will continue to be in style, and the basic rule here is ‘the less gaudy, the better’. Next season will see a minimalist approach to sandals, which will feature a cross-the-foot strap at the most. Strong colours will be the season’s darlings, as embellishments such as rhinestones, studs or beads fade out of the collective consciousness of the average fashionista.
All in all, we predict the spring-summer season of 2012 won’t bring about too much innovation, which is not to say it will be boring, but simply that it will veer slightly more to the conservative and predictable side of fashion. However, no matter your preferences, it is always worth remembering that the best style you can adopt is the one you feel comfortable in.
