So long, winter boots – here are the six shoe styles to wear this spring
It’s almost that time of year: the moment when you know it’s time to part ways with your winter boots, but in doing so, feel at a loss for what to put on your feet instead.
Are white trainers still cool? Will loafers work with a dress? Can I carry off Mary Janes with socks?
These are important questions, because it’s all too easy to buy into a look, only to realise you don’t have the wardrobe to go with it – then you’re shopping for that, so you don’t feel like you’ve wasted money on new shoes, and all of a sudden you have a wardrobe full of clothes, yet nothing to wear.
This spring, in particular, requires a careful approach. After years of ugly-chic dad trainers, Crocs and track sole boots, there’s a distinctly more ladylike shift coming through in footwear – and we can expect it to stick around for the next few years, so if you invest in a pair of ballet flats or Mary Janes this spring, they won’t be one-season wonders – as long as you know how to style them.
The good news is that there are plenty of avenues to explore, so if you’re not a fan of one shape, there’s sure to be another that suits you instead. There are no wrongs, only rights.
The only ‘rule’ is that if you feel silly, you’ll look silly, so seek out wardrobe/shoe combinations that make you feel like you. That’s the key to getting a real spring in your step.
The ballerina
The ballerina pump is back in a big way, and there’s a version to suit every taste, from high vamp glove-like styles, to sheer, crystal-studded mesh, to satin versions complete with pleats and block toes. “Ballerinas are a staple,” says Jeanne Damas, the stylish French founder of Rouje. “They add a chic touch to every look.”
Try it if…
You don’t do heels.
Wear with…
Anything ankle-length, so cropped trousers and unfussy utilitarian-style skirts that contrast the pretty-pretty aesthetic of the shoe.
Leonie satin ballet flat $250 (£198), Loeffler Randall; Suede Kierna pump, £225, Rixo; Rhinestone ballerinas, £49.99, Mango
The slingback
These are everywhere this spring, from flats to platforms. There are even Mary-Jane/slingback hybrids, if you want to check off two trends in one. Obviously there were lots of two-tone versions outside the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week; Camilla Elphick’s Alicia style is a great homage to the look without looking like a copy.
Try it if…
You’re done with court shoes that slip off your feet, or rub and shred at your heels.
Wear with… Split-hem trousers or leggings. People at fashion week were wearing these with socks too – try them with a fishnet or 10 denier black stocking and a skirt.
Alicia slingback flats, £270, Camilla Elphick, Micaela babies, £190, Balzac Paris, Woven slingback pumps, £65, Charles & Keith
The retro trainer
These are a little sportier, more football boot-inspired than the white leather trainers which have dominated fashion over the past decade. It’s an easy way to inject a little unexpected colour into your wardrobe. “I only started to wear sneakers quite recently, during my pregnancy,” says Damas, who has added a ‘70s inspired pair to her collection. “They go well with our jeans for an everyday ‘uniform’.”
Try it if…
You’re wedded to trainers, but bored of the sight of your white ones.
Wear with…
Straight-leg trousers and jeans.
Bullet Mirror Trident trainers, £75, Gola; Suede Jackson trainers, £205, Rouje; Samba OG trainers, £90, Adidas
The loafer
Probably the most versatile shoe in this feature; once you find your perfect pair of loafers, you won’t want to take them off. It’s up to you whether you prefer a more classic, tasselled or penny loafer, or something more contemporary with a chunky silhouette and a track sole. There are some nice heeled versions out there too, but the shoe has got such a daytime feel to it, towering “taxi shoes” are a little unnecessary.
Try it if…
Your everyday look needs a shake-up.
Wear with…
Anything – this is the shoe you can wear five days a week. “Team them with a mini shift dress, layered with a fine roll neck knit underneath and ribbed socks to match the loafers,” says Jane Frances, founder of Dear Frances. “This is perfect for running around, for work and for dinner too.”
Think of the loafer/sock combo as the spring/summer answer to an ankle boot; it works well with jeans and trousers too.
Penelope leather loafers, £275, Russell & Bromley; Weejuns Penny Love loafers, £215, GH Bass; Albane loafers, £175, Sezane
The Mary-Jane
The prettiest shoe around, and this spring you’ll see them everywhere, from high-heeled party shoes, to everyday flats. If you see the John Lewis ones in your size, snap them up, because they never stay in stock for long, are a perfect shape, and very well priced.
Try it if…
Your tomboy look needs a shake-up.
Wear with…
These look great with most things, but especially the borrowed-from-the-husband look, so boyfriend jeans and oversized shirting. Avoid puddle-length and wide-leg trousers which will completely obscure the shoe.
Vibi Venezia blanket-stitch Mary-Jane flats, £95, Matches ; Silver Mary-Janes, £198, Plumo; Harrietta leather pumps, £59, John Lewis
The modern mule
This is a shoe that can be worn with classic pieces already in your wardrobe, and make them feel fresh and modern. Even when very high, there’s a casual, slip-on ease about them that makes good style look effortless. “I’m pairing our new season mules with white wide-leg trousers, a crisp white tee and a cream cable knit sweater,” says Frances.
Try it if…
Your evening footwear repertoire is looking a bit tired.
Wear with…
Loose, silky trousers, sharp tailoring and flowy skirts and dresses.
Raffia kitten heel mules, £35, Marks & Spencer; Snake print leather mules, £139.99, H&M; Sherry mule, £440, Dear Frances
Boots with a bare leg
Ok, you don’t actually have to stop wearing boots, but some lend themselves to bare legs better than others. Anything suede in the general sand-caramel palette will work very well. Sock-style boots also look sleek and chic all year round.
Try it if…
You refuse to part with your boots just yet
Wear with…
Everything, but especially cropped flare jeans and pencil skirts.
Oscar leather boot, £289, Penelope Chilvers; Hester suede cowboy boot, £440, Aeyde; Louie leather sock bootie, £378, Reformation
