The street-style stars and runway hits
In our humble opinion, few things elicit as much shopping-related excitement as when Tibi drops a new collection. Season after season, the brand continues to churn out “it” styles. One of the hallmarks of Tibi’s spring/summer ’18 collection, specifically, is the color lavender. This pair of patent-leather kitten-heel wrap sandals couldn’t be more 2018 if they tried.
One style that happens to be getting us high (quite literally) is, of course, the platform shoe. This must-have ’70s style has been seen on the recent runways and we’re loving this espadrille suede version from Kenneth Cole. They’ll look great with breezy dresses, cool midi skirts and, naturally, flared jeans.
Last year, Gucci dominated sidewalks everywhere with its Princetown leather mules. While we’re still crushing on them, we’re also ready to move on to its next breakout hit: these retro-inspired block heels. A version of the stacked heel comes around every season, but for good reason. Block heels are versatile, sexy and walkable no matter the height.
Since the brand’s inception, it has been known for its iconic stilettos (signature twist-front included). But this season, Birman is exploring the world of the block heel. Done in versatile nude suede, this pair offers extra sturdiness by way of a back basket hugging the heel. In other words, you’ll wear these everywhere you go.
Giving a whole new meaning to the term ‘well heeled’
Balenciaga’s “Knife” mule is the shoe the style crowd is obsessed with. Mary-Kate Olsen wore hers as a bridesmaid and Leandra Medine penned an entire post about them. Updated for the new season with a flexible slingback strap, this fuchsia pair is already low in stock on Net-a-Porter, so we recommend you act fast.
Mid-heels were seen on nearly every discerning dresser during Fashion Month (when it wasn’t snowing, of course). And given the likes of this Cinderella-inspired Miu Miu pair, we think the style will be hitting the wedding circuit next. Set on a sculptural kitten heel and topped with light-catching glitter, the pair even makes sense when combined with unexpected pieces like frayed jeans for a compelling high-low mix.
You may still be wondering how exactly the anti-fashion shoe became this season’s winning style. Well, it has a lot to do with the influential designers who sent them down the spring/summer ’18 runways. Namely, Mansur Gavriel. Debuting its second ready-to-wear collection, the designers had these adorable, covetable gingham slingbacks strut their stuff, and we have to say they’re a good investment for any stylish millennial woman looking to elevate her 9-to-5 look.
Behold the perfect transitional shoe. A closed toe keeps out any lingering chill, while the open back lets you pretend that spring really is around the corner. Another bonus? They’re actually walkable. Tabitha Simmons is a contributing editor, stylist and mother—so it’s no wonder her shoes are just as wearable as they are chic. And in a bright sunny yellow, they tick all the boxes.
All heel heights welcome
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably noticed slides were everywhere in 2017. And don’t expect that to change this year. These Kenneth Cole babies really have it all: on-trend satin straps, stylish frayed edges and the comfort of your trusty flats.
Dabble in this season’s ’80s revival by applying some of the decade’s signature excess to your footwear. Yes, you have our full permission to nab the sparkliest shoes you can get your hands on. Kate Spade’s mule sandals are the perfect option: perennially chic, eminently walkable, and at the same time, a little bit daring. This pair is inspired by a style from the brand’s archives in celebration of its 25th anniversary.
By Far has come a long way in a short time. The Bulgarian footwear brand was founded in 2016 and already boasts high-profile fans like Alicia Vikander (aka Lara Croft) and a healthy bunch of Instagram influencers. Its contemporary, elegant shapes (we’re loving the square toe) are all handmade in a family-run factory from a mix of premium and sustainable Italian leather and suede. Sold yet?
Fashion is cyclical, we all know this by now. So the fact that the shoes of your middle-school dance days are back in fashion shouldn’t come as a shock. What is surprising, though, is how sophisticated they’ve become. Take Maryam Nassir Zadeh’s latest iteration. The designer has gone full steam ahead with the transparent vinyl material (take a look at her full collection here) and turned what was once reserved for go-go dancers into a shoe you’re highly considering for your cousin’s baby shower next month.
Leave it to Jessie Randall to make rickrack feel super modern. This season, the brand re-created its most popular style (the “Vera”) and turned it into a beach-y slide. Easy to pair with a one-piece bathing suit, but still dressy enough (thanks to those ruffles) to wear out at night.
Note to Self: Never throw anything away
If you’re an astute reader of The New York Times Sunday Styles, you’ve probably noticed that we are in the era of ugly “dad” shoes. After cycling through minimalist basics (it’s been solely about the simple white leather sneaker for the past three years), it makes sense that things are moving in the opposite direction to a statement shoe with throwback appeal. And Nike’s Air Max ’97s—inspired by the original designer’s favorite mountain bike—are dominating. The shoes are celebrating their 20th anniversary, and you can expect to see them on nearly every woman (and man) this coming year.
In addition to throwbacks, futuristic sneakers are also entering the zeitgeist. Back in December, Adidas introduced its latest within the theme: the Prophere. With a $120 price point that will send them flying off the shelves, you can expect to see these everywhere. And unlike some other kicks in the Adidas Originals lineup, the Propheres will catch eyes not because of their rarity or worth, but because they simply look cool.
Welcome to 2018, where waiting in line for a sneaker collaboration is the new norm. But even if you’re not a hypebae, you’re going to want to check out Vans for Opening Ceremony. While not exactly new, the lavender colorway sure is, and we’re itching to get our hands on these.
If sustainability is important in deciding what you wear on your feet, French brand Veja just might have the most ethical kicks around. Each pair is crafted under rigorous labor standards using sustainable materials including vegetable-tanned leather, organic cotton and wild rubber harvested from the Amazonian forest. Pro tip: They run large, so we recommend sizing down.
Shoes that work as hard as you do
A rep at Orchard Mile tipped us off to this particular style, letting us know that it was selling out for them—and fast. Unsurprisingly so, because closed-toe mules are the perfect transition footwear (remember when we waxed poetic about the slingback pumps?). The robin’s-egg heel adds interest to an otherwise classic shoe, making it a must-have for your spring closet.
In the short time since Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini launched Attico, the duo have developed some strong style signatures, like these “Cara” mules. They have a sweetheart cut along the vamp and a subtly fluted heel for stability. The alligator print shown here on Who What Wear’s editor-in-chief Kat Collings is now sold out, but may we suggest adding this classic black version to your cart, stat?
With more than 16 billion pins across Pinterest, trend experts at the social network have unique insight into the top trending products. A rep at Pinterest tipped us off to these particular mules as one of those “most-pinned” styles. (Psst, they’re on sale now.)
Do you dare?
Ganni’s undeniably cool take on the cowboy boot has already made these a Fashion Week favorite. Worried about how to incorporate the Western-inspired style without looking like Woody from Toy Story? We suggest wearing them with sleek cropped trousers or a femme frilled dress.
We’ve seen this boot trend bubble up over the past year, and judging by the fashion crowd’s most recent footwear of choice, it looks like its popularity won’t be slowing down for 2018. As we mentioned earlier, these are another one of Pinterest’s “most-pinned” images, making them an Urban Outfitters best seller.
From outerwear to footwear, optic white is a key color story in Givenchy’s Resort ’18 collection. These ankle boots have around the block in black, but this season they’re flawlessly crafted in smooth white leather, trimmed with four buckled straps and embossed with the house’s logo. Style them with everything from floaty dresses to jeans.