Summer hits the High Street
After a great morning shopping for that new summer outfit, you finally fall into a comfy chair in a coffee bar for a quick sandwich and cappuccino, and realise you never bought any shoes to finish off the look! Sound familiar?
It’s a fact that we females can never get enough shoes and the styles available in the High Street seem to be more attuned to the latest looks on the catwalk than ever. This summer’s shoe trends include versatile and comfortable styles that will keep you looking up to the minute without causing pain.
This season’s must have shoe has to be the Gladiator sandal. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s a Gladiator sandal out there to flatter everyone, regardless of your leg length or shoe size. High Street stores are stocking modest designs that hug the foot or ankle, or for the more adventurous shoe connoisseur there are styles that reach right up to just below the knee.
Granted, the higher styles are better on slim legged women, and it can take a while to get used to the feeling of the straps around the calves, but they look absolutely great teamed with a pretty floral dress or a floaty skirt. The more modest designs are incredibly comfortable, especially if you opt for a flat version rather than the daring heels available in the budget fashion stores, and allow room for your feet to breathe and spread out in the hot weather.
The most impressive Gladiators on the shelves are in muted metallic colours, but natural brown leathers, especially the ones with a patterned or studded detail are probably the most versatile choice.
If you can’t buy into the idea of the Gladiator sandal, then you really ought to think about investing in a pair of beaded or tassled sandals for your new summer wardrobe. This season’s message is all about attention to detail, and styles on the catwalk have been intricately decorated with beads, gems and studs. Once again, these pretty additions make the shoes seem incredibly feminine and complement bright colours and floral patterns perfectly. And if you’re not able to wear the dramatic, decorated heels and platforms, ornate flats offer an understated chic, with a cheeky touch of colour that looks great in the sunshine.
If you choose carefully, a couple of good footwear purchases this season can be teamed with most fashionable clothing styles, thus protecting your bank balance to a certain extent. So hit the stores and have fun.
