So Long, High Heels—These Are the It Shoes Every Fashion Girl Is Wearing Now
When it comes to fashion, we each have our own individual style and pieces that excite us the most. Some of us are dress lovers with extensive collections of minis, midis and maxis. Others are jewellery magpies who feel naked without their gilding, and the bag ladies (who are often the easiest to spot) always manage to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the arm candy we need to know about. I, however, am a shoe fanatic. I spend the better part of my days, looking at shoes, thinking about shoes and writing about shoes, and after amassing a collection that includes everything from Mary Janes to mules, I feel well placed to discuss the latest trends happening south of the ankle.
The latest style I have fallen for is, controversially, a kitten heel—specifically the slingback. They're chic, playful and, most importantly, easy to wear. My affinity for this style came from one pair, in particular, that has been cropping up on the feet of the most fashionable women over the last couple of seasons.
Prada's logo slingback first debuted in the brand's S/S 21 show and instantly became a viral success. From the zesty neon orange to the demure and wearable black leather iteration, the unexpected smash hit spawned a legion of copycats (and a particularly good Miu Miu loafer), and now, you can find a pair in the wardrobes of fashion editors and influencers everywhere.
This season, the slingback comes in brushed leather, nude and mirror silver (destined for a viral moment) with an on-trend metal toe, but the spring pastels (mint, yellow and powder blue) are still available, so there's a pair for every mood. And honestly, I'm just happy to back any shoe trend that doesn't encourage blisters, so thank you, Prada, for an It shoe that anyone can wear. Whether you dress them up for a party, dress them down with socks, or even wear them to the office, these shoes are already iconic, and I can't stop thinking about them. Now where did I put my credit card?
Style Notes: Prada's slingbacks work with everything from swishy skirts to smart, tailored looks.
Style Notes: A quintessential Prada look contains three common elements: tailoring, glamorous edge (no jeans here) and these iconic slingbacks.
Style Notes: If you didn't already feel happier just from looking at these retro-inspired shoes, Janka makes a case for dopamine dressing by pairing a classic black pair with sunny polka dots.
Style Notes: Yes, there are wedges, too! If you aren't sold on the kitten heel, try the demi wedge for a slice of citrus.
SHOP THE PRADA SLINGBACKS
It doesn't get more timeless than all-black leather.
If you wanted shoes that make a statement, look no further. These are a guaranteed conversation starter.
I don't know which is chicer: the wedges or the kitten heel. Decisions, decisions.
Summer, is that you? Well, not quite, but these are literally sunshine in a shoe. Ideal for grey days.
Just the right amount of romantic pink to be pretty without being saccharine.
Up Next: It's Boot Season, and These Are the Trends That Will Dominate
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.
In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.
Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.
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