Best Summer 2014 Shoe Trends
Summer will officially be here on June 21, and I’m prepared for all that that entails. Light fabrics for long days outside, a go-to flattering swimsuit (and cover up!), an endless supply of maxi dresses, a few rompers for daring days and a collection of wide-brimmed hats (a style I love that I can only get away with in the summer or at the Derby). But what about shoes? Picking the right style for summer can be tricky. You’re walking around more when the weather’s nice, but comfortable shoes are not always the cutest. I looked at current shoe trends to steer me in the right direction.
Zara leather bio with jewels $99.90. (Photo: Zara)
Kate Spade New York Avila sandals $250 (Photo: Zappos)
Embellished sandals
Embellished sandals take the comfortable slide and dress it up a bit, turning the “normcore” trend on its head because there’s nothing boring about bejeweled Birkenstocks. Take a basic white summer dress, slip on a pair of these, and you’re good to go for an effortless, I-didn’t-try-too-hard summer day. Kate Spade offers some chic ones, and even Marni has embellished ankle-strap sandals if you want to go high-end.
Frye Heather huarache sandal (Photo: Cusp.com)
Steve Madden Louees wedge sandal $130 (Photo: Nordstrom)
Huaraches
Closed-toe huarache sandals are perfect for those days you don’t have a pedicure! They look great with jeans or shorts on those more casual summer days. Huarache-inspired heels and wedges are also available, like these from Steve Madden.
Tory Burch Catalina strappy printed espadrille flat, $125 (Photo: Cusp)
Carven bouquet print platform espadrille $450 (Photo: Shoplesnouvelles.com)
Printed espadrilles
Espadrilles are a distinctly seasonal shoe. They’re as summer as white linen and seersucker. This year, I’ve been seeing a lot of fantastic printed espadrilles. Tory Burch, Dolce & Gabbana and J. Crew have some of the best prints in flats and wedges, and I am coveting these Carven rose-print platform beauties (Please go on sale, Carven espadrilles).
Paul Andrew Shirin animal-print calf hair sandal, black/white, $1,095 (Photo: Bergdorf Goodman)
Anne Creek Lola strap sandal $29.99 (Photo: Zullily)
Animal-print sandals
I think we can all agree that animal prints are best worn in moderation. A good pair of leopard, zebra or snakeskin print shoes can work for a night out or even at the office. Pack these babies away for your tropical getaway or a night out dancing on a sultry summer day.
