We fully advocate investing in classic pieces (items that will stand the test of time and that you'll wear for years to come), but we still like to flirt with the new-season trends that fit in with your own personal style. There's no easier way to dip your toe into a trend than with a pair of shoes.
Cringe-worthy puns aside, we're of the opinion that there's nothing that can give your existing wares an overhaul quite like a pair of shoes, which is exactly why they hold such appeal. As such, it only makes sense to stay ahead of the footwear game and keep up to date with the latest goings-on for heels, flats, sandals, trainers and boots.
This is why we took it upon ourselves to laboriously trawl through the thousands of runway shots to bring you the biggest shoe trends spring/summer 2020 has in store.
We know what you're thinking: It's still pretty cold out. That may be the case, but given the fact the following seven shoes are set to dominate the style agenda for at least the next seven months, we think footwear is a sensible investment to make ahead time. Keep scrolling to start spring 2020 off with your best foot forward (sorry).
Twee they may be, but the retro Mary Jane is going to be 2020's star shoe silhouette, having been seen on the runways of Maison Margiela, Carolina Herrera and Marc Jacobs alike.
Making an appearance for yet another year is the humble espadrille. In 2020, however, instead of a wedge, the sole remains flat, while raw and rope lace details prove to be all the rage.
Last year's obsession with barely there strap heels is set to reign well into spring 2020. The seasonal update comes in the form of an asymmetric strap.
While white trainers haven’t completely disappeared from the catwalk, the new sneaker of choice is the one made up of loud and sometimes even clashing colours. Eat your heart out, dad.
Platforms may have made a quiet resurgence at the tail end of 2019, but as far as springtime is concerned, it's going to be all about the flatform. Embellishment will up the style credentials, as will satin and mock-croc finishes.
While flat loafers have long been the shoes of busy, on-the-go women, its sister heeled styles have helped to elevate it once again to the height of sartorial sophistication. With blocky heels and square toes, rest assured they're almost as practical as their flat counterparts.
Anklets were 2019's jewellery of note, and it seems designers have made it even easier to get our chain fix, with the likes of Prabal Gurung, JW Anderson and Proenza Schouler all incorporating chains into their designs.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
When Emma Watson and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, wore a pair of trainers by the conscious French brand Veja, they quickly became one of the most talked-about sneaker brands in the UK. The classic white basket sneaks (made from recycled plastic bottles and wild rubber) feature a distinctive V-logo in varying colours on each side.
Emma Watson first wore the trainers back in October 2016, but it wasn't until 18 months later that the seemingly simple lace-ups started gaining such widespread popularity. Much like other classic trainers (think Converse and Vans), these are rapidly becoming a staple for when you need a comfortable yet stylish pair of shoes. Plus, these sneakers are so minimalist in design that they work with every type of ensemble—from midi dresses to straight-leg jeans.
The Veja V-10 leather trainers arrived on Net-a-Porter in early 2017 and became the second and third best-selling pieces globally (only beaten out by a Gucci T-shirt) the same week they launched. Now I spot these trainers "in the wild" every day, as they seem to have become the most popular sneakers to own.
At a coffee shop in London last week, I saw four separate women wearing the red, white and blue pair. And if that's not enough to make you want a pair, then you might change your mind after scrolling our edit of the best Veja trainers. Plus, there's even a guide to how fashion girls are wearing theirs for outfit inspiration.
Style Notes: Tine Andreaa cleverly uses her Vejas to dress down a pair of tailored trousers and a blazer.
Style Notes: Alongside dresses and trousers, Vejas make for the perfect pairing with a midi skirt, as seen on Eunice Abe.
Style Notes: Meghan swaps her usual courts for kicks.
Style Notes: Alice Catherine pairs her Vejas with a must-have polka-dot dress (a great workday wardrobe option).
