DON’T FORGET YOUR FEET! SUMMER SHOE SOLUTION
I love shoes. In fact I probably spend more on shoes than anything else.
Shoes will switch up a dress from day to night and a new pair will transform your old dress into new season.
‘You can tell a lot by a person's shoes’ is so true! I very often style an old loved skirt from the charity shop but my shoes will be new season.
Many of you may struggle with shoes and I’ve witnessed regularly how shoes can let wardrobes down.
Knowing what shoe to team with what look can be confusing. Understanding the balance of the shoe, the dress, the trouser length, shape, colour and print can be so overwhelming.
In summer variety is required to suit work, parties, festivals, weddings and holidays and most importantly, your lifestyle.
Here’s my definitive summer shoe guide.
BEST FOR FESTIVALS: THE SHOW OFF WELLIE
With festivals and outdoor events happening this year, a waterproof boot is essential. I live in wellies in the winter, so I like to add come character to my feet for festivals.
The brand Talolo is fantastic! I met the owners 3 years ago and I’ve road tested all their boots. The are now being seen on celebrities! The heel is comfortable and adds a bit of glam to the grassy field. They are comfortable too. I’ve done many dog walks in these boots. They come in mid calve or ankle length. If you don’t like the point, Isle Jacobsen are great or Ganni if you have more to spend.
BEST FOR SIGHTSEEING: THE COMFORTABLE CHUNKY SANDAL
Active summers need a comfortable sandal you can wear all day. The chunky sandal is your answer to city comfort. The Dr Martens sandals are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. Style with cotton dresses, boiler suits, dungarees, wide leg culottes, boyfriend jeans and casual chinos. Mid length trousers or dresses look best. Don’t cover the sandal with a long flare. Anthropologies black and gold version is more glam and great with silk midi skirts, pleated skirts style simply with t-shirt.
Anthropologie £
BEST FOR SMART CASUAL: THE POSH TRAINER
Trainers with everything! To keep your style polished make sure your trainer teams with your outfit. I tend to invest in a new summer trainer each season to elevate my old (and new dresses). I am a fan of HOFF, I’ve not bought Veja but their collection is vast, sustainable and less clompy. Socks not allowed, so invest in the tiny foot liners you can buy at M&S.
BEST FOR WEDDINGS AND GLAM EVENTS: THE 70S PLATFORM
Many of you will be dancing this summer at parties and weddings. For those of you that love a heel but hate a stiletto the platform sandal is back. Esska’s sandals are so comfortable. I danced in the gold version for 7 hours without blisters. I am also a big fan of Chie Mihara shoes. Expensive but a pair of these will transform a dress or suit you’ve had for years.
Platform sandals look best with block colours or dresses with bold prints. Anything delicate in print or fabric won’t work. They are perfect with long palazzo flares or a 70s style jumpsuit.
BEST FOR CAMPING: THE WATERPROOF SLIDER
For those of you who may be camping this season or living by the beach, a waterproof sandal is what you need. More practical than Birkenstocks and smarter than a flip flop. Brand Bahia come in a multitude of colours to match your bikini.
THE TREKKING TRAVELLER
Travellers amongst you need style too. I wish Teva had brought out such wonderful trekking sandals when I was travelling years ago. I will definitely be investing in these one day when I own my camper van. I adore the colours. Perfect for explorers.
BEST FOR A HOT DAY IN THE OFFICE
Let’s not forget your summer working wardrobe. Colour is everywhere this season, so be bold and try a colourful loafer. I love the Russel and Bromley green ones (that also fold down to sliders and come in lots of colours). For those of you who want to show off your shoes, Chie Mihara will certainly be the ice breaker you need when you walk into the conference room.
Smart tailored shorter trousers work best.
BEST FOR A GARDEN PARTY: THE ESPADRILLE
Summer wouldn’t be summer without an espadrille! These are the perfect holiday shoe if you need height for your evening maxi’s. Perfect for laid back garden parties, suppers and events. Style with skirts, dresses (not too long to loose the shoe). They also look fabulous with summer denim.
BEST FOR THOSE WHO DON’T LIKE THEIR FEET: THE SUMMER SUEDE BOOT
When August days get cooler we require a summer boot. For those of you that don’t like showing off your feet, try a summer suede boot. Tan is best with summer dresses. Styling with bare legs, so make sure you are happy with the width of the top of the boot. Wider is better as this will make your legs feel slimmer. Wear with floaty dresses, skirts and boho mini dresses.
THIS SEASON TREND UPGRADE: THE CLOG
I was so excited when clogs arrived this season. I have memories of my mum wearing a yellow pair in the 70s with flares. If you feel nostalgic about wearing a clog, give it a go. I have bought the red pair. It has taken 3 wears to really get used to them. They style really well with wide flares, khaki wide trousers, cropped floral trousers and my jumpsuit. I found a comfortable alternative in M&S!
Hope you have a bit more inspiration! If you need guidance, support sourcing good footwear to suit your wardrobe, let me know! My virtual shopping and virtual styling service is quick easy and affordable.
Don’t forget your feet!
Natasha xxx