5 Cool High-Street Shoe Trends That Look So Expensive, According to a Fashion Editor
If someone told me everyone would be wearing completely impractical mesh flats in 2024, I wouldn’t have believed them. But when it comes to fashion, functionality rarely sticks when it comes to cult buys, does it? And we can thank one brand for the mini trend that’s become huge: Alaïa. First seen on the 2023 autumn/winter runway, the £650 pairs were snapped up by editors and influencers alike, as quickly as the latest Chanel dad sandal a few years back. Now, everyone including Zara and & Other Stories have affordable iterations.
If peek-a-boo flats aren’t your thing, luckily, there are so many other key shoe trends taking over the high street right now. And as a stylist and self-proclaimed shoe obsessive, you can trust me. Whether it’s toe loop sandals, wear-all-day kitten heels or from-the-future colours and wild prints, these are the 5 shoe trends that are spring’s heroes.
1. Mesh Mary Janes
Style Notes: Yes, we’ve seen a lot of mesh flats by now, but they’re just so fun to add to pretty much any outfit. I love how Marilyn has made them the centre of attention by teaming with a classic maxi skirt and cropped jacket. These Mary Janes deserve the limelight.
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& Other Stories
Mesh Ballet Flats
Big fan of the stud detail.
River Island
Black Mesh Studded Mary Jane Ballet Pumps
These are selling out so quick.
bershka
Mesh Ballet Flats With Buckles
Nope, I couldn’t believe these are under £25 either!
Love these with baggy jeans.
2. Toe Loop Sandals
Style Notes: Like a flip flop, but more secure, you’re about to see toe loop or ‘toe post’ sandals absolutely everywhere. Whether it’s a barely there style like Marianne or a sturdier pair from the likes of Free People, it’s time to get in on the action before the sunshine arrives–whenever that may be!
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Reformation
Ludo Toe Ring Strappy Flat Sandal
FP Collection
Romeo Wrap Sandals
ZARA
Leather Sandals With Metal Embellished Detail
It’s basically like the new toe ring.
mango
Leather Straps Sandals
3. Pointed Toe Kitten Heels
Styles Notes: For work, a wedding or basically anywhere you want to wear heels, the kitten heel is a winner. I don’t know about you, but I’m all about comfy heels in my 30s, and I like how these chic styles can elevate simple outfits with minimal effort.
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Anthropologie
Maya Buckle Slingback Kitten Heels
Butter yellow? Tick. Buckled? Tick. Kitten heels? Tick.
Pointed Mesh Slingback Kitten Heels
If you’re not into mesh Mary Janes then mesh heels may be for you.
Charles & Keith
Crinkle-Effect Kitten-Heel Pointed-Toe Pumps
So easy to wear with a work look.
& Other Stories
Slingback Leather Pumps
Red is still key right now.
4. Futuristic Foil
Style Notes: As one of the key colours trends this season, of course silver shoes are sticking around for the long haul. You can basically wear metallic shoes as a neutral so they’ll go with any colour, but I like how Grece has lifted her neutral look with a touch of tin foil accessories.
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Jigsaw
Linnie Flat Pointed Ballerina | Silver
mango
Metallic Heeled Shoe With Buckle
Ticking off the silver and kitten heel trend in one.
Wear with white socks and a mini dress.
Circus NY by Sam Edelman
Circus Ny by Sam Edelman Hartlie Open-Toe Heels
Such a fun heel shape to go with a wedding guest dress.
5. Snake Print
Style Notes: When Who What Wear contributor, Monikh, wears something, you know it’s going to become a thing. If you’re over the leopard print resurgence, give snake a go in the form of square-toe ballet pumps from Arket or even vinyl wedges from Zara. It’s time to take a walk on the wild side (sorry!).
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The square toe and print make these ballet pumps feel fresh.
ZARA
Animal Print Wedge Sandals
Yep, wedges are also back.
Whistles
Nila Snake Slingback Heel
Okay, this pair is slightly over £150 but they’re too good not to include.
Steve Madden
Grand Ave Sandals Lt. Beige Snake