Top 5 Shoe Trends for SS18

White Trainers
Whether you go for a pair of classic Vans or opt for the new chunkier style (designed by the likes of Yeezy and Balenciaga), trainers as everyday wear has blown up in the fashion industry in recent years and they are here to stay for the foreseeable future.

Gone are the days when they could only be worn with sportswear-and white trainers for summer can really switch up an outfit for a smart casual look.

There are literally no rules anymore, you can wear trainers with anything.

My go to look would be to team white Vans with a floaty, A line midi skirt for a more feminine look or mixing up a pair of tailored trousers like these ones that I’ve just ordered from ASOS for a more androgynous take.

 

 

Pool Slides
I am loving the idea of these- the lazy girl inside can’t wait to throw these on with jeans or even a pair of tailored joggers for a cool, relaxed vibe. I did a huge ASOS order the other day and I am having serious buyer regret for removing an amazing pair of holographic Superdry slides from my basket last minute. I think I’ll be taking a peak in Primark to see if they have a similar pair, otherwise I may need to go back to ASOS!

White Sling Back Heels

These are the closest to what I want that I’ve found so far!

I’ve seen these everywhere, usually teamed with looser fitting jeans! This is a tough one as I think it can be quite a personal choice of which ones to go for, in fact I’m still looking for the perfect pair for me! I don’t want a pair with too high of a heel, and I don’t want a too narrow of a toe (I’m a practical girl, I want something that won’t pinch me after an hours wear). If I skip on any of these trends, it would probably be this one, just because I’m being so particular and I think I could swap them out for a pair of silver block heel sandals that I already own. Watch this space, I might find a pair yet!

 

Slip on trainers
These have been on trend for quite a while, and my old pair are looking pretty battered now, so I’m looking for an update! I’ve tried on a few, and I’ve found the most comfy pair were actually from H&M. Again, I just want something to slip on that looks super casual but also quite put together with jeans and a simple tee. I’m thinking of buying the gold pair from H&M, unfortunately the only reason I didn’t buy them in the first place was that I received such bad customer service whilst visiting the store I put them back on the shelf. They also have the same pair in a cool tropical print as well (I’m just not sure how much wear I’d get out of them).

Cut out booties

I like this pair from Carvela 

I think these will look fab with floral dresses in the Summer months. I’d go for a tan pair probably, but a chunky pair of black ones would give an edgier look. Whether you go for a peep toe ankle boot or a laser cut patterned pair, I think they can act as a good pair of dressy Summer heels, and an alternative to wearing heeled sandals.

Alexa Chung resort collection

Personally I love adding a pop of colour to a look, and Alexa Chung gives food for thought on this idea in her new Resort Collection. Alexa gives us strappy checked dresses, a gorgeous layered tulle skirt and mixed prints, but the standout trend of the collection? The splashes of red in the footwear (and this emoji inspired dress )! Now, all those of us that follow fashion probably had an inkling that red boots were here to stay throughout SS18, but with it cropping up in resort collections, I’d imagine we can now expect to see them following through into AW19 as well!

What suits you?

Before I get into anything, just take a look at my little scenario below:

You’ve found the dress for a girls night out, or so you think.

You’ve seen it on a mannequin at the front of the store and instantly make a beeline for the dress on the rack, a bejewelled necklace hanging decoratively over the hanger only lures you in further.

You, and your new love, march on over to the fitting room ‘Just the one please’ you say boldly. This dress is the one, you think to yourself smugly.

You step into the brightly lit cubicle ready to try on the one.

Pulling it over your head, you begin to frown, this feels a little snug already…it’s just the fit you decide dismissively, squeezing your arms through the holes.

You pull down the dress and zip up the sides and turning to see yourself from all angles you begin to pout with disappointment and a little self loathing.

How can it fit half of my body so perfectly and look so disgustingly wrong on the other half?

Okay, now hands up all you girls (and guys) who have experienced dressing room self loathing? 

Yep, me too!

Now how can we avoid this happening again?

1 – Finding what does (and doesn’t) suit you
It’ll be worse before it gets better, but trust me, the key is to try on lots of styles- how will you know what suits you if you always go for that same style of low rise jean, what if a higher waist looks amazing on you and you just haven’t realised it?

2- Size doesn’t matter
Be sure to take a selection of sizes per item to try as well- I know it is difficult to separate yourself from the stigma of what size you are, but seriously, if a size 12 looks good why wouldn’t you buy it? I’ve heard so many people with the attitude of ‘ I am not going up a size’- for starters sizes fluctuate massively across brands, and this is enough of a reason not to worry too much whether you go ‘up’ a size or not, because chances are, you probably haven’t.

3- Not all trends are your friend 

An online magazine tells you that you need to buy into the comeback trend of 70’s style flares. Great for some, but not necessarily great for you- but you’ll never know until you at least try them 🙂 Experimentation with trends is great, just learn which ones are your friends, and which ones aren’t, and the same goes for colours and prints too.

4- Stick to what you know

Yes, experiment all you like and add to your collection of what suits you- but don’t be afraid to have items in similar shapes and colours if you look and feel great in them! Just remember to always dress for yourself and nobody else- don’t buy into a certain trend if you feel rubbish in it- go with what you know and how you feel in yourself 🙂