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Does anyone feel like 2024 shoe trend lists are everywhere? But feeling a little offended that we’re supposed to be “over” the shoes we were wearing in 2023? I like my Sambas. I just got past chunky loafers giving me Junior High flashback and now I’m being asked to embrace a whole new line up of kicks? A line up that’s, to be frank, looking a little thin. From where I’m sitting on fashion TikTok, it’s ballet flats as far as the eye can see. Which means now I have to face off with early 2000 culotte culture flashbacks (yeah, that’s how we wore ballet flats, my Gen Z readers. With culottes. Sometimes with corduroy skirts and really thick tights. It was bleak).
Despite these challenges, I’ve picked the trends that have spoken to me, a women who went from hating some of the shoes on this list, so wanting all of them, BADLY. A woman who is constantly reminded that she cannot pull off everything at her age without looking like she’s trying too hard. BUT, she persisted…to bring you this list. I’ve chosen the most sensible and versatile on trend shoes to go with a variety of the also on trend minimal style fits. So check out the below for all the outfit inspo you need to pull off the opposite of whatever we were doing in 2005.
Retro Sneakers
Sweatshirt / Tee / Pants / Hat / Bag / Shoes
Again, I don’t care what anyone says about sambas being played out. I love a retro shoe. And I especially love a red shoe. I truly believe it goes with everything. I dare you to try it. A summer froc? Sporty and cute. A suit? So chic. Also, you can NEVER go wrong with grey and red. It’s a perfect combo. And I’m obsessed with everything pinstripe these days. This more relaxed version from St. Agni is chef’s kiss.
This outfit is perfect for a red shoe, but it will work with any color. The trick with a fun color is to try to stay neutral with you outfit choices. You can always add a fun bag and a pop of color on your head (far far away from the shoe, but try to keep your clothes in the beige, black, white, grey, basic blue zones. The aim is draw attention to the shoe who is the star of the show here.
Knee High Boots
Top / Skirt / Earrings / Ring / Bag / Boots
If you are wearing a knee high boot, you are automatically more important. You are older and wiser, and you have somewhere so important to be that, if you cut me off, I will apologize to you. I will quietly fear until my end of days that my significant other will hear of this person wearing boots, and he will be forever slightly disappointed that I am not and never will be this impressive boot lady. I am girl. She is woman. This is how much respect I give to anyone wearing a boot, and the respect they deserve.
Because of the powerful effect of the boot, I like to pair them with something more light and flirty, but still elevated, deserving of the boot. I love this top from Les Coyotes (and this kinda dupe from Commense), and the jewelry from simuero (I want it all) compliments the visible decorative stitching. I like the idea of pairing a classic L.L. Bean tote with a sophisticated look. Because the tote is a classic, the canvas is forgiven. However, if this makes you recoil, I could easily see this paired with an elevated Cuyana tote.
And, very important, if you are going to buy a boot this season, make it a kitten heel. Not seeing many heels right now, and you will be thankful for the low heel when trying to get in your steps.
Square-toe Ballet Flats
Jacket / Tee / Pants / Sunglasses / Bag / Shoes
Ok, we arrived at the dreaded ballet flat. I can put it off no longer. I have been quietly seething about ballet flats coming back for a while now. “The children!” I cried, “They are making the same mistakes we did!” I had thought we all agreed that ballet flats gave depressing office overhead lighting/first job vibes. BUT I’ve seen strong looks paired with these shoes, I’ve processed my personal biases, and, the final turning point: they made, like, really cute Mary Jane styles in my favorite color, red. So, I am officially a ballet flat believer.
They look pretty fantastic with long straight leg and baggy pants. I’m digging them paired with socks even. They might even be my gateway drug into early 2000s comeback style. That’s why I’ve added the white Charles and Keith shoulder bag. I wouldn’t have been caught dead with this style of bag or the sunnies in 2007, but with this outfit? These shoes? The painter’s pants? In this economy? It’s working for me.
I’m seeing a lot of red ballet flats around town, so I wanted to feature a silver pair here. Metallics are huge right now. The shine adds a little brightness to the fit, while, along with the bag and glasses, softens the harder jacket and jeans look. With everything, balance.
Hobbit Shoes
Coat / Dress / Necklace / Sunglasses / Bag / Clog
Crocs walked so these babies could run. While the tan color of the Boston Birkenstocks seems to be the trending color, I think the black has it’s use when you are going for a slightly more refined look. I love pairing an extremely comfortable shoe with an elevated style. This look is great for escaping the city for a weekend in the country. Though I would use this bag for my daily needs (why do I always need so much stuff?!).
A belted coat is paired here with a beautiful long sweater crew neck dress, because this coat a) is fantastic and b) is long enough to work with a maxi dress, but I would consider removing the belt, as this could veer into nightgown/robe territory. With this look, be strategic with your details. When this works, it is so elegant. The look is in the details, not the categories.
Kitten Heel Sling-back
Trench / Sweater / Jeans / Ribbon / Socks / Heel
The kitten sling back heel is probably the chicest shoe on this list. Wear it with some rolled up jeans and an oversized button down. OR, as it is represented here, a Fair Isle Sweater.
Ah the Fair Isle Sweater, the domain of J. Crew in the late 90s/early aughts. I don’t know why they don’t bring back some of their classics. They had so many. I wanted them all. The patterns, always flattering. The feel, wealthy cozy ski lodge patron.
There’s a lot of layering going on here, but I love the idea of a trench over a patterned sweater (who needs a heavier coat when you’re swaddled in that much wool?) and a ribbon in the hair. Are we in Paris? In Université? On the way to grab a glass of wine after class? Or before? Who cares? It’s Europe.
Add a pair of socks, if it’s cold, or for a little bit of an edge/to de-femme it a little. Ditch the ribbon, if that feels to precious. The options are surprisingly endless with this one. La vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin.
