Cooler temperatures usually bring a long-awaited surge of excitement for the sweaters, jeans, blazers and scarves that have been in storage for the past seven months. But once those perfect autumn temperatures drop below fifty degrees, the fun starts to wear off; we exchange our cute cardigans and jackets for shapeless down puffers, our skin gets chapped from subzero winds and eventually we’re all wearing sloppy sweatshirts to class.
The one item that will outlast your winter blues? Shoes. After all, they are a girl’s best friend. (Wait, you’ve heard differently…?) The right footwear can liven up any dull cold-weather ensemble, and this season’s endless shoe offerings are ripe for the picking. Between fuzzy animal prints, suede booties, bold hues and chunky heels, you won’t waste a second looking unfashionable.
Choosing shoes with a hint of texture is a foolproof way to add some interest to your look. Velvet lace-up sandals look equally amazing with casual skinnies or a glamorous gown, and the latest trend for flats – the slip-on loafer – are extra edgy when done up in a spotty calf-hair. For a subtler dose of texture, try a classic patent bootie with gray flannel trim and cutouts.
Two-tone shoes are taking over department stores and are one of the easiest ways to let your shoe take center stage. You can choose a complementary two-tone – like a beige bootie with olive panels – or something a little bolder, like orange and magenta bow pumps. Or add some edge with striking navy-and-black T-straps adorned with sharp spikes!
But aside from fierce details and lust-worthy hues, your shoes of course need to be walkable. This is where the block-heel comes into play; while it’s markedly less feminine than traditional heels, the strong, sturdy heel anchors your ensemble and adds a graphic element. Try a classic black bootie, eggplant Mary Janes or camel buckled pumps for a shoe that will not only go with all of your winter looks, but will keep you from slipping and sliding on the ice, too.
And while we’re on the topic of walkable heels… wedges are always in style. This winter, try some neutral, ultra-casual suede wedges with lace-up or buckle detailing; they can be dressed up or down, and smaller heels means less pain for you. J.Crew’s two-inch booties will have you walking to class, through the mall, or to work, and the same goes for Victorian-inspired gray lace-ups or a sleek all-black version.
