The summer is officially here, which means, whether the forecast is playing ball or not, it's time to crack out your weather-appropriate outfits.
Trench coats, mini dresses and light knits are all back on the proverbial menu. And, if you're looking for a way to update your tried and tested spring ensembles for the upcoming months, may I suggest pairing them with some red shoes? Yes, I'm still going on about adding a touch of red to your outfits (remember the red tights and socks?), and that's because it looks so damn good.
We first paid attention to the red shoe trend (which conjures such cinematic references as Dorothy's sparkling flats in The Wizard of Oz and the titular footwear of The Red Shoes) back when designer Wales Bonner and Adidas released their sellout red Sambas, complete with gingham laces, back in 2022. Tove, The Row and Proenza Schouler followed suit by putting them on their SS24, Pre-Fall 24 and AW24 runways, respectively, and they have since trickled down to the trotters of every modish influencer, editor and celebrity about.
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Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, Lucy Williams, Reese Blutstein, and even I, have been shamelessly adding a touch of filmic whimsy to even the most serious and grown up looks (or not), and you should too.
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If you have a wedding coming up this summer, then consider pairing your dress or suit (maybe also in red?) with a pair of red heels. Strappy slingbacks and mules feel the most 'now', in my opinion, and if a bold, cherry red isn't for you, Miu Miu and Gucci are both pushing a deeper wine hue. If you're feeling extra experimental, think about wearing them with a pair of very sheer red tights, otherwise a neutral manicure should do the job.
Red Heels To Shop Now
Reformation Serenity Bare Sandal
Manolo Blahnik Maysale 70 Suede Mules
For those of us who like to keep a lower centre of gravity, you can really play around with the other hottest styles around: mesh shoes, ballet flats, cowboy boots, loafers, Mary-Janes (I could go on...) all work well in crimson.
Red Flats To Shop Now
Ganni Buckle Flats
Arket Mesh Ballerinas
I think leaning into childlike silhouettes and colour-combinations (think short shorts and mini dresses in powder blue and school-appropriate brown) work best with these shoes, but you could easily add a pair of red mesh shoes to a black, oversized suit and still be office appropriate.
Whether you're channelling girlish charm or office siren with your new red shoes, I challenge you not to whisper 'there's no place like home' when wearing them.
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Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
