Christmas has come and gone, and now it is time to cash in on all the great Boxing Week sales! Time to prepare yourself for the year to come. If you’ve been looking for a new pair of shoes for the winter season, there’s no time like the present! Before you log on to your favourite online retailers to start shopping, let’s take a look at some of the fun, interesting and exciting shoe trends worth exploring!
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Marilyn Monroe was once quoted saying, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world,” and she may be on to something! After all, the right pair of shoes can take your outfit to a whole new level. They can give you confidence, complement your unique fashion sense and (in some cases) add a practical touch.
During the winter months, we are faced with a unique situation – from holiday gatherings and New Year’s Eve parties to snowy winter getaways, there are a wide variety of different occasions to consider. Whether you’re rocking your favourite dresses, sweaters and cardigans or bundling up with a stylish coat, no outfit is complete without that ‘perfect’ pair of shoes. Right?
While there are some classics that will never go out of style, the changing trends from year to year are a great way to shake things up from time to time. Of course, we can’t discuss fashion trends here on Alternatively Speaking without exploring some fun alternative fashion! Interestingly enough, many style choices once seen as ‘alternative’ are now hitting the stage in mainstream fashion.
Let’s take a look at some of the big shoe trends of 2019/2020:
Animal Print
Animal print has captured the attention of interior designers and stylists this year, the biggest resurgence of this trend since the 1960s. Inspiring handbags, clothing, home décor and jewelry, it’s clear that animal print is once again here to stay! When you’re shopping for a new pair of heels or boots, consider tapping into your ‘wild side’ with some leopard, cheetah, zebra, snake or giraffe print styles. This is one trend that’s sure to help you stand out in the crowd.
Sneakers
You may be surprised to see sneakers listed here. Once reserved for athletes and those who hang out at the skate park, today’s sneakers offer a wide variety of options for everyone! Don’t get me wrong, there are still some INCREDIBLE athletic shoe options for those who are looking for the proper support when running or hiking, and skate shoes will always be there for those who prefer that style. Recently sneakers have been seen more frequently on the runway. From flashy, glittery sneakers to beautiful pastel New Balance running shoes, the options are endless. As far as shoe trends go, this one is both fun AND functional!
Thigh-High Boots
If you’re looking for a little more coverage in this snowy weather, why not trade in your strappy heels for an uber-chic pair of thigh-high boots? Whether you prefer to stick with classic black leather or pushing the boundaries a little by incorporating a fun neon or animal print (as mentioned above), there are options for nearly every style and event. Boots are a great way to add a unique touch to a classic pencil skirt or sweater dress. Looking to dress up a pair of leggings or skinny jeans? Throw a pair of boots on top and you’re ready to go.
Ankle Boots
Not interesting in going all out with the thigh-high look? Don’t cross boots off your list quite yet! Whether you prefer a high heel or a smaller chunky heel, there are options for everyone. One mainstream trend that has been drawing attention recently (but has existed in the world of alternative fashion for quite a while) is the use of combat boots. Not only can you find a wide variety of traditional combat boot styles, but combat boots are also available with different heel sizes, colours and embellishments allowing them to fit in with any closet. The best part? Good quality combat boots are built to take a beating, meaning they will last you for years to come.
Classic Winter Boots
We can’t discuss winter shoe trends without touching on the classic winter boot. Now, you may instantly picture boring leather boots or the standard rubber sole winter boots you wore as a child, but let the phrase fool you. There are many fun and stylish winter boot options out there. If you’re flipping through pictures of your favourite celebrity styles this year, you’ve likely seen some of the dramatic lace-up boots that have ranked among the big shoe trends of 2019. Whether your style is better suited to a classic black leather lace-up boot with stud details or a pretty lavender velvet, you are sure to find something!
Grandma Heels
A more mature fashion trend, many women find themselves rocking grandma-style heels, especially in the workplace. Gone are the days that grandma heels described boring footwear that one would immediately associate with the older generation. Today you can find grandma-style kitten heels on many stylish boots and shoes, allowing for comfortable footwear regardless of the occasion. You can check out different flat and shorter heel options on Clarks this season and find a pair of Clarks shoes that will suit you according to your personality, style and comfort level!
‘Ugly’ Shoes
One of the most fun shoe trends to watch on the runways, ‘ugly’ shoes may have started as a joke somewhere, but it’s a trend that caught on and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. Included in this category we see the various options of ‘Croc’ style shoes, clunky, thick-soled sandals with socks and textiles that are reminiscent of grandma’s sofa as a child. There are even studded crocs for those who want to rock these allegedly comfortable shoes while staying true to their more alternative style. Why did the ‘ugly’ shoes trend take off? There’s always someone trying to push the boundaries… I have to wonder if the people behind these styles are standing in a corner somewhere shaking their heads and laughing!
Clogs
Looking for an alternative to boots while still rocking some comfortable footwear? Another style of shoe worthy of a mention when considering 2019/2020 shoe trends is the clog. Historically clogs referred to a style of wooden footwear that held special meaning in many cultures, but today the term is used to describe a more comfortable slip-on style of footwear that often has a wider or square-styled toe. These are a practical style of work footwear! The best part about this trend is that it includes everything from the most comfortable slipper-style cogs to the leather office-appropriate styles, meaning there truly is something for every occasion.
There you have it. With the ever-changing fashion industry, there are certain to be shoe trends that I haven’t included, but this is a great place to get started. Time to hit the online shops in search of your next ‘favourite’ pair of shoes!
Looking for some ideas of where to shop? Many retailers now offer online purchase options on their company website in addition to their brick and mortar locations. Well-known brands like Clarks and New Balance are just a click away! Resellers and auction sites like eBay, Poshmark and Thred Up are a great place to pick up the latest styles at a low price. Finally, don’t forget Amazon, a one-stop-shop for everything including footwear.
What are your favourite shoe trends from 2019/2020? What site do you run to first for your online shoe shopping? I’d love to hear your tips, tricks and suggestions in the comments below!
Interesting post! I’ve never been a fan of animal print until I saw a suede pair of faux snake ankle boots. Sadly they didn’t have my size so stayed in the store. 🙁 You wouldn’t catch me in Crocs lol, but I do like the look of those ‘Grandma Heeled’ boots.
Oh no, it’s too bad that they didn’t have your side!