brogues

Is shopping for shoes becoming more of a minefield than a pleasure trip? Are you confusing your ballerinas with your brogues? If you have any doubt as to which shoe trends are in vogue, here is everything you need to know about how to fashionably wear this season’s flats and heels. The good news is that ALL the high street retailers have a fabulous selection of fashionable flats and fabulous heels, and at truly affordable prices.

DON’T FEAR THE FLAT

There is absolutely no need to sacrifice style for comfort, as this season’s flats will also raise you up in the style stakes. If you’ve ever taken your heels off after an hour on the dance floor, or they lie abandoned under your desk at work within minutes of walking into the office, then you know that the heel alternative of a flat offers pure comfort, and joy.

Images: Topshop

From ballerinas and slipper shoes commemorated by the Fashpack, to loafers and brogues offering a sturdiness that is hard to argue with, look out for feminine touches like a little toe cleavage, or a pointed toe for extra sexiness, and quilted, metallic and animal print finishes that’ll make these shoes sing.

Images: OFFICE

Add finishing touches to Ghillie flats with back zip fastenings and seek out patchwork, fringing, bows and studs for ultimate fashion points. These are the shoes that will take you from dawn to dusk.

Images: Peacocks

REACH GREAT HEIGHTS

Love them or hate them, heels are the ultimate accessories when it comes to taking your style to great heights. Nothing adds glamour like a pair of heels or towering skyscrapers to add some wiggle to your walk, whether you’re wearing them during the day or at night.

Images: Topshop

The peep-toe heel and the slingback heel are both having a revival. Whether in leather, patent, or satin, the small exposure of skin each style brings is ever so chic, and no matter how high the heel, these styles will work with everything in your wardrobe. The slingback is the perfect party shoe, refreshed for autumn in pastel velvets, soft suedes and cool animal prints.

Images: New Look

But if you want a shot of high-octane glamour, nothing beats a pair of stilettos. The sharp dagger of this heel, at least 4 inches in height, looks amazing in all colours and will add pure sexiness to your walk and to your outfit. Take the heel slightly lower and you have a court shoe, every working girls closet staple. Look out for embellished heels, embroidery and brocade, luxe animal prints, sexy cut-outs and metallics.

Images: Dorothy Perkins

Which girl are you? Towering heels or comfortable flats? Whether you opt for comfort and practicality or for longer legs and a sexy wiggle, this season is all about investing in a shoe wardrobe that ranges in variety and serious style.

Images: Deichmann