Brace yourself Stylers. I really hope you’re sitting down.
The white shoe is on its way back.
I’ve learned never to say “never again” in regards to fashion trends doing a little re-trend (hello new neon obsession) but I can categorically say this is NOT a trend that this 40-something will be adding to her must-have list come Spring Racing season.
Not on the life of your high school formal photo circa 1984.
Now, I have actually shared the lovely iced pink, sweetheart-necklined and puffed-sleeve number I wore on that fateful night when I was doing my best Princess Di impersonations.
What I’ve never revealed is that on my feet were beautifully crafted white, pointed toe pleather pumps.
I. Know.
But yesterday afternoon I was thrust right back to that night. Not because MY son’s Year 12 formal is this weekend but because I was listening to StyleTread’s buyer Shane Carroll list the 10 shoe trends for next summer*. And white shoes was one of them.
I immediately tweeted this fashion insight and not surprisingly was met by a mixture of responses, most suggesting that they would NOT be donning white shoes except for on their morning walk … or in Essex.
But then I got to thinking: there’s a whole lot of young ladies out there who are most probably going to embrace white shoes and I should just butt out and leave them to it.
And on checking my emails late last night, lo and behold the day’s white-out continued with this post on Who What Wear.
Oh my … maybe I’ll get sucked in after all?
Quick let’s look at the other trends, shall we?
StyleTread: 10 key shoe trends for spring-summer 2012-13
(And yes, I’m cheating, Friday is supposed to be about 5 things but today it’s 10. That’s 5×2 or 5+5 for those playing along at home)
- Fabulous Flats: Key styles include ballet flats, moccasins, loafers, pointy toe flats, brogues and boyish lace-ups.
- Tribe Vibe: looks Utilising raffia, hand beading and earthy embellishments
- Single Ladies: The single sole is one of the biggest looks of the season. Think Mad Men meets Grace Kelly.
- Perfect Pastels: Key tones are pale blue, lemon and mint green. Pale blush pink, apricot and lavender plays a supporting role.
- Metallica: Try rose gold for a neutral change
- Get Sporty: Look for the new wedge sneaker with a little height and sneaker-like detailing
- Neonista: If all over is not your speed, look for a trim or detail against warm neutral shades of tan and nude
- White Out: Often paired with a metallic heel or even a touch of PVC for a slight mod-ish approach, white is the new black.
- Evening Flats: Jewel-adorned, glitter sprayed or covered in silk/satin, these flat sandals ooze low key glamour
- Tough love: Studded trims give off a tough elegance this season and act at the perfect foil to all that is super femme.
So, which trends will I be adding to my wardrobe?
Straight up, I’d have to say Neonista and Fabulous Flats and I think these from Mollini will cover both bases 
(Mollini) Neonista and Fabulous Flats trend rolled into one
And here are some more of my potential favourites:
(Siren) A cute wedge with a splash of colour. Yes please.
(Siren) A bit of Tribe Vibe? Don't mind if I do.
(Siren) Work a neon bright back with tan for a subtle pop.
(Nude) Love the metallic trim to this pop of colour. A perfect spring flat.
These shoes will start to come online at StyleTread in July and August. I’ll be waiting!
And would you like to see a few more photos from this event? The launch was held over lunch at a gorgeous Sydney restaurant called Chiswick, in Woollahra. The food was incredible … I Instagramed a couple of photos. The weather may have been bleak outside but inside felt like an English summer house, albeit on a rainy day … so in fact very English.
Which shoe trends or trends can you see yourself embracing next season?
PS. If you live in Sydney did you know that StyleTread will deliver your shoes to you for free in under three hours if you order before 1pm? Seriously. I’m very happy for my Sydney sisters, really, I am. I’ve actually ordered and bought three pairs of shoes through StyleTread this year and have been amazed by the speed of service to a regional area.
* I was a guest of StyleTread at the media launch. The ads you see for StyleTread on this blog are affiliate ads. Basically, if you buy shoes, I get a little commission for it coming through my blog. Thanks to those of you who have done so already.
