Footwear is fun again! I repeat, footwear is fun again!
The past month has been a serious style spectacle, with New York, London, Paris and Milan all debuting AW26 collections, and though we have little to notes on the ensembles, it was the fancy footwork that caught the attention of the H! Fashion team.
From feathered lace-up boots at Prada and sequin ballet flats at Cecilie Bahnsen to lush lilypads at Dior and sporty sneaker heels at Onitsuka Tiger, the catwalk was ripe with sensational shoes.
According to the experts - i.e. Muccia Prada, Jonathan Anderson and Simone Rocha, this season is all about bold prints, pops of colour, lashings of texture and statement silhouettes - the more experimental the better.
In light of fun footwear making a triumphant return, the H! Fashion team has been eyeing up a special selection of spring favourites, all perfect for the warmer weather ahead. From Clare’s floral trainers to Toby’s failsafe loafers, here’s every pair of shoes on the team's wishlist this season.
Lauren Ramsay, Deputy Digital Editor
I’m really in my loafers era right now. They’re a more polished alternative to trainers, but just as versatile. I’ve been seeing these slip-on suede loafers all over the It-girls on Instagram, and I’m obsessed. The backless design and sandy colourway give the classic loafer a warm-weather makeover - even if we’re not quite there yet.
By Far’s pony-hair sandals have somehow lessened my lifelong hatred of wedged heels - which is miraculous. I love the fluid curve of the heel and the chic campness of the cheetah print wedge, which feels reminiscent of 90s dress codes. I’d style these puppies with some sleek black capri pants or a pair of boxy Bermuda shorts for a more androgynous look. Ideal for after-work events and date night when a stellar peacocking piece is essential.
Spring is coming, and I want to shout it from the rooftops (and my footwear) without compromising on comfort. Job done. I'll be wearing mine with a mini skirt and knee-high socks when the sun is shining, and barrel-leg jeans when it's (inevitably) not.
Because leopard print is officially a neutral, right? Well, that's my mantra for spring. You can't go wrong with a pair of Mary Janes, balancing comfort and style, these cuties tie at the front in the perfect bow to elevate any look. I'm styling these with a sleek pair of linen trousers and a boxy white tee for a simple yet chic 'fit during the transitional season. Let these shoes do all the talking.
It's always been loafers for me. Versatile. Baby shower to beers at the beach. Speaking of, one glimpse of sun and I'm all bermuda shorts, loose shirts and these Studio Nicholson mule loafers - business at the front, beach at the back. Slip on, slip off.
This year, I'm going to try my darndest to start wearing heels more, and my first point of call for the spring-infused months is a pair of Campers' iconic Kobarah Sandal in buttery yellow. Cute, quirky and above all else, comfortable, I think these babies are the ultimate trainer-heel and will look great with sundresses, trousers, socks and even with swimwear.
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© Launchmetrics
© Launchmetrics
© Launchmetrics
© Launchmetrics
© Launchmetrics
