Shoe Trend Alert: Go Global

March 22, 2010 Comments (0)

One of the hottest trends for spring and summer 2010 is global touches. These touches come via texture, baubles and tribal prints for adding that perfect quirky spin to your warm weather outfits. There’s nothing wrong with sporting the trends on clothing, but let’s face – it’s a heck of a lot easier to wear a print on shoes than it is to see it stretched across your hips.

Do’s

- Do choose a bold print for shoes. It’s easy to wear, and can be worn for day or night in most cases. Go for versatile colors like rust orange or navy, which work back to coordinate with many other shades.

- Do go for an espadrille. Espadrilles are easy to wear because they are usually a wedge silhouette that’s easy on the feet while still giving you a lift. Espadrilles can work for a casual evening out with all-white like a white sun dress or a crisp white top and trousers.

- Do pack print shoes for a tropical vacation. They work with swimwear or tanks and shorts in the day, and can easily transform for night with a maxi dress.

- Do mix prints. If you are feeling gutsy, get in on mixing prints. It doesn’t have to be tribal with tribal. Try an ikat print on shoes with a fine striped boatneck and fitted solid skirt. Keep colors in the same family (warm or cool), and hair and makeup refined to create a chic look.

Don’ts

- Don’t let yourself be confined by a tribal print. They can be worn to the office, for day or evening, so let your creativity flow when it comes to styling print shoes.

- Go for something too wild. Prints should stick with 2-3 colors. Any more and they will be a struggle to work with. It isn’t impossible to work with a bevy of colors, but it is difficult. Take baby steps by starting with prints that work with only a few colors.

- Don’t be afraid of keeping it simple. If mixing prints isn’t for you, don’t worry. You will look just as stylish wearing a solid navy sheath with those navy and ivory print espadrilles. Sometimes less is more.

Samantha Cabrera