Designer shoes hit different – we'll gladly admit it. If, like us, Sex and the City shaped your formative fashion years, the appeal of an exquisitely crafted shoe goes way beyond merely protecting your feet from the elements.
Fashion is a key form of expression, and when the stars align, it is empowering and joyful. When other, slightly more sinister, elements of the industry may sway us towards thinking unfavourably – unfairly, we hasten to add – towards our bodies, shoes present the perfect respite.
Fitting into your footwear is guaranteed, and for this reason alone, you ought to invest in your shoes. Styles with a certain classic appeal may stay with you for years beyond the initial purchase. Totally unaffected by body shape fluctuation, unlike the rest of your wardrobe, shoes can be relied upon to deliver impact – never an afterthought among the sartorially obsessed.
© ImaxtreeHowever, breaking the bank is not an option, whatever the devil on your shoulder may whisper come payday. The high street cannot be expected to offer you artisan craftsmanship, but it has still come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and can certainly help you get a slice of the latest trends.
Cool-girl shoes to shop this season:
Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes
Puma
Beloved by Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski, Puma's sell-out Speedcats are the It-shoe of the summer. Pair yours with baggy jorts and a white blouse for a romantic look with a sporty-chic twist.
Leather Ballet Flats
Mango
When we tell you to run to Mango now to secure these summer delights, we mean run. Perfect for all occasions and made from buttery sheep leather in the dreamiest cream hue, these ballerinas will be a go-to for years to come.
Asymmetric Heel Wedges
Stradivarius
Asymmetric heel wedges are one of the break-out trends of the summer. Get ahead of the curve with an affordable pair courtesy of high street hero Stradivarius - pocket-friendly and perfect for glamorous after-hours gallivanting.
Soft Strap Ballerinas
Zara
A pop of olive never hurt anyone, especially not in buttery leather form. These timeless slip-on options are seriously cute and would even cuter worn with slouchy white socks and some dark-wash denim.
Satin Bow Square-Toe Slingback Pumps
Charles & Keith
An affordable choice for those wanting to steer away from classic heel silhouettes, Charles & Keiths' charming chocolate pumps are the ideal summer occasionwear staple. The block heel provides ample comfort while the ballet flat design offers a sweet feminine touch.
Appliquéd Mesh Ballet Flats
H&M
Cuter than cute, these easy, breezy ballet flats can be styled up for an occasion or down for a chic wander through town. Wear with a LBD for a statement or floaty wide-leg trousers and a bikini top for an off-duty beach look.
Cow Leather Clogs
Pull & Bear
Didn't you hear? Cow print is all the rage right now - and there's no better way to incorporate the rural print into your summer wardrobe than with a pair of slip-on mules.
Catwalk Slingback Brown Heel
Deichmann
Nothing says autumn quite like a touch of chocolate. These affordable kitten heels offer a striking peek-a-boo moment beneath your favourite wide-leg jeans, perfectly primed to carry you from desk to drinks.
F&F Faux Leather Penny Trim Loafers in Black
Tesco
Channel back-to-school vibes with the humble Penny Loafer - a total wardrobe classic. Pair yours with pink socks for a Gianni Versace-approved look, or team with tights and a plaid mini skirt for a Clueless-coded look. The possibilities are endless.
Tanya Point Toe Knee High Boot
Topshop
Didn't you hear? This season is all about burgundy - and Topshop are well ahead of the curve with its Tanya Knee High Boots in a patent finish.
How we chose:
- Price: Many cult-adored designer pairs retail well beyond the £1,000 mark, but splashing out isn't always an option. We've selected the best of this season's hottest styles, and they all cost under £200.
- Style: Naturally, a super flattering shoe silhouette is essential. When combing through the internet's top high street fashion sites for the best pairs, we made sure that each of our picks were either bang on trend for AW24 or had a certain classic appeal for maximum wearability.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
