Having spent the last year bound to our favourite slippers, the urge to rebuild our outside wardrobe—from the office to cocktails—has never felt so prevalent.
And with luxe sportswear becoming our new normal—hello, comfy sweatpants—there’s one fashion item that needs an update: our shoes.
In order to elevate our cosy must-haves, fashion has taken footwear under its wing with a myriad of new variations set to keep your walking in both comfort and style.
As fashion sets its eyes on what trends will make the cut, it’s time to step into the new year and defined fashion status with the must-have shoe trends set to define 2021.
Below, we’ve done the hard work for you and sifted out the footwear trends you need to know, and of course, where to shop them all.
Androgynous Additions
Grandpa’s favourite footwear is getting the fashion treatment. The classic men’s shoe has returned to our wardrobe but both chunkier and higher. Whether it be an oxford, loafer or a brogue, iterations of the androgynous style have included block heels for a feminine edge or a large tread to accentuate shape and form. Spotted at Chloé, the footwear staple is paired up with skirts and mid-length dresses in subtle hues, but if you’re still on the hunt for femininity, Gucci partnered them with socks for a school-like vibe.
Shop the trend:
Peyton faux-pearl embellished leather loafers by Gucci, $1500 at Matches Fashion.
Leather loafers by Gianvito Rossi, $1098.79 at Net-A-Porter.
Chunky 40mm slip-on loafers by Stella McCartney, $1325 at Farfetch.
Flying Flatforms
After 2020, there’s no wonder why flatforms—and comfortable shoes, in general—are on the rise. With the Instagram It-crowd fawning over flatform thongs for the past 12 months, this year’s iteration takes their exaggerated design to new heights. Erdem, Altuzarra and Ulla Johnson’s versions saw the chunky sandal with raffia and wooden heels, leaving many to ponder over how to walk in heels again. Molly Goddard’s saw the Creeper return for those looking for an alternative closer to the ground. Either way, pair them with flowy fabrics for a Boho look or partner them with some sleek tailoring for ode to masculinity.
Shop the trend:
Padded-satin slingback flatform sandals by Simone Rocha, $737 at Matches Fashion.
Elyse studded vegetarian leather platform sandals by Stella McCartney, $1135 at Net-A-Porter.
Resurgence Of The Clog
Whether you love them or hate them, clogs are the retro staple that keeps on giving. Before you ride them off as a ‘70s relic from your grandmother’s attic, fashion month proved its duality with sleek and chic takes of the vintage style. From Hermès to Molly Goddard, pair the clunky addition with polished separates and exaggerated frill and let the clogs do the talking. If you’re unsure of busting out the footwear, try opting out of the eccentric cow skin variety and head for the sleek, patent leather with a low heel.
Shop the trend:
Louise Clogs by Swedish Hasbeens, $387.93 at Shopbop.
Wide buckle leather clog mules by Ancient Greek Sandals, $5650 at Matches Fashion.
All Chained Up
Whether you’re after more grunge or more glam, chunky chains have made their way from our necks to our feet as the latest statement accessory. Simone Rocha showcased a thick gold chain threaded with pearls, whereas No. 21 preferred silver chains for more intensity. Typically thick and heavy-duty, their stature juxtaposes the delicate pumps and flats to which they were attached to. Also spotted at Michael Kors, Ulla Johnson, Off-White, and Longchamp, it’s safe to say that chained footwear is a 2021 must-have.
Shop the trend:
Gina 90 chain sandals by BY FAR, $916 at Farfetch.
Brierfield chain-strap pointed leather pumps by Burberry, $1015 at Matches Fashion.
Sae-90 chain-strap leather sandals by Jimmy Choo, $1125 at Matches Fashion.
Serious Straps
Strappy heels are hardly a new footwear trend, but 2021 is seeing the current trend creep up into new territory. The new iteration involves more intricate strapping, with some wrapping up and around the ankle for an elevated take on the trend that was made famous by Phoebe Philo’s Céline variation and the minimalist styles of The Row. At Hellessy, strappy heels were made with straps like knotted cords, giving the shoes a slightly edgy touch. Whereas, Jacquemus saw the straps creep up to mid-calf territory for an elevated take on the 2000s gladiator trend. Either way, these are going on our shopping list.
Shop the trend:
Adour Haute wraparound leather sandals, by Jacquemus, $459 at Matches Fashion.
Sweden 80mm strappy sandals by Magda Butrym, $767 at Farfetch.
Soleil leather sandals by Cult Gaia, $534.84 at Net-A-Porter.
Return To Regency
As our fascination with Regency-era fashion reaches its peak—thanks for that, Bridgerton—there’s no wonder why ballerina flats have made a history-inspired comeback. Made from leather, STAUD’s creation saw the new ballet flat encompassing most of the foot with an opening close to the ankle, while J.W. Anderson’s take incorporated a kitten heel with a charm-embellished ankle strap. For whimsy, pair with nap dresses—or one fit for a ball—for a more feminine feel or style with sharp tailoring if androgyny is up your alley.
Shop the trend:
Rhinestone Anklet Ballet Flats by JW Anderson, $496.55 at Shopbop.
Tuli Flat in Tan, $295 at STAUD.
Leonie Soft Ballet Flats by Loeffler Randall, $323.38 at Shopbop.
