Footwear trends for winter 2009

November 17th 2008

by Lily Stein

Footwear fashion is a capricious lady. Today this style is trendy, tomorrow that one and the day after tomorrow we return to first sample… Yes, it happens a lot.

This season is also notable for that. Something just goes into fashion, other styles have returned to us and some have gone away for some time or forever. Read and find out about what is in vogue this winter.

Stilettos

Stilettos have always been nice and sexy but sometimes they are not the hottest trend. This season they are and you can wear your favorite pair by Louboutin or other designer.

However, this season shoes have one peculiarity – stiletto and platform go together.

Sounds incredible, isn’t it? But actually it is a hidden platform in the front part of the shoe, with a super-tall stiletto heel at the back.

Thick, chunky heels

Platforms and chunky heels were popular for the past few seasons. Today they are not the most fashionable style as a graceful stiletto has returned.

Marni and Dior fall 2008

Nevertheless you will be right if invest in a pair of thick-heeled shoes as they will be in vogue more or less always due to its practicality.

Dolce and Gabbana and Chanel winter 2008 shoes

Dolce and Gabbana and Chanel winter 2008 shoes

Tapered heels

These are the heels that start thick at the top and taper down, often with a curve, into a stiletto point at the bottom.

Burberry Prorsum and 3.1 Phillip Lim

They’re a sexy, interesting and modern style which can really spice up an outfit. They are not classic of course, but if you like something extraordinary they are a perfect choice.

Zac Posen and Burberry Prorsum

Squared-off toes

Square-toed shoes are with us again. I’m glad they are not those horrible clunky dramatically-square shoes that used to be in fashion some time ago.

We have a new squared-off shape. It’s a tapered in toe with a short blunt nose – rather than a fully squared toe. A nice alternative to the lady-like round-toe or pointed one.

Pointed toe

It is a classic that returns to fashion pretty often. It hasn’t been long since we forgot about them and now here they are again.

Roberto Cavalli and Alessandro Dell’Acqua

Styles, materials, and details

This season is characterized by plenty of fashionable materials and embellishments – everything that is interesting and unique can be considered as trendy.

Suede and reptile skin make a strong comeback, while the mixed materials (combinations of leather, suede, metalics, all on the one piece) are prominent. Boots are anything from ankle to over-the-knee.

Above the knee boots

This boot style is becoming more and more popular year after a year. Yesteryear we have witnessed nearly every socialite and off-duty model photographed in her over-the-knee quilted Chanel boots.

This year, above the knee boots are the trendiest in heeled versions (rather than small or flat heels) with suede the material of choice. They look perfect over tights, long socks, jeans or pants.

Lace-up Shoes and Boots

Lace up shoes will be popular as winter arrives. These aren’t your typical granny boots but are sleekly sculpted, high fashion foot coverings with dramatic high heels often crafted with finishes such as patent leather.

You’ll see lace ups in bright, vivid colors to add a splash of interest to the typical dark colors worn during the winter months.

Although these shoe take some additional time to tie up, many women will think the final effect is worth every minute of it.

Mary-Jane

Mary-Jane with high heels was a great trend of the previous year. They were mostly sleek, feminine styles in patent leathers and with rounded toes.

Versace

This year sees Mary-Jane back with a nice change. Double or even triple buckles are one common defining detail; bright colours, luxurious fabrics or sharply pointed toes are other examples.

Reptile leathers

Reptile leather is something exotic and chic. Alligator, crocodile, lizard, snake… In 2009 its use is in the most classic of ways: subtle, refined and yet bold.

I have a pair of boots made of crocodile leather. They are just gorgeous! I love them!

Fringed boots

This style looks unusual. It is new and thus very attractive: folk-inspired with an ethnic twist. There are many ways of how to wear them.

Gucci

Short fringed ankle-boots in leather or suede can look sexy with bare legs or tights. They can add a ruffian charm to a sophisticated outfit, or look luxuriously with an everyday outfit.

Open-toe shoes with tights

They used to be a massive faux-pas, but these days they’re not just OK – they are trendy!

Open-toes or peep-toes worn with stockings, socks or tights underneath give us impressive look. It works nicely with similar or like colours, especially black on black – but bright contrasts can also look wonderful.