Every year when the weather starts to warm up, the first thing I do is banish my boots to the back of my closet and begin strategizing about spring shoes. This season, there are loads of cool, affordable styles under under $300, but if you’re in the mood to splurge — or just look at pretty things — the Cut has rounded up dozens of cool, cheerful pairs. Oscar de la Renta has a fantastic fuchsia mule, while Christian Louboutin offers up the most perfect black power heel. Or maybe you have an inner Golden Peacock dying to own a pair of knee-high gladiator sandals? Chloé’s version is sure to be popular and omnipresent all summer. And if it’s trendy ‘70s-style heels you’re seeking, then Miu Miu’s peacock-blue brocade wedges and Saint Laurent’s studded platforms will fulfill your fantasies. And don’t worry, it’s not all fantasy shoes, there are plenty of affordable versions of each style mixed into the bunch as well. Click ahead to see the entire selection.
Fancy Slides Not Meant for the Shower
With detailing like rhinestones, fringe, and metallic leather, these are an upgrade from your house slippers and flimsy flip-flops. Try Newbark’s peacock-blue-and-gold ones with a patterned dress for a relaxed spin on evening dressing or Tibi’s fringed slides with shorts for a weekend look.
Non-Festival Fringe Shoes
This is not the kind of fringe you wear to Coachella, thankfully. It’s menswear-inspired and sophisticated whether it’s in the form of a heel or a flat. Proenza Schouler’s minimalist take is a fantastic splurge-worthy heel, but you could also opt for Whistles’ version for the same feel.
Street-Style-Bait-y Sandals
Chloé’s take on the look has definitely been the most popular, selling out at plenty of sites, but other designers like Zara and Stuart Weitzman offer similar options. Wear them with a short white dress and pretend like you’re in the running for a Golden Peacock.
The Minimalist’s Dream Shoes
If you worship at the altar of Phoebe Philo, these shoes will speak to you. Should you want to try a bit of ugly pretty in your life, Robert Clergerie’s clean white slides are a good baby step, while Maryam Nassir Zadeh’s ballerina pump is full on jolie-laide.
For the Person Who Has to Be Trendy
If you’re obsessed with the return of the ‘70s, then Saint Laurent’s studded platforms and Miu Miu’s peacock brocade wedges are the stuff Pinterest dreams are made of. Should you need something to wear with your high-waisted denim or culottes right now, Topshop has a pretty great take on the trend, too.
Pretty and Comfy Outdoor Wedding Shoes
If it hasn’t started yet, the wedding season is upon us and you’ll be that much more thankful for these low-heeled shoes when you’re stuck traipsing through a lawn for the ceremony. Valentino’s pink Tango pump has become a favorite among the street-style bunch, but you can also go super-sparkly and affordable with the ASOS one.
Sexy Car-Service-Only Heels
Yes, they’ll probably kill your feet after 30 minutes, but they’ll look incredibly sharp with any outfit: Gianvito Rossi’s lace pump with a sleek pencil skirt, say. Just save them for an event where you can perch elegantly against a pillar or table.
Fun, Flouncy Tassels to Mix Up Your Shoe Game
Classic shapes are always a smart bet, but sometimes they need a little embellishment from feeling stale, like in the form of tassel accents. The flat styles work well with shorts, while the heels will complement a cocktail dress or rolled-up jeans.
For When Stilettos are Too Predictable
Be it Pierre Hardy’s geometric block or Acne’s bamboo heel, consider this style a baby step toward embracing your inner eccentric.
Fresh and Clean White Shoes
If you’re in the mood to lighten up this season, nothing feels fresher than white shoes. Zara’s stacked slide has a black sole; great if you’re afraid of getting them too dirty. If you’re as meticulous with your shoes as you are with your handbags, then you’re responsible enough to own Givenchy’s stacked heel.
