In days of yore, you’d spot the biggest London Fashion Week shoe trends on the catwalk… then, six months later, they’d appear in the shops before finally trickling down to the high street… Now, what the fashion pack see on the catwalk is less about trends for the sake of it (this is an excellent win for sustainability) and more about general moods and tendencies.
Designers have a signature that their customers return to season after season, and it’s quite likely that what you will see at the shows is what front-row show-goers are already sporting. This season, more than ever, there was a synergy in the shoe trends we saw on the catwalk and those we noticed as big wins on the street style set.
So, what were the biggest London Fashion Week shoe trends?
COWBOY BOOTS
Echoing our prediction that cowboy boots were the only piece of footwear you need this season, Molly Goddard showed gloriously bright and colourful versions, adorned with hearts, for Spring Summer 2023, which we fell in love with. Off the catwalk, we saw more cowboy boots on show-goers than at a rodeo convention. Seriously, they are having a fashion moment. But because they are a mix of quirky and tough, you’ll be able to wear them forever. Cowboy boots are definitely a trend to keep returning to…
WHITE BOOTS
Ready to freshen up for Spring? While black boots are a practical choice for winter and the one colour we will never tire of, Bora Aksu showed pristine white boots as part of his military-themed show. Whether you wear them with jeans, denim cut-offs (next summer) or a floaty midi dress, they are a truly versatile choice. White may be tougher to keep clean, but conversely, white boots that have seen some life, can actually look more rock and roll than darker shades…
STRAPPY SANDALS
The classic after-dark option that will never go out of style, if you own a pair of sexy, strappy sandals, you’re more than wise. Chet Lo’s version came in scarlet patent with wispy bow ties at the ankle and they – or a similar style – will be a forever wear you’ll love for seasons to come. If you prefer to keep your toes hidden, point-toe slingbacks were also in evidence, and again they’re a fashion classic you’ll never regret purchasing.
DENIM BOOTS
As LFW’s brightest designers proved their creativity with a new take on all things denim we've dubbed it the denaissance) it was only natural that denim footwear came back into focus. Denim boots, like these at Masha Popova looked particularly retro as Y2K’s favourite fabric circled back (and again provided evidence that keeping everything in your wardrobe is always a good idea, albeit ridiculously impractical.)
MARY-JANES and T-BARS
In the cute corner, every little girl’s favourite party shoes - the Mary-Jane or sweet T-bar - took a grown-up turn on the runway. Whether flat and made for walking, like the cobalt blue Mary-Janes at Sinead O’Dwyer or covered in tactile tweed, as with the blue T-bar heels we saw at Paul & Joe, they will add a jolt of femininity to any outfit. Whether you choose to amp up that girlishness with frills and ruffles or play up the contrast in a trouser suit or combats is up to you.
It’s always a joy when the biggest trends already exist in your wardrobe and the London Fashion Week shoe trends proved that remixed classics will remain forever in sustainable style...
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton
