The Style Hawker: Two flat spring shoes you need in your wardrobe…and they’re not sandals

Celebrity stylist Annabel Kerman (AKA The Style Hawker) weighs in on the latest (comfy!) shoe trend. Your feet will thank you, mama!

For anyone living on the moon the past few seasons, the flat shoe is fashion’s biggest coup since, well, the platform.  And  when Victoria Beckham – once famously quoted with the line ‘I can’t concentrate in flats’ – walked her recent New York show in Adidas Stan Smiths, it was clear a game changer was in play.

Those of us living in the tropics are well acquainted with the flat shoe: Gladiators, sandals, sliders, we’ve got it nailed. But two of the biggest flat shoe trends right now are the antithesis of resort style dressing: The 90’s style trainer (sneakers to some of you), gaining momentum over recent seasons, and the flat ankle boot, big news on both spring summer catwalks and the red carpet.  Surprisingly both these options CAN work in the heat as well as colder climes, and even benefit from the juxtaposition with high summer wear. It’s simply about knowing how to do it right.

TRAINERS

The sportswear comeback should be ignored at your peril. Sneakers on the catwalk have given fashionistas the green light to adopt the sports staple into style minded outfits.  You can go 1990’s crazy with ripped jeans, crop tops, and bombers ala Kendall and Gigi, but there are way less scary options. And yes, teaming with your gym kit is cheating.

1. Classic Tailoring:  Victoria Beckham’s look du jour, the shell toe trainer teamed with slouchy tailored trousers will give your workwear a whole new spin, plus are equally effective with a pencil skirt or tailored shorts. Not just for the commute.

2. The Day Dress: Trainers with a dress that you’d normally pair with sandals gives instant 90’s cred that doesn’t feel try-hard. Mini or longer length both work well; knee length borders on the schoolgirl.

3. Scandi Chic: We’re talking well-cut directional pieces with a minimal aesthetic. The addition of black or white sports trainers will give a youthful edge that sometimes eludes this grown-up look.

BOOTS

We’re not talking about this season’s knee highs. Wear those with a bare leg and you’re heading for Pretty Woman territory. But the ankle boot, the go-to of fashionistas and starlets, can be a staple even in temperatures nudging 40. This season choose from western, fringed, embellished or metallic. Classic black, which you might feel has no place in the tropics, leads the pack. No jeans required.

1. 1990’s festival:  A black biker, western or buckled boot with any combination of floral dress, biker jacket, grungy shorts or motif tee, will channel the Glastonbury-inspired Saint Laurent catwalk. A low boot or a biker that stands away from the leg are kindest on the ankles.

2. Fashionista: This look relies on a polished fashion-led outfit and a slim line pixie boot. The more unexpected the better, so a ladylike outfit with a black boot scores high. Metallic and embellished numbers also work well here.

3. Beach dressing:  Proof that an ankle boot can suit a softer daytime look. An airy outfit gains a 1970’s edge when teamed with a soft, slim fitting boot, particularly in Tan suede or with fringing. As per a nude shoe, a tan boot will elongate and flatter the leg.

Go on, mamas, take a walk.