MOUNT VERNON — This shoe season it’s all about ankles, height, subtle colors and recyclable pieces.
In today’s economy, saving a few dollars is on every consumer’s mind. Thus, this shoe season focuses on purchasing pieces that play dual roles as a great summer and winter trend.
After the harsh winter in 2009, designers created a more practical look for the 2010 winter — but be forewarned, they are practical in pattern, material and warmth, but not necessarily for walking on ice-covered sidewalks.
The most popular and economically sound piece for both summer and winter is boots, particularly ankle booties.
Ankle booties are the most versatile piece in this season’s collection. During summer, pair them with a knee-length flowing summer dress; then, when the weather cools down piece them with a pair of your favorite skinny jeans.
The same can be said for knee-length boots and thigh highs.
For knee-length boots, consider summer trends such as pairing them with an above-the-knee dress for a casual look or dress them up with a solid-patterned skirt that stops just above the knee. Then use the same pair again during the winter with jeans tucked in.
Don’t rule out the slouchy boot, either. Because of its material, the slouchy boot can be crunched down during the summer and raised up during the winter, making it a flexible piece for any wardrobe.
For thigh-highs, wear them with short shorts in the summer with a loose fitting top, and ride the trend into winter by adding leggings or panty-hoes underneath and adding a fur-collared winter coat on top.
However, this season is the decline of flats. The higher the heel the better, although, when it’s really icy out flat boots add safety without retracting from your new chic look.
Beware of the cowboy boot, though; what Taylor Swift once made the new “in” country look is now out this season. If you must have cowboy boots, look for a pair mid-calf or lower, such as the new ankle cowboy boot.
But don’t try to piggy-back this piece into winter; these boots are for summer only.
Another style playing dual roles as a summer and winter trend this season is the wedge. Though the wedge is all about height, similarly to the boot, wedges offer more stability with a thicker heel and a flat bottom.
During summer most wedges feature an open toe, however, to use the piece during both seasons consider a close-toed pair.
Make the piece even trendier by purchasing a wedge that laces or buckles around the ankle.
The wedge is a must for anyone who claims to have no fashion sense, because they add style to almost any look with little effort. During summer they can be worn with almost any outfit, and walk them into winter with ease by pairing them with an ankle-length pant, such as slouchy skinny jeans or a retro A-line dress with stockings or dark-colored pantyhoes.
Finally, for a multi-seasonal look that can be both dressy-casual as well as office appropriate, look for platform pumps.
Pumps not only add height, but they lengthen the legs as well. Add a 6-inch heel to it and you’ve got a stunning look that will have all eyes turned your way.
Following with the season’s trend, try a pair that buckles at the ankle with a jeweled stud finish.
So, whether you’re raiding the summer sales racks for deals or splurging in preparation for the fall and winter fashion seasons, focus on the three main trends in versatile designs and you’ll always be in style.
