With party season fast approaching nzgirls up and down the country will be donning pretty dresses and ball gowns. But what is an outfit without the perfect shoes or bag?
nzgirl has done the hard work for you and tracked down the best looks from sandals to pumps and even the handbag…
Big Trends
Vintage: That’s right, vintage is a huge footwear trend. This season it’s seen mostly in the range of 1940s influenced pumps, made of luxe fabrics and with heavier heels than previous seasons. These make a great background to evening wear and will keep winter feet warm whilst looking hot.
Silk and Shine: Evening wear trends will always involve silk and shine and this season footwear is getting in on the act. Diamante detailing, silk fabric coverings and super patent leather all adds to this look. This is a great feminine trend which can lift a plain outfit.
Velvet: The buzz fabric of the season is making an appearance in footwear too. This luxe fabric adds a depth and sense of glamour that few other fabrics can. It also brings texture without bulk or overly fussy detailing making it a great evening wear choice.
New Heel Shapes: It used to be that stilettos and kitten heels were the call of the day when it came to party footwear. However, this season there are flats, thick heels, wafer stilettos and my pick of the bunch, the wedge. Make sure you give them all a try, especially if attending a ball, as a different shaped heel can really make the party experience a lot more comfortable.
Colour: Purple, pink and green paired back against black separates abound this season. Colour is an instant style definer and adds a sense of whimsy and fun to an outfit. Metallic is also a hot trend and has the benefit of looking delicious when paired with every girl’s best friend, black. What many people don’t realise is that a pair of white fabric covered shoes can be your best friend, as they can be dyed making them perfect outfit matches, especially with hard to co-ordinate shades of green, magenta and orange.
Sexy Strappy Sandals
Every party girl’s favourite, the strappy sandal is back and better than ever with everything from understated to glamour girl, all in attention grabbing coloured styles. Remember the perfect time to shop for these styles is after a day of walking when your feet swell to the size they will be after a couple of hours standing. Doing this will prevent you buying a pair which you think fits perfectly only to find that after an hour of wear they are so painful you have to take them off.
1. Mi Piaci Gersemi $280 from Mi Piaci
2. Mi Piaci Gita $260 from Mi Piaci
3. Sachi Gemma $310 from Mi Piaci
4. Overland Tingle $149.95 from Overland
5. RMK search rrp $99.95 from selected retailers
6. RMK Samantha rrp $139.95 from selected retailers
Perfect Peep Toes and Cutaways
A sexy vintage option for the girls who want a bit of sandal fun but also prefer to cover their feet. A great choice for winter these are the style du jour. From red velvet peep toes to sleek black styles, they are often the perfect choice for wider feet offering support on the sides of the foot and cushioning the toes.
1. Pulp Dolly $49.95 from Hannahs
2. Kelly Jewel Peep Toe shoe $99.95 (approx) from Witchery
3. RMK Dynamite rrp $109.95 from selected retailers
4. Isabella Anselmi Radix $149.95 from Overland
5. Sachi Denby $229.95 from Overland
6. Casadei Proto $980.00 from Scarpa Footwear
Pretty Pumps
Seasons before had light and airy strappy pumps but this season’s offerings are far more dense and sumptuous. Made from luxurious fabrics like silk, suede and velvet they offer a vintage feel. They look great paired with light sassy dresses as they anchor the look and give it a feeling of drama. What’s more is that these shoes are classic and will live forever in your wardrobe.
1. Overland Kindler $149.95 from Overland
2. Isabella Anselmi Georgette $159.95 from Overland
3. Urban Soul Kilt $200.00 from Scarpa Footwear
4. Sachi Amery $220.00 from Mia Piaci
5. Sachi Sambora $280.00 from Mia Piaci
6. Mi Piachi Martina $180.00 from Mia Piaci
Metallic Touches
It’s a trend that has been around for a few seasons now and shows no signs of stopping. The metallic shoe is a great choice for those who have gone for simple understated dresses as the shine of metal is the perfect glam up option. You can choose from full on shine to simple detailing all of which will add visual impact. The other great thing about this trend is that a metallic shoe instantly looks glam even if it’s a practical round toe or comfortable pair of flats.
1. Urban Soul Alexis $180 from Scarpa Footwear
2. Urban Soul Chloe $180 from Scarpa Footwear
3. Furla Design $550 from Scarpa Footwear
4. Yvonne Benneti Dior $595 from Scarpa Footwear
5. Mi Piaci Voca $160 from Mi Piaci
6. Mi Piaci Lilac $180 from Mi Piaci
Bags
Bags this season are small with a vintage feel. Luxurious fabrics paired with detailing like beading, sequins and embroidery make them statement items on their own. If you are on a budget make sure you visit op shops where you can often find true vintage pieces like clutches and evening bags for $5.00 to $15.00.
1. Ipa Nima Highland Purple evening bag $258.00 from Flamingo Blue
2. Ipa Nima Eagle Purple evening bag $350.00 from Flamingo Blue
3. Sachi Batik $160 from Mia Piaci
4. Sachi Aili Clutch $220 from Mia Piaci
5. Sachi Bijou $99.95 from Overland
6. Sachi Savoy $169.95 from Overland
Stockists
Wild Pair
Overland Footwear
Mi Piaci
Flamingo Blue
Scarpa
RMK
Witchery
Hannahs
Anya Merryfield
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