I probably shouldn't confess this as a fashion editor and someone who is genuinely enthralled by design and clothing but I could quite happily wear black jeans and a T-shirt every day for the rest of my life. But shoes? Shoes change everything. A casual uniform of denim and a tee can be instantly transformed with the right footwear. You can feel powerful and confident in heels, relaxed but quietly assured in a pair of plimsolls and sexy and self-possessed in sandals. Shoes have the power to elevate your ensemble, mood (and height, natch.) You can make a bold statement with your footwear and affect the way people perceive you with a choice pair of heels.
This season the focus is on the humble mule and the androgynous loafer. We've rounded up some of the best come-at-me-spring shoe options that'll ensure you're well heeled for any occasion. Time to put your best foot forward.
The After-Work-Drinks Shoe
British footwear designer Penelope Chilvers has collaborated with one of our favourite emerging womenswear designers, Molly Goddard, for a colourful collection of mules and boots and we've fallen head over heels for these watermelon pony cowhide clogs.
Check out Molly's SS16 presentation for inspiration on how to pair these pink heels with this season's ruffles, but we assure you they look just as great with jeans as feminine, frilly dresses.
Molly Goddard x Penelope Chilvers Watermelon Pony Clog, £199
Photo: Molly Goddard x Penelope Chilvers
The Running Shoe
In days of yore, it was perfectly acceptable to step out in a pair of battered, ancient trainers for your routine run but now there's no excuse not to don a stylish pair of sneakers that are just as suited to wear in the gym as they are out with friends.
Look no further than these just-released adidas Originals with suede detailing and jersey textiles alongside the signature NMD EVA plugs. With an adidas Boost to the midsole, the impact and pressure of every single step is instantly transformed.
adidas Originals NMD_R1. Prices start at £90
Photo: Adidas
The Smart Shoe
With these It shoes, that are undoubtedly the standout footwear of the season, Gucci nails formal but fun fashion. For SS16, the revitalised Italian fashion house has updated its cult loafers with giant faux pearls for a pair of pumps (with a collapsable heel!) that are perfect for the workplace or a fancy event. Any style aficionado will immediately recognise these must haves and the iconic interlocking GG.
Gucci embellished leather pumps, £680, available at Harvey Nichols
Photo: Gucci
The Party Shoe
If you enjoy having all eyes on you then these metallic Marc Jacobs leather platform pumps are right up your street. Thanks to the block heel and ankle strap, these bad boys are surprisingly comfortable so you'll be the last person tearing up the dance floor. Good times guaranteed.
Marc Jacobs Victoria tri-colour platform pumps, £395, available at Matches Fashion
Photo: Marc Jacobs
The Work Shoe
It's been a long, cold winter and your sprouty legs and less-than-baby-soft heels have seen better days, but mules are back in a big way so start prepping those pins pronto.
Bored of the court shoes you wear day in day out to work? Well step out this summer in these Russell & Bromley block-heel mules instead. Crafted in butter-soft black leather, these shoes are ideal for slipping on and will take you from daytime chic to high octane evening elegance.
Russell & Bromley Block Heel Mule, £125
Photo: Russell & Bromley
The Sport Chic Shoe
Plimsolls are a beloved part of our daily wardrobe, whether it's a trusty pair of Stan Smiths, Converse or Supergas. Up your game this season with these Saint Laurent silver star-studded leather trainers that will complete any look, from a tracksuit to a three-piece suit.
Saint Laurent White star-appliquéd leather trainers, £395
Photo: Saint Laurent
The Weekend Shoe
We're all for androgynous, laid-back cool and these backless, crocodile-effect leather loafers are the epitome of effortless, tomboy chic. Team with a bomber, T-shirt and denim for the perfect weekend wear.
Robert Clergerie Alice crocodile-effect leather slip-on loafers, £295
Photo: Robert Clergerie
The First Date Shoe
Bad shoes on a first date can be a deal breaker. And as much as wretched footwear on a potential partner can ruin things immediately, an ill choice of footwear for you isn't ideal either. It's crucial to be comfortable and feel confident so don't debut a pair of sky-high sexy stilettos that might crucify your feet. Instead, pick a pair of mid heels with sturdy support that are flirty, flattering and that fit, most importantly.
KG Kurt Geiger Nora black mid heel, £89
Photo: Kurt Geiger
The Sexy Shoe
These might not be the quickest things to pull on and off but it's well worth the effort. Wear with a LBD and statement jewellery, and watch the heads turn.
Zara leather room sandals with heel, £119
Photo: Zara
The Showstopper Shoe
These Sophia Webster stilettos aren't for the faint-hearted. With a fluted pin heel and not-so-subtle frilly flamingos, these are for high-heel pros who are drawn to ostentatious design. Wow the crowd in this fabulously fun pair.
Sophia Webster Flamingo Frill Sandal, £495
Photo: Sophia WebsterLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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