Expect women to continue to rock oxfords, brogues and other masculine styles through the summer and into Fall ’10. An influx of fresh menswear options hit the market for spring, and more brands have followed suit for next season with traditional basics as well as unconventional options incorporating modern trends (think studs, cutouts and distressed leathers). We caught Dana Cohen of New Jersey sporting gender-neutral ankle boots “borrowed” from her mom’s closet. Noting she only owns one pair of heels and is on the search for mannish, vintage-inspired loafers, we think a sharp oxford spruced up with a hint of glam will appeal to her downtown-cool sartorial sensibility.
Flash of Bright
Staying on top of what’s trending in the sneaker world is tricky business, as any aficionado will tell you it’s all about finding something different from what everyone else is wearing. But for anyone aiming the spotlight at their shoes, eye-catching colors will always be a mainstay. Charles Ross of Harlem, NY, sought out a staple pair of Air Jordans but said he made the look his own by adding extra, bright red laces. Sneaker lovers like Charles who truly want to stand out from the crowd will find a neutral yet can’t-miss alternative in the coming months with metallic kicks, which offer the requisite flash minus any color clash.
Fringe Effects
The fringe revival led by Minnetonka’s popular moccasin styles has sparked new interpretations by manufacturers across categories — even among top-shelf brands like Gianmarco Lorenzi, Le Silla and Casadei. Bianca Bailey of Washington D.C. takes the subtle approach with her Christopher Kane for TopShop booties with a tassel of fringe on the side. Since she’s a self-reported sucker for extremely high heels, we have an inkling she’ll love the latest crop for fall, which take fringe to new heights and promise to induce double-takes thanks to unique applications.
