If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my fashion-editor tenure, it’s that shoes have transformative powers that no other accessory or garment can compare to. Want to make your fanciest dress feel more low-key? Try a flat. Want to dress up a knitted two-piece? Add a heeled knee-high. Want to take a pair of trousers from ordinary to extraordinary? Pop on an embellished ballet pump. They really are the influencers of the fashion world.
If you’re looking to make your outfits feel fresh as we head into 2024, you know what my solution is going to be: Shoes! Of course, some shoes aren’t seasonly appropriate right now—unless you’re planning on jetting off to warmer climes, chances are your need for flip-flips is negated at this point. This is why I’m turning my attention to the shoe colour trends that are set to be big in 2024.
At the start of each season, I like to take a look at the runways to see which colours stand out across a variety of categories—clothing, bags and, yes, shoes. Colour is the earliest predictor of new trends and one of the easiest of said trends to adopt, making it a quick way to bring your outfits up to speed ahead of a new season. After analysing thousands of catwalk snaps from the spring/summer 2024 shows, I identified a recurring theme. Below are the eight shoe colours I kept seeing over and over again. So, if you want to look current in 2024, I suggest taking a look at the footwear below.
As seen at: Arkis, Fendi, Balmain. Red has been a consistent colour trend across the past few seasons, but fashion isn’t through with the fiery tone. Now, it’s about how you wear it, and the most popular way of doing so on the runway was with shoes with clashing outfit combinations, such as a sky-blue outfit.
The Mary Jane trend is sticking around into 2024.
Cherry-red shoes don’t come better than this.
Picture this with loose-fit jeans and taupe jumper.
As seen at: Ferragamo, Fendi, Tod’s . The colour brown became the height of chic as the quiet-luxury aesthetic peaked in the summer months, which is likely why it was such a big deal when the spring/summer 2024 collections were shown come September. Dominating coats, trousers, dresses and bags, it should come as no surprise that brown shoes are set to carry the colour’s legacy on into the new year.
The brown colour trend feels so ’90s—add buckles and it’s like we’re back there!
So chic—wear with cropped tailored trousers.
Brown boots are timeless (making these a sound investment).
As seen at: Gucci, Simone Rocha, Alaïa. Silver has been at the centre of so many trends lately, be it jewellery or trousers. Now, we’re seeing more and more silver shoes come through in both the high end and high street markets, presenting a wearable way to tackle the trend. Gucci’s crystal-fringed kitten heels will be the shoe of spring/summer 2024—mark my words.
An easy way to take on the trend.
Until the Gucci pair above are available, these make for a worthwhile placeholder.
Great boots with a great discount.
As seen at: Carven, Vivetta, Prada. I wrote that I once thought white shoes looked “cheap” but, really, it was the white shoes I’d bought myself in the past that were cheap. Now, with interesting details such as square toes, in on-trend silhouettes such as slingbacks and ballet flats, and with a nuance on the shade used, white shoes are back and more elevated-looking than ever.
These flats went straight into my Zara basket.
My dream white shoe comes with a Prada logo.
Another key shoe trend for 2024? Buckles.
As seen at: Gucci, Burberry, Bottega Veneta. It might surprise you to learn that, aside from red, green was the prevailing shoe colour on the runways. Worn with everything from shocking blue coats to crimson flowers the shade acts as a palate cleanser, a purifier for busier outfits, akin to its impact in nature.
The colour, the fabric, the heel, the shape—these shoes are the full package.
Tick off three trends in one with some green, bow-adorned slingbacks.
Dear Frances makes green shoes look so high-end; this hue is one of the brand’s trademarks.
As seen at: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tod’s. Another colour with ’90s heritage that’s poised to be big in 2024 is grey, especially shades with warm, taupe undertones. This being precisely what we saw in shoe form on the runway. This new take on neutral will serve you well as it’ll pair with everything you would originally wear black shoes with. You could say they’re even more versatile, as they’ll also suit colours and fabrics black may be a little harsh against.
I’m in love (and I’m also tempted by the black version).
Cosy!
Now these boots mean business! Would you look at that heel…
As seen at: Bottega Veneta, Zimmermann, Victoria Beckham. Where there is silver, gold can never be too far behind. For 2024, there’s a focus on metallics across the colour spectrum, but classicists will appreciate the gold tones that are a mainstay. The more reflective the surface, the better, being the runway mantra.
The fanciest flats in all the land.
T-bar shoes had a moment this year too, so I’m predicting they’ll be back for 2024.
So, so good. Nice work, Zara.
As seen at: Eudon Choi, Fendi, Miu Miu. Blue is one of those colours that can hit very different depending on its tone and intensity. For 2024, designers have taken the delicate approach with icy blue hues, which were painted across clothing and accessories alike. But there’s something especially appealing about a blue shoe, especially if it’s paired with darker prints and colours like this leopard print coat at Fendi. Beautiful.
Russell & Bromley nail the icy-blue brief with this wear-anywhere slingback.
So that’s what they mean by twinkle toes…
A slightly deeper shade, but the denim-like hue keeps these on the side of blue that we’re looking for.
Next Up, Attainable Luxury: 15 Designer Bags That Are More Affordable Than You’d Think