People have become more accepting of individual style. They are "letting loose" and trying new, bold fashions.
This boldness makes it so almost "anything goes" for shoe styles in 2011. With the magnitude of choices, it is a challenge to pick the best ones to adopt. However, there are a few styles that stand out from the crowd for their uniqueness, universality, attractiveness, and practicality, making the decision a little easier.
Gladiator Sandals – Fresh and Unique
Gladiator sandals are the most recent, original, widely-accepted style this year. They are a flat, strappy sandal, often with small buckles around the ankle. The straps are skinny, and the more straps on a gladiator, the trendier it is.
The height of a gladiator sandal can vary greatly. There are low-cut styles that are only one ankle-strap high, and others – that are boot-shaped – have straps all the way up the calf. The higher the gladiator sandal, the more daring the shoe owner!
Ballet Flats –Stylish and Universal
Another hot shoe trend is the ballet flat: a simple, comfortable, slip-on shoe with no heel. It comes in a variety of colors and fabrics. Often, ballet flats are brightly-colored with a widespread pattern (a plaid theme or flower motif are popular). Some ballet flats are covered in lace, while others are canvas, and still others are synthetic leather.
Ballet flats are casual, dressy, or conservative – depending on the material and color – so they can be worn to the park, office, or even a wedding. Some have a flower decoration, small buckle, or other embellishment on the top of the toe area.
Platform Wedges – Attractive and Feminine
Platform wedges are an attractive style this year. They are a shoe or sandal with a triangular-shaped heel that has an additional, horizontal layer of heel along the bottom.
Platform wedges are, clearly, best for those who want to be taller – or, trendsetters that like a feminine style. Depending on the angle of the wedge and the height of the platform, platform wedges can add substantially to a person's height; but they are more comfortable than a spiked-heel, making them currently the most favored type of high-heel shoe.
Platform wedges come in an assortment of heights which satisfies the diversity of consumers' preferences. Their heels are made of wood or cork, or wrapped in rope. The trendiest platform wedges have one or two ankle straps.
Flip-Flops– Practical and Fashionable
People are crazy about flip-flops this year. Flip-flops have become a common wardrobe staple because they are comfortable, trendy, and inexpensive. In fact, most people own several pairs!
Flip-flops are no longer considered just a beach sandal; they are worn everywhere and go well with any outfit. There are even dressy flip-flops which are made of patent leather and have rhinestone embellishments.
Trendy Shoes Make Life Exciting!
For many consumers, fashionable shoes have become a necessary component to a complete wardrobe. Gladiator sandals have "grown" on the public; ballet flats remain a long-time favorite; platform wedges enhance femininity; and flip-flops have become mainstream. One thing is for certain: Thanks to the shoe trends of 2011, this is not going to be a boring year!
Christine Rice - Christine Rice is a professional freelance writer and editor. You can request her services at http://christinerice-freelancewriter.com
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