This Tuesday Shoesday I want to talk about one of my favourite new trends for A/W16 – textured shoes. I’m talking suede, velvet or even crushed velvet being used to decorate even the daintiest of sandals. It’s not just about chunky suede boots this year (although I did already invest in a lovely pair of suede boots that go with everything for Autumn), tiny pumps, classy court shoes, platforms and strappy sandals have all been given the textured treatment.
It’s the soft texture that makes them feel suitable for this time of year – its as though the texture makes them feel more cosy. Even though the shoes might be dainty or strappy and totally unsuitable for cold days, the soft texture gives the impression of warmth. Plus, it looks great with party dresses and wooly suits alike, so will fit in with your winter wardrobe seamlessly.
The textured fabric seems to lend a vintage feeling to most styles of shoes. The slightly muted colours created by a brushed suede or crushed velvet fabric resemble the faded hues in an old photograph. I really like this effect and, as a vintage girl at heart, it makes me want to invest in textured shoes even more to get that 70s vibe.
Seeing as the 90s is even considered ‘vintage’ now, this trend also reminds me of the velvet fabrics we all wore a lot in the 90s. Just think back to the Spice Girls wearing velvet coats and suede platform boots in the 2 Become 1 Video and you’ve got it! As a child of the 90s, I love the nostalgia that these textures bring to my wardrobe and, even though I thought I’d never wear velvet pumps again after my strappy flats went off to the charity shop back in the year 2000, it’s making me hark back to the simpler times in my childhood. Ahh, those hazy days before social media took over our lives, eh?
Of course, suede and velvet shoes – or any fabric shoes for that matter – will need protection against the rain… and snow! It’s a good idea to give them a spray over with a waterproofing product (maybe something like GoDRY) to make sure that they don’t absorb moisture where you’re wearing them out and about during the autumn and winter. Rain can leave blotches and puddles create tidemarks on your pretty new pumps, which can be hard to remove. In this case, prevention is better than cure, so waterproof your new shoes before you even step outside to makes sure they last for more than just one season!
What do you think of the textured footwear trend? Will you be investing in a pair of velvets heels (and some waterproofing spray!) any time soon? Or do you already have some lovely suede shoes in your collection ready to wear on nights out this winter? Let me know in the comments below or tag me in a photo of your favourite pumps on Instagram @Cassiefairy – I’d love to see them.
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