Maximalist Mindset

As Carrie Bradshaw is famously quoted describing herself in Sex and the City, streaming on HBO Max, she has “two loves and lots o’ shoes.”

Coming this summer season, you and Carrie may have that in common… the shoes that is. There are many shoes this season that are simply too stylish not to share and show.

Where have all of these shoe trends emerged from? Trends such as coquette (which also encompasses other trends such as ballet core) wherein bows, ribbons, lace, and ruffles are incorporated into the fashion, has brought about the re-emergence of ballet flats, maryjanes, and most recently, the kitten heel. The trend of European and overall Scandinavian style has brought about the popularity of sneakers- but not just any ol’ sneaker- brands, style, and color play a roll.

As a trend analyzer, I gather this information with that of runway shows, what is being shown on social media, and what is out for display to be sold at department stores or online. From there, I can see what shoes have the mass popularity and if there are any colors, silhouettes, or textures that have prevalence as well.

So, what should the fashionista’s and maximalist’s of the world be wearing this spring/ summer? While staying on trend is ideal for parties of anyone wanting to look fashionable this spring/summer, it is important to note the difference between following what is trending and using what is trending to better style your own maximalist interpretation.

That being said, it is not just a shoe, nor a sandal, nor even a ballet flat, or a mary jane. It is an additional statement that you are adding to your look. The shoe may be the statement for some people’s outfit, but for a maximalist, it is an accessory, a further implement to showcase the outfit’s story, the piece that can finish the entire look from the head… and now to the toe.

So let’s get in to what type of shoes are trending in spring/summer, and what I, a maximalist, would wear so the shoe is more edgy…

Ballet shoes. But do not belittle the shoe into recognizing it only as a flat. Recently, I have noticed that larger heels and straps have been added to the classic shoe, in turn making the shoe more whimsical in appearance, playing into the ballet style further.

Mary Janes. Known for their school uniform reputation, but have the capability to make any outfit more sharp in appearance. They have a more ‘professional’ look to them, but that does not mean that they cannot come in fun colors, silhouettes, or be worn in an outside the office manner.

Kitten heel. These shoes might be called kitten heels, but they sure make the dogs bark. Although bittersweet, the shoe remains relevant today. If you go to your local Nordstrom, brands such as Jeffery Campbell will be selling very cute, semi-coquette style kitten heels. Dating back from the 50s, the kitten heel brings about a certain quality of vintage class.

The Mule. The heel can change shape, a slingback can be added, but the mule will remain a mule because it is a simple, staple, shoe suitable for everybody’s personal style.

Sneakers are somewhat personal. Some people like chunky, some people like skinny, some people like sambas (I personally do not), some people like white only… you get my point. Therefore, when it comes to picking out sneakers there should be a few things in mind- functionality, are they cool looking, are they on trend, and for the maximalists out there, are they different enough that other people won’t have them. This is where I come in. I give you options of both: on trend and those different from the rest.

Look at my pick of spring/ summer sneakers below:

Now that you have a better understanding of spring/summer shoe trends, what are you most excited to wear (shoe wise) this season? Did you find a style of shoe you want to try out or even re-try? Did I find a shoe you fell in love with and have added to your cart immediately? Let me know in the comments below!