Life

Fashion: The bold and the very beautiful on the high street

From sweet Mary Janes to stomping block heels, spring's most stylish shoes are diverse and desirable. Katie Wright rounds up the trends to tread in 2016

Camel Textured Jacket, Utility Shirt, Camel Textured Trousers, Two Strap Slingbacks and Clutch, all available from Next
Camel Textured Jacket, Utility Shirt, Camel Textured Trousers, Two Strap Slingbacks and Clutch, all available from Next Camel Textured Jacket, Utility Shirt, Camel Textured Trousers, Two Strap Slingbacks and Clutch, all available from Next

SOMEWHAT ironically, when you look at SS16 as a whole, individuality is what ties together the catwalk collections. Designers have gone more avant-garde than we've seen in some years – and that means footwear too, with hefty heels and even wellies striding down the runways.

But there's a softer side to the season too, with pretty, ladylike shapes and more than a hint of shimmer around. In short, there's a style for you – it just depends how bold you want to go.

Take your pick from spring's most on-trend shoes...

FRINGE BENEFITS

Last year, the white-soled skater shoe took over from the ballet pump as the fashionista's flat of choice, and now the next generation of slip-ons is here.

It's all about skater-brogue hybrids, with monk straps and tassels giving the street shoe a preppy edge.

:: Dune Ervyn Flats, £79 (in store February; www.dunelondon.com)

:: New Look Cream Snakeskin Print Tassel Slip On Plimsolls, £17.99 (www.newlook.com)

MARY JANE 2.0

Another major trend last year saw the Mary Jane back in the spotlight, and she's not going anywhere this season.

But she has diversified – the latest MJ incarnations run from delicate thin-strapped slingbacks to glittery high heels (inspired by the Miu Miu catwalk), with retro buckles and coloured piping offsetting a mostly neutral palette.

If you can't wait to embrace the 'geeky chic' vibe, MJs are a must.

:: Camel Textured Jacket, £65; Utility Shirt, £36; Textured Slim Trousers, £38; Two Strap Slingbacks, £28; Twist Lock Clutch Bag, £22, all Next (www.next.co.uk)

:: Topshop Jinx Pale Pink Mary Janes, £49 (in store April; www.topshop.com)

:: Next Satin And Glitter Mary Janes, £35 (www.next.co.uk)

GHILLIE UP

For spring, the 'ghillie' flat (pointed-toe lace-ups inspired by Scottish dance shoes) is going up a notch, with vertiginous heels taking this daywear favourite far into the night.

A chunky-heeled sandal will take you through to summer, while a peep-toe stiletto bootie works well now, especially if styled with sparkly ankle socks in a contrasting colour.

:: Office Parisian Lace High Heel Sandals in Berry Kid Suede, £75 (www.office.co.uk)

:: Miss Selfridge Ghillie Sandals, £45 (in store February; www.missselfridge.com)

SILVER METTLE

What would happen if fashion's most famous houses collaborated with NASA? We got an idea at the Chanel and Loewe shows, where models were transformed into silver-clad space cadets.

And now that astronautical vibe has reached the high street, with everything from tomboyish flats to disco heels getting the high-shine treatment.

Less flashy than gold, this metallic is an easy match for pale pinks and neutrals.

:: Faith Silver Open Toe Strap Heel, £35 (in store February; www.debenhams.com)

:: Sole Diva Skater Pumps, £28 (SimplyBe.co.uk)

BOLD SOLES

This season, fashion favours the brave, as mammoth block heels and architectural shapes come to the fore, inspired by Bally's larger-than-life crocodile heels.

Man-repelling? Maybe. But anyone worth their sartorial salt will be envious of your fantastical footwear, and you'll feel like you can take on the world.

:: Dune Octavia Heels, £159 (in store January 25; www.dunelondon.com)

:: Topshop Gale White Mary Janes, £69 (in store February; www.topshop.com)

GIVE IT SOME WELLY

Now here's a rare thing: an of-the-moment trend that doesn't require any shopping at all.

If you're already in possession of a pair of black wellington boots then you'll be perfectly in step with spring's Saint Laurent girl - as long as you pair them with a tiara, tiny slip dress, fur jacket and no tights, that is.

'Kate Moss at Glastonbury' is the brief from man-at-the-helm Hedi Slimane, so dig out those rubber boots and give it some welly.

:: Butterfly Twists Carlisle Fashion Wellies, £60 (www.butterflytwists.com)

GET THE LOOK

Awards season is now in full swing, giving us ample opportunity to play fashion police, perusing the gowns and jewels of the rich and famous. Dame Helen Mirren was looking regal as ever at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, in a royal blue ensemble. Steal the 70-year-old's style by pairing the HotSquash Silk Knot Maxi Skirt, £85, with a matching blouse and scarlet lip (www.hotsquash.com).

BUY IT NOW

Wear your heart on your shoes this Valentine's Day with French Sole's Love Heart flats, £185. A quarter of the profits of the limited-edition grey suede flats with blue velvet heart detail and lining will go to the United Nations Blue Heart Campaign against human trafficking (www.frenchsole.com).

FASHION FLASH

:: TRYING ONE'S BEST

The accolades keep coming for David Beckham, who, hot on the heels of his Sexiest Man Alive title, has been voted Most Stylish Male CelebrIty, in a poll by men's shopping service Dappad. The 40-year-old was voted top by 60 per cent of those surveyed, beating actor Idris Elba into second place (39 per cent), with Daniel Craig and Benedict Cumberbatch in joint third.

Meanwhile, the Queen has taken the top spot in a survey of the most stylish women over 50, by retailer JD Williams. Her Majesty, who turns 90 this year, scored 49 per cent of the votes, narrowly beating the actress most famous for playing her, Dame Helen Mirren, followed by Meryl Streep, Mary Berry and Michelle Obama in third, fourth and fifth.

:: STYLE STEAL

Real diamonds for just £25? It's true – Avon's bargain baubles are back, and with more stock than last year, when they sold out in just 10 days. Get the Halo set square diamond pendant, £25, or earrings, £30, from your nearest rep now (www.avon.uk.com).