Whether you’re shoe-obsessed or just, like, into shoes a healthy amount (go0o0od for you), you’re really going to love what the fashion gods have served up for the spring. Because this season’s trends are both practical and dreamy...which doesn’t always happen in this category of design. (Remember armadillo shoes!?)
It’s all about wearability—think comfort and daily use—mixed with bold-ass details, and I, for one, am into it. Like, consider the ultra-functionality of the fashion Croc or Teva-esque shoe—I kinda love it when style goes sport-mode like this. And while many people have turned up their nose at this type of shoe in the past, this time, designers really did figure out a way to make it cute. Picture ultra-chunky platform soles, pretty candy colors, and bejeweled details. The same kind of logic applies to another big spring trend: fashion-forward flip-flops. Previously casual and now actually cool. Appropriate beyond the beach. Yeah! Just give them a shot.
I could go on, but you probably just want to see these trends in action and shop. You know what to do (keep scrolling, dammit). Oh, and if you want to catch up on the entire spring 2024 trend report, I got you: Head here to review the trendiest bags, jewelry, and clothing to wear this season.
Take Me to the Function
As in functionality, baby! This is where practicality and eye-popping design meet to make a super humble but very beautiful love child whose theme song is “You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful” by One Direction. A classic for girls who did, in fact, know they were gorgeous but didn’t want to be all overt about it. Same here, but for shoes! Like, just look at these bejeweled platform Crocs. Get it now? Great.
But while Croc-like styles are definitely the star of this trend (especially comfort-wise), don’t miss out on the strappy flat sandals or the Teva-type shoes (IMO, the sporty cousin to Crocs).
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Sprinkle, Sprinkle
Lay the glitter on thick, folks, because we deserve a little sparkle in our lives. And spring 2024’s designs have us covered with adorable rhinestone details, pretty beaded moments, and sweet metallic numbers in all kinds of silhouettes, including ballet flats and heeled slingbacks. Honestly, rhinestones are so underrated and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
shop the shiny shoe trend
Fashion Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are so comfortable and cute, I don’t know why they get such a bad rap. Just look at these sweet pink ones with this diaphanous party look! The versatility! The grace! Your aunt who insists on calling flip-flops “thongs” is really going to crush it this summer.
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Eye-Popping Florals
Make way, the architecture has arrived! How stunning are these gold shoes with 3D floral appliqués? Aren’t you so glad we live in a time where we get to wear shoes like this? Imagine if penny loafers were our only option! The good news is that this spring trend, while ornate, is actually pretty easy to find in many different price points and heel heights. Truly something breathtaking for everyone. Democracy is now.
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Heavy Hardware
There are metal details and then there are Metal Details and I think you can guess which ones are in this season. Yes, we are doubling down on our bulkiest buckles and thickest chain straps. The best part about this trend is that it makes any old shoe—even a throw-on sandal—look totally showstopping. Get ready for the compliments to roll on in.
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THE COSMOPOLITAN TREND REPORT: SPRING 2024
Photographer: Erika Long. Creative director: Mallory Roynan. Digital creative director: Abby Silverman. Visual director: Kristin Giametta. Producer: Ruben Chamorro. Models: Moon Choi, Maya Norman, and Aleya Ali. Hair: Izumi Sato. Makeup: Mark De Los Reyes. Manicure: Eli Garcia.
