3 Shoe Trends I'm Pressing Pause On, and 3 Fresh Styles I'm Wearing Instead

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two fashion influencers wearing trendy shoes including black strappy slingback flats and white mesh ballet flats

(Image credit: @annelauremais; @deborabdrosa)

Having worked in the fashion industry for over a decade, I'm still surprised by the rate at which trends cycle. This is especially true of shoes—it seems we go from one of-the-moment style to the next with the snap of a finger. With that in mind, I do my best to stay focused and true to my personal style with what new trends I opt to try next. This season, there are three incredibly chic options I have my eye on in particular.

One fresh trend that has my attention is the latest in Adidas's lineup: the SL 72 sneaker. It's classic and cool all at once and comes in a variety of fun colorways. Another style that feels simultaneously timeless and current is the slingback with a strappy twist. I'm loving these in a variety of heel heights, but flat or low heels are my go-tos. Keep scrolling to check out three shoe trends I am pausing on for spring and summer and three styles I am wearing on heavy rotation instead.

Pressing Pause: Satin Ballet Flats

Buying Now: Mesh Flats

a stylish woman walking in a European city wearing an oversized white shirt, a small black shoulder bag, tan Bermuda shorts, and white mesh ballet flats

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

The mesh-flats trend has been bubbling up for some time now, and the peak has arrived. You can find a plethora of stellar styles at every price point and in just about every color you can imagine. Below are some of my current favorite mesh styles to shop this season.

Pressing Pause: Adidas Samba Sneakers

Buying Now: Adidas SL 72 Sneakers

fashion influencer Francesca Saffari sits on a bench in London holding a coffee wearing an doversize neutral sweater, burgundy Bottega Veneta bag, white satin maxi skirt, and brown Adidas SL72 sneakers

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

And just like that, Adidas SL 72 sneakers have taken over the sporty-shoe spotlight. This retro style comes in a variety of fun color combinations and goes great with everything from jeans to pretty skirts and dresses. Act quick because they sell out fast when released.

Pressing Pause: Strappy Square-Toe Sandals

Buying Now: Strappy Slingbacks

French influencer Anne-Laure Mais peeks into a window of a Paris shop while wearing a black leather jacket yellow miniskirt, and strappy black slingback flats

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Slingback shoes are always a welcome, timeless pick, but they are having a major moment right now nonetheless. Simple styles are always a top pick but strappy options currently have my attention in both flat and kitten-heeled versions.

Jennifer Camp Forbes
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.

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