The Shoe Trends London Girls Actually Wear Every Day

What do London girls really wear? It's an illusive question without a clear answer. Just as Parisian girls don't all go around wearing Breton stripes and berets, there really isn't a definitive London-girl look (although magazines might like us to believe otherwise). If anything, it's the eclecticism and desire to blaze our own aesthetic that defines the capital's spirit.

As much as we love Sienna and Alexa, we imagine they aren't exactly representative of the everygirl who pounds the pavements and nips to work on the tube. With this in mind, we've been exploring the realities of the London girl's wardrobe—from heatwave street style to how Who What Wear UK's editors are channelling their holiday style back in the big smoke—and this week we're turning our attention to something close to our hearts: shoes.

From chic leather sliders to cool Converse, we've wracked our brains and delved into the wardrobes of our favourite industry insiders to reveal what London girls are really wearing on their manicured toes. Scroll down to get the lowdown and shop our edit of the best styles to match each trend.

BALLET PUMPS

Ballet pumps never really go out of fashion. Sure, they might have a quiet season here and there, but when it comes to a wardrobe staple that will look good with everything in your wardrobe, you can rely on this trusty style. The latest versions can come with or without a heel and are a bold colour. Whether it's a pastel shade as seen on Emma Hill or a more muted tone from Marks and Spencer's incredibly popular range, there are plenty to shop right now. 

ANKLE-TIE SANDALS

It's fair to say that ankle-tie sandals are having a moment in summer 2019. They've been worn by Instagrammers all over the world, but there are many Londoners who are particularly keen on the style. While most might think these sandals are purely for holidays, look to Lorna of Symphony of Silk and you'll realise that they look just as great paired with jeans and a shirt. 

CONVERSE

Nothing says noughties style better than a pair of Converse. More low-key than some of the chunky "dad" styles out there, but not quite as overdone as Stan Smiths, these are the perfect weekend shoes. We'll have a pair in every colour.

Related: I Dressed Like a French Girl for a Week—Here's What I Thought

SMART SLIDES

You can't go wrong with a pair of slides when a heatwave strikes. Comfortable and versatile, these are often one of our summer staples. This year's take on the trend is to opt for brighter colours or prints, from purple quilted versions from Gucci to leopard print sandals from Gianvito Rossi. 

LOW-HEELED MULES

There's something that feels very chic about the mule heel right now, and every London girl seems to be forgoing sky-high stilettos in favour of these more low-key shoes. Whether you're wearing them in a classic white or going for the never-off-Instagram leopard print versions from Musier Paris, these add ladylike charm to every outfit. 

Related: 19 New Under-the-Radar Brands I'll Be Shopping This Summer

BARELY THERE SANDALS

Barely there sandals have been another runway success of summer 2019. Don't believe us? This style of shoe is now owned by pretty much every member of the Who What Wear team, not to mention it's been on every fashion girl we follow on Instagram. So what's the secret to this shoe's allure? Thanks to the lack of material, the shoe makes everyone's legs look longer and it works with every item in your wardrobe as there's little danger of it clashing. 

CHUNKY BLACK SANDALS

Finally, if we had to pick one shoe of the whole of this year's sandal offerings, we'd pick this one. The chunky black sandals. Whether it's from Chanel, Prada or, another office favourite, Teva, there's no escaping the fact that the "dad" sandal has become a mainstay of London girls' wardrobes. 

Up next, the biggest autumn/winter 2019 fashion trends you need to know about for next season. 

This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.