When it comes to transitioning into spring/summer dressing, there’s one wardrobe item that you can so easily switch out to instantly bring all your outfits up to date: shoes. That classic striped jumper, jeans and ankle boots look you haven’t taken off since February? Switch your tread-soles for a ballet flat or loafer and suddenly you’re sporting a very chic spring look. All those midi dresses you’ve been wearing knee-highs with? Swap for a fisherman sandal and you’re suddenly ready for a cute picnic.
For most of us (myself included) it’s these easy, affordable switches that we lean on to make our wardrobes work as hard as possible. Not only is it cost effective at a time when we’re all tightening our purse strings; but it’s also a great way to make our wardrobes more versatile and therefore sustainable.
It makes sense, then, that at this transitional time of year my first purchase of the season tends to be a pair of shoes. Sometimes that’s a classic pair of leather sandals I know I’ll bring out again and again for the next few years, which I’ll likely invest a bit more in for the best quality. But for more trend-led styles that make the rest of my classics feel fresh, I usually head to the high street.
After all, there’s so many great options out there (especially this year) that have you covered. From minimalist-approved flats to joyful heels to wear to all those weddings and events you have coming up. There’s so many in fact, that I thought it would be helpful to head to Oxford Street on a research trip and try on as many pairs of spring shoes as I could find to whittle it down to the very best ones to recommend to you.
I have to say of all the stores I popped into, & Other Stories impressed me most, with a curated edit of perfect styles— from sandals that felt like walking on clouds to the best ballet flats I’ve seen on the high street (they may or may not have come home with me). M&S also really impressed me in the shoe department (no surprises there— I’ve been a long time fan of their comfortable, excellent quality footwear). And, of course, H&M for budget-friendly on-trend options.
Keep scrolling to see and shop the twelve styles I came away obsessing over and couldn’t recommend enough…
I thought these looked so expensive for the affordable price and they would be such a versatile addition to any shoe collection. The material is super soft and they’re not too high, so perfect for the office or events like weddings. Plus, they also come in nude (below) and black.
I’ve been looking for the perfect black, chunky, strappy, fisherman sandal for a while now— and I think I’ve found them in this pair. You could really feel the quality and they were super comfy walking around the shop.
The perfect pop of colour for spring. These were so easy to wear and I could see myself pairing them with wedding-guest dresses as well as just jeans and a white shirt for meetings.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, M&S shoes are the most comfortable on the high street, hands down. These trendy fisherman sandals are affordable too, given they’re made using responsibly sourced leather. Both the white and black pairs have sold out onve already this year so act fast so I suggest adding them to basket quickly to avoid disappointment.
When I saw these for the first time on Instagram recently, I though they were designer before I discovered they were from Office. Always a nice surprise. Of course, for only £30 the quality isn’t quite the same as luxury brands or even classic Birkenstocks— but they certainly look the part if you’re after an affordable option to add to all your spring outfits.
These were probably my favourite pair that I tried. They actually came home with me, I loved them so much. Simple, fresh, classic and polished but not boring, and I loved how they looked with jeans (my day-to-day go to). What’s not to like?
Another great pair of chunky sandals for an affordable price. The track-sole makes these feel particularly sturdy which I loved. They come in a wide-fit option too.
Something’s come over me the last few weeks and I’m suddenly obsessed with 90’s style wedge mules. These were my dream pair, especially because I’m a minimalist at heart. And honestly, so flattering on the ankle. They also come in black.
Brown leather-look sandals in an expensive crossover design for under £10? You can’t go wrong. While trying these, three different people came up and asked me where I’d found them, so I have a feeling these sandals will sell out quickly. They would look so pretty with white dresses— or any dresses really.
Honestly, these were like walking on a cloud. I wasn’t really convinced with flatform/platform sandals before, but after trying these I now want a pair. This buttery soft pair, to be exact.
These heels slipped on effortlessly and, considering the straps, I found they felt really comfy and secure. They have a little black heel and come in beige and pink too— and in my opinion any one of them would make a great little summer event heel, especially for under £20.
The perfect high street loafers do exist, and you’ll find them at M&S. These were so comfy I almost walked straight out of the shop in them, and I loved how they look with blue denim. Saint Laurent, who?
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