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Fashion is all about looking ahead to the next season’s trends, but who says you can’t get a leg up by wearing them now?
In fact, many looks from the fall ’19 runway shows can easily be worn this spring. The key to pulling them off simply lies in a little finessing.
Of course, you’ll probably want to wait to add thigh-high boots to your wardrobe until temperatures cool down; however, retailers are already highlighting coveted prints and hues — we’re talking snakeskin and vibrant purples — in a range of spring-ready silhouettes.
Read on for our top styling tips as well as a range of shoes that adopt fall ’19’s hottest trends.
1. Opt for Allover Purple
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 is making a comeback in everything from apparel to footwear. We like the purple hue done in a square-toe sandal, which is also a hot silhouette for spring.
2. Try a Platform
Platforms inspired by the ’90s abounded in both serious and more playful iterations by designers like Alexa Chung and Tommy Hilfiger. Instead of a boot style, which will be huge come fall, try the look in a chic open-toed espadrille to keep feet cool.
3. Pick Plaid
Designers at Christian Dior, Marine Serre and Aquazzura revived the quintessentially autumnal print in bold reds, yellows, as well as black and whites. While plaid is traditionally a cold-weather staple, it’s particularly spring-ready when done in elegant pastels — like on the block-heel pumps below.
4. Opt for Animal Prints
Snakeskin debuted as a major trend last fall and will continue into the upcoming cold-weather season on everything from thigh-highs to booties. Rock the sexy finish now with a strappy block-heel sandal featuring the print, which will add eye-catching flair to both sundresses and jeans-and-tee combos.
5. Reach for Rich Brown Leathers
No longer considered a dull or outdated hue, brown was used head-to-toe in monochromatic ensembles featuring rich materials like wool, cashmere and leather. Thigh-high boots in the color proved key, but you can also nail the look now with a pointed-toe mule that offers considerably less coverage.
6. Be Bold With Statement Footwear
Fall 2019 will also see bold apparel and footwear silhouettes all worn in one look. This spring, pair buckled lace-up flats with a tiered floral frock for a standout look. Come fall, throw on an embellished leather jacket and tights for added warmth.
7. Stick to Studs
Following this edgy ethos, designers at Balmain and Gucci weren’t afraid take studs to bold new heights. When it came to footwear, the protective embellishments appeared throughout cozy hiker and motocross-boot styles. For those willing to dip their toes into the trend now, a slip-on mule featuring the hardware is a great choice. Bonus: The transitional silhouette will also work for the first few weeks of fall before temperatures start to drop.
8. Try Tie Dye
Collina Strada showcased the psychedelic print in everything from tees to hoodies, while Virgil Abloh harnessed it in footwear in the form of booties. While the colorful design is set to make it big this fall, its bright hues make it a perfect warm-weather complement. Try it in a retro cap-toe sandal, which is especially on-trend given the return of the “ugly sandal” aesthetic.
9. Opt for Emerald Green
Give a summery look some depth by adding jewel tones below the ankle. As seen on fall ’19 runways, a pair of pumps is especially eye-catching when done in a brilliant emerald green.
10. Choose Metallic Mary Janes
The classic school girl style got a high-shine update, thanks to designers like Anna Sui, Michael Kors and Area. Of course, this look can work all year long — proving a great way to elevate your work wardrobe if your office is particularly fashion-forward.
All products featured have been independently selected and curated by our editorial team. If you buy something through the links included on our site, FN may earn a commission.
Watch FN ask fathers for their thoughts on the dad shoe trend below.
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