Mesh shoes

Ballet flats have received an upgrade this year with the advent of mesh shoes. Stylist Beverly Osemwenkhae of Project Bee Consulting says mesh shoes “add the fun factor we need in our accessories” and are the perfect alternative to heels. However, if you normally wear stilettos, McKenna points out that mesh shoes in a variety of designs and colors are just as popular as their flat counterparts.

Although mesh shoes make a bold fashion statement, they’re versatile enough to wear during the day or evening. “My favorite way to wear this trend is with wide-leg jeans and a slightly oversized plain t-shirt,” says McKenna. “Bonus points if you have the mesh in a fun color, I personally have bright red, gold and black.” For a night out on the town, Osemwenkhae recommends a mini slip dress and an oversized denim jacket.

Cowboy boots

In the year of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carterit’s no surprise that cowboy boots have made their way from festival staple to must-have footwear. While ankle boots are a more modern choice, Osemwenkhae says that “tall cowboy boots are the trend and we’re seeing that in a lot of retail stores.” As for color, classic dark tones and bold metallics, especially silver, are the way to go for western boots that will be the statement piece of your ensemble.

“There’s something sexy about adding a cowboy boot to your look,” says Osemwenkhae. “I would pair this boot with a high-waisted maxi denim skirt and a cropped college sweater. Keeping the all-American aesthetic but still staying fashionable.”

Slingback pumps

Slingbacks are back. The practical shoe offers more security thanks to its strap at the back and can enhance any casual outfit, whether you’re going for heels or flats. To really pull off this trend, McKenna recommends a “pair with a kitten heel or in a shiny or metallic finish.”

Although slingbacks have a classic flair, you can contrast their elegant nature with a playful ensemble. “I loved seeing the slingback kitten heel with capri pants, an off-the-shoulder top, and an oversized clutch,” says McKenna. This shoe would also look great with a matching printed set for more formal occasions.

Sporty sneakers

Sporty sneakers aren’t exactly a new trend. We’ve seen variations of this footwear gain popularity every year, with Adidas Sambas reigning supreme in 2023. But this year, McKenna says, many people are either reaching for Sambas in bolder hues or switching to another Adidas sneaker: the Gazelle. “If you’re one of the lucky ones who managed to snag the leopard-print Wales Bonner collaboration or the silver metallic, you’re already on the way,” she says. “However, Sambas have evolved from the neutral colorways to brighter, fun colors and patterns that will jazz up any outfit.”

Another sporty sneaker to keep in mind is the Salomon. The chunky sneaker has a drawstring closure and was originally designed for hiking and trail running for an outdoorsy feel. “Recently, I’ve seen Salomons paired with a sleek satin maxi skirt, a t-shirt or a button-down,” says McKenna. “Personally, I’ve only seen Salomons in the neutral colorways.”

Toe separators

Early 2000s trends are back and better than ever, including the controversial flip-flop. A sleek take on flip-flops, flip-flops have a minimalist design that makes walking comfortable and, when styled right, can be a sexy addition to an ensemble. For an effortless look, McKenna recommends pairing flip-flops with “wide-leg pants and a mini crossbody bag with chunky jewelry.”

Kitten heel mules

The kitten heel has made a comeback in recent years, and in 2024, the kitten heel mule is the versatile style to keep your eye on. Thanks to the low heel, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, and while Osemwenkhae notes that neutral tones seem to be the preferred look for this trend, you can also keep it playful with a fun print.

From open to slingback styles, kitten heel mules are “a style that can easily go from the office to dinner,” according to Osemwenkhae. She recommends pairing the mules with casual pieces like straight-leg tapered jeans and a simple white T-shirt, but still jazzing up the look with a leather blazer.

Low shoes

While loafers are typically reserved for the cooler months, they’re a chic shoe trend that’s “definitely here to stay,” according to Osemwenkhae. In years past, we’ve seen plenty of chunky designs, but 2024 will see a return to sleek and classic designs. McKenna notes that flat loafers, also known as penny loafers, should be included in your shoe collection. For those who like something a little taller, block heel loafers (a Taylor Swift favorite) are also trending, according to Osemwenkhae.

To create a preppy look, Osemwenkhae recommends pairing the loafers with a silk blouse, leather shorts and a silk duster coat. Another way to interpret this shoe style is to put together an outfit with even trendier pieces. For example, McKenna says she pairs her loafers with balloon skirts or a slip dress with ruffled socks.