2009 shoe trends

Originally uploaded by shoedish

Over-the-knee boots! Haven’t we been trying to get you all to buy this style of boot? Think suede, stiletto, and a bold color. We know that you all love your flat boots, we get it, but it’s time to invest in a look that solidifies your socialite status (whether you’re a socialite or not). Wear them with tights or over skinny jeans or if you’re a little trendsetter, grab some funky thigh-high socks and do a truly unique layered look. What’s great about the thigh-high boots is that you can make it as sexy or subdued as you like. Pencil skirts and loose, flowing dresses make these boots sophisticatedly sexy.

The stiletto is back! By now, this statement is old news, as we predicted the return of the super sky-high stiletto months ago, but we can’t have a fashion trend round-up without mentioning it. If you struggle with the ergonomics of a stiletto, look for those with hidden platforms that lighten the heel height, as this is also a big trend right now and only increasing in popularity as we move into the New Year.

The mary jane is going no where fast, and she’s keeping her friend dolly around to play as well. This is not your typical, school-yard mary jane, however. The more bobbles and embellishments, the more unique and funky, the higher the platform, the more straps and hardware, the better. Double, triple, quadruple straps, hidden platforms, bright colors, and even the occasional peeked-toe will bring mary janes alive in 2009.

Square-toed pumps. This look will have varied looks, from the satin-wrapped vamp to the square-toed peep-toe, but the more tarditional style is exactly what it says it is; a square toe. Marni, Prada, and Miu Miu all have their design teams on the trend and look for the addition of color-blocking and mixing textures.

Lace and lace-up. Lace-up booties made their trendy debut last season, but Winter 2009 is where they will really shine. Look for bootie and ankle-height boots that lace from the top of the vamp to the top of the shaft. Lace-ups come in a variety of styles from frontier boots to school-girl oxfords. Lace is another emerging trend, covering the vamps and quarters of some of the seasons prettiest styles. This trend, like the lace-up, also takes a page from the Victorian style handbook and will be featured in many a designer collection, from Manolo Blahnik to Alexander McQueen.

For lovers of the peeked-toe, you’ll have your options as well, only 2009 will bring toes to a razor sharp edge. Peeked-toe is a weak definition of the toe to emerge this year. The peeked-toe of 2009 is pointy and sharp enough to sever an artery. This look will be made ever-more sexy and modern with the stiletto. Balenciaga and Roberto Cavalli will be leading the pointy-toe charge and stars like Victoria Beckham and Sara Jessica Parker have already begun sporting the look.

I know that it seems like moccasins and fringed boots have been around forever, but they will continue to haunt us well into 2009 as well. No worries, though, this look is constantly being redeveloped in reinterpreted to suit the modern bohemian. The height will be more limited to the ankle and we’ll begin to see more embellishments. Use this style to create a bold look and don’t be afraid to pair them with something that no one else would…like a mini dress!

Colorful skins! That’s right, start thinking of your snake-skins in all the colors of the rainbow, because apparently there are purple pythons out there! Skins, whether they be alligator, lizard, crocodile, or snake, will be a big hit for winter 2009 and you won’t need to buy embellished styles, because the print and the color will do all the talking. We’d call this style subtle, if it weren’t for the inability of anything python-embossed and turquoise to be subtle.

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