By Meghan Cass
Spring has sprung, and in the fashion world everything is coming up roses… and lilies and daisies!
Meg Goldman
Floral is a major trend this year, appearing on designer runways and in the shoe collections of FootSmart brands. Comfortista tapped fashion stylist Meg Goldman (she counts the TODAY show,Good Morning America and Better Homes and Gardens among her clients) for advice on making the trend work for you.Comfortista: When was the last time we saw a strong floral trend in fashion?
MG: Florals are classic. Some seasons they are more prevalent than others, but I would say just about every spring someone is designing with a floral print or using a floral accessory. Therefore, they never really go out of style. If you invest in a floral piece that you love, you know you will be able to wear it for as long as it holds up.
Comfortista: What is the key to incorporating the look into footwear?
MG: The key is to have the shoe be the only floral piece. So if you’re going to wear a floral shoe – that’s it for floral. Don’t pair a floral sandal with other floral apparel or accessories. Too much of a good thing is overkill and can look costume-y and too young.
Comfortista: How would you style FootSmart’s prettiest floral shoes?
MG: Clarks’ Artisan Latin Samba thong and Easy Spirit Hoppy sandals would look great with cotton or denim capris. Capri length is best for showing off the shoes; both fitted and wider leg silhouettes work depending on your figure.
Easy Spirit’s Traveltime and Dansko’s Volley clogs are super-casual and would look cute with capris or shorts of any length. I like the idea of white jeans to the ankle, but nothing too wide or you’ll lose the shoe.
Born’s Cornflower slide is dressier. Long, flowy dresses are really in this year and this shoe would be perfect with that. Just remember not to go too long or you’ll obscure the most important feature of the shoe: the rosette. A non-floral printed dress or a solid could work. And I love the idea of a geometric print or thin striped top with a solid pencil skirt. That would look fantastic with this shoe and could be a good “work” look.
Soft Style by Hush Puppies Paradise Bay sandal would be great with denim: either a slim skirt or jean or perhaps a cotton shirtwaist or a shift.
Wedges are huge this year and Naturalizer’s Berlynn sling is adorable. I think it works with any kind of dress with a slightly retro feel; something in a cotton that’s more structured as it’s a shoe with a little bit of weight to it. Again, capris or ankle length jeans would look great. This might be the one shoe where you could get away with mixing a floral print dress or blouse, but stay with more sophisticated, muted colors.
Comfortista wants to know: how will you wear floral shoes this season? Share your own styling tips in the comments section.
And click here for a full selection of FootSmart’s fresh floral styles.
