7 Shoe Trends That Are Taking Over 2020
Are you ready for the return of sky-high platforms?
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New year, new you shoes. A fresh wave of footwear trends was ushered through as we entered a new decade in 2020. After back-to-back seasons of '90s-inspired, low-heeled shoes, it's time to make way for new styles in your closet—from the return of platforms to modernized takes on classic loafers and Mary Janes. As seen on the Spring 2020 runways, the year's biggest shoe trends are fun, colorful, and guaranteed to breathe new life into your wardrobe. Get a head start on all the must-try styles below, especially because you may actually be wearing them out of the house shortly.
Chain Accents
Consider them built-in anklets for your shoes. Chain details appeared in both delicate and statement-making form on the spring 2020 runways. Whether done as a strappy sandal or a sleek bootie, the trend brings an unexpected sparkle to your shoe collection.
Clockwise from left: Zimmermann, Oscar de la Renta, Proenza Schouler
Porte & Paire Chain-embellished leather slingback sandals
Only seemingly simple.
Yes, your boots need their own anklet too. Available in both white and black, Schutz's chain-accent booties make for the perfect way to wear the trend now.
From the office to the weekend, these gold chain-embellished pumps are anything but basic.
The New Loafer
A new wave of loafers—not to be confused with your grandpa's trusted pair—is about to make its way through. From chunky heels to slingback styles, the classic shoe is getting a major makeover and getting the cool-girl seal of approval come spring.
Clockwise from left: Prada, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin
A perfect work-to-weekend shoe.
Nomasei Nono Loafer in Croc-Effect Calfskin
Nomasei Nono Loafer in Croc-Effect Calfskin
This rising sustainable brand is one to watch—and its pair of croc-effect heeled loafers is definitely one to try. The low heel makes for the perfect work day or casual weekend shoe.
For when you're feeling loafers, but also feeling fancy.
Colorful Boots
Knee-high boots have staged their triumphant return, but up next? A colorful rainbow of boots to give you a break from your go-to black. Brighten up your wardrobe with sunny shades of yellow and orange, or an unexpected shade of blue.
Clockwise from top left: Miu Miu, Gucci, Altuzarra, Marc Jacobs
Making for the perfect winter-to-spring transition shoe, these burnt orange boots will bring a splash of color to all your neutral-hued ensembles in the best way.
Stuart Weitzman Sky-Blue Highland Booties
Stuart Weitzman Sky-Blue Highland Booties
Ease into the trend with a pair of sky-blue boots that will add a soft touch of color to your closet.
Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini denim knee-high boots
Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini denim knee-high boots
A little blue goes a long way...
All Tied Up
From espadrilles to sexy sandals, lace-up shoes are the move come spring and summer. If you really want to go bold, lace them up right over your pants for the more risk-taking side of the trend.
Clockwise from top left: Valentino, JW Anderson, Salvatore Ferragamo, Isabel Marant
Castañer Carina 30 Canvas & Jute Espadrille Wedges
Castañer Carina 30 Canvas & Jute Espadrille Wedges
A vacation and summer staple, Castañer's espadrilles are an effortless way to get the look (tie them over your pants for that JW Anderson runway look).
This low-heeled lace up gives big impact.
Sky-High Platforms
After seasons and seasons of kitten heels, get ready for the return of towering platforms. From sandals to heels to boots, the trend is lifting us all to higher ground come 2020.
Clockwise from left: Chloé, Tibi, Miu Miu
Dries Van Noten Leather platform ankle boots
Dries Van Noten Leather platform ankle boots
A solid summer boot...
SAINT LAURENT Bianca knotted leather platform sandals
SAINT LAURENT Bianca knotted leather platform sandals
There's no better place for platform heels than a night out. Meet the new going-out shoes you can wear all year-round.
Co Croc-effect leather platform slingback sandals
Get those extra inches but keep it casual...
Minimal Designs
Minimalism is taking new form in next season's footwear. From toe-ring leather designs to reimagined thong styles, sleek black and white sandals are anything but basic.
Clockwise from left: Bottega Veneta, A.W.A.K.E. Mode, Givenchy
Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing digital content across fashion, lifestyle, beauty, sex, and culture. Previously, she was the Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR and has written for publications including WWD, Bustle, and W Magazine. When she’s not busy taste-testing her way through every dirty martini in New York, you can follow her on Instagram for bad jokes, good outfits, and annoying vacation pics.
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