Step Into Spring in Style

Spring is finally here – its official – and for many of us this is the ideal time to revamp our wardrobes, have a cull of those unworn items and make several trips to the charity shop. It’s also the perfect time to indulge in a few fresh, key pieces to take us into the summer months.  But what of that poor, neglected shoe pile that’s also in desperate need of attention? Why not take the opportunity this spring to update your shoe cupboard, and give your hard-working feet a well-deserved treat?

Go on, dig out those tatty ankle boots you've had forever, and those much too-high heels you've never dared wear, and use our guide below to help transform your winter-weary walkers into tantalising twinkle-toes. They’re enough to make Quentin Tarantino embrace shoes...

So here are the main styles that you should step into this spring:

Wonderful Wedges:

All good things come in wedge-shaped packages...slices of cake, pieces of pie, pizza (you get the picture), and what’s not to love about a wedge shoe. Giving you leg-lengthening height without the risk of toppling or teetering, they’re the perfect spring/summer shoe which just keeps on coming back into fashion. Team strappy wedges with a floaty maxi skirt for a bohemian-chic look, or dress up a court shoe wedge with a fitted, body-con dress for a sophisticated evening look.

Wedges from Toms

The Cut-Out:

From Rihanna to Miley Cyrus, celebrities far and wide are embracing the cut-out shoe for spring/summer 2014, and it’s easy to see why. Not quite a sandal, not quite a formal shoe, they’re the perfect solution to your summer working wardrobe, and what better choice for a day-to-evening outfit for those post-work drinks? Choose a brogue- style cut out to channel your inner tomboy, or opt for an ankle boot style if you’re feeling bold.

Cut Out Shoes from Topshop

Beautiful Ballerinas:

Ever on-trend, the humble ballerina is a must-have for every girl with places to be and people to see. Lightweight and compact enough to fit in your handbag, ballerina pumps are a must-have item for a busy shopping day, or night strutting your stuff on the dance floor – even if only for the walk home. They’re also perfect for summer garden partying, where stilettos just won’t cut it unless you’re prepared to put up with that inevitable sinking feeling. These days they come in all styles and colours, from glamorous glittery numbers like this Starlight collection by French Sole, to these super-cute critters by Marc Jacobs.  

Ballet Shoes from French Sole

Fabulous Flip-Flops:

These days there’s more to a flip flop than a painful plastic toe thong and a choice of three colours. From practical Havainas to bejewelled beauties, they’re no longer just reserved for the beach and are our shoe of choice for that spring/summer soiree. Fancy going retro? Opt for a good enough to eat jelly shoe style. Feeling a bit flirty? Go floral with woven sole and blossom-adorned straps. How better to show off your new summery nail polish?!

Flip-Flop Jelly Shoe Style from Garage Shoes

So go on, embrace the outdoors and bound into barbecue season with the finest in footwear for spring/summer 2014.

Author Bio: Ellie Nicolaides is a fashion writer and shoe obsessive who loves the opportunity to update her shoe collection – however unnecessary that may be! She writes here for City Shoes, whose new spring/summer collection is now available.