I Refuse to Wear Sandals With Heels—Here Are My Favorite Flat Ones to Buy

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Refinery29

In February, among Fashion Month’s many monochrome matching sets and hygge puffer coats, were shoes of epic proportions. Tokyo-based streetwear brand Ambush put the models for its fall ‘21 collection in round, bulbous rubber boots. Hardly a streetwear person, I was surprised at how drawn to them I was. It was like seeing the Bottega Veneta Puddle Boot for the first time. Later, similarly oversized footwear debuted at PH5, though they were clogs rather than boots, and Vivienne Westwood, in the form of patchwork Oxfords. I immediately began thinking up ways in my head to incorporate them into my wardrobe. Since I can remember I have been drawn to what some would call “ugly” fashion. As a kid, I shopped in the boy’s department at the Gap because that was where my brother shopped, and I idolized him. There, I chose baggy cargo pants over fitted mini skirts and bulky sneakers as opposed to ballet flats. In middle school, I styled Nike running shorts with washed-out T-shirts instead of skinny jeans and Abercrombie tops; in high school, while others shopped for black boots at Topshop, I wore Birkenstocks with tube socks. The particulars have continued to change over the years, but my overall penchant for fashion marked unattractive by conventional standards has remained a constant. In recent years, this has culminated in my footwear. In 2019, while at Ganni in Stockholm, I spotted a pair of black, lug-soled sport loafers. The fact that they were chunky, heavy, and bound to give me shin splints were all part of their allure. The shoes, now sold-out, weren’t crafted out of satin, like something out of Carrie Bradshaw’s unrealistically large West Village closet, nor were they designed to make my butt look good in jeans. (In actuality, they probably made my butt look worse, not that I care.) I stomped around in them for months, wearing them to work, dinners, and bars with actual people in them. I rented a Totême blazer month after month on Rent The Runway — just to wear with my chunky shoes. Right before the pandemic, I splurged on another pair of similarly minded shoes: platform Gucci loafers that I bought secondhand from Vestiaire Collective. Though vastly different in style, my reasoning for buying them was the same — the substantial size and shape was a far cry from the more elegant loafer offerings that the Italian brand is known for. They made my feet look big, on purpose. The effect was clown shoes, but Gucci-approved. I loved it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eliza Grace Huber (@elizagracehuber) Though this isn’t scientific, what entices me most about shoes that take up space is their ability to add a statement to an otherwise boring look. Add a pair of bulbous shoes to an oversized, black suit, and suddenly, the once-blasé outfit becomes interesting. But it’s more than that: Big shoes, like heels, are a confidence booster. Be it a heavy platform or a skinny stiletto, you walk taller when you’re 3” to 5” inches up. In my Gucci loafers, I walk tall. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🌹TARA MARIA GONZÁLEZ 💃🏻💮 (@tarigonzalez) Tara Gonzalez, a style writer at InStyle, agrees. “Chunky, platform boots are my favorite because they make me more confident than any other shoe,” she tells Refinery29. According to her, it’s because they allow her to “tower over everyone.” “If I feel like my outfit needs a little extra something, a platform boot instantly adds edge,” she says. Shelby Ying Hyde, a contributing editor at Harper’s Bazaar and The Zoe Report, says chunky shoes give her outfit “an instant lift without having to rely on high heels.” Ying Hyde used to rely on heels to streamline her outfits, but after moving to New York, and realizing how hard the city can be on both your feet and your shoes, she turned to chunky loafers and boots instead. She also credits the nostalgic look of platforms for their rise in popularity: “I think it has a lot to do with the industry’s affinity for vintage style from the ‘90s and other past decades. Everyone loves a good nostalgic fashion moment.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by la’shaunae (@luhshawnay) Instagram, too, is heaping with too-big shoes, be they from social-friendly brands like Pêche and Source Unknown or major fashion houses like Prada and Burberry. Marta Cygan, also known as Life of Boheme, paired her oversized Prada loafers with big trousers and a corset top. Lashaunae Steward’s big shoes — also Prada — were paired with a fuzzy mini dress and a matching Telfar bag. Courtney Trop of the fashion blog Always Judging chose to go a more casual route, wearing chunky sneakers from the outdoors brand Salomon, which she paired with an equally voluminous skirt from Issey Miyake and a leather vest. In all three looks, the shoes were the focus. So why are so many people choosing to wear big and bulky shoes, to the point of discomfort at times (count the blisters)? Maybe, it’s the confidence thing. After all, a platform physically elevates you; the large silhouette takes up space. Nostalgia and edge, too, likely play their part in the appeal. Regardless, it takes putting on a pair — be it a boot, clog, loafer, or sneaker — and seeing the world from a few inches up to understand. Once you do, you’ll want every shoe to be a big shoe. If I had my way, every shoe would be. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Rubber Clogs Are The Ultimate Dog Walking ShoeWhat Shoes Do You Wear With Non-Skinny Jeans?The Loafer Has Gone Diesel & We’re Here For It

Spring 2021 trend forecast

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  1. ‘60s colour/neon

Versace SS21

Many people believe that coming out of lockdown will lead to a sort of post-war revival period; a moment of glitz and glamour, and a celebration of fashion and dressing up (I have my fingers crossed). What better way to serve this atmosphere than with the hyper colours of yellow, orange and pink. Neon can be a difficult shade to approach, but trust me, the best way to wear it is with confidence.

  1. Wide Leg Trousers

Chanel Haute Couture SS21

The abolition of the skinny jean has been a growing movement for quite some time now and, although I would still be hesitant to chuck your favourite skinnies out, with most trends being circular, now is the definitely the time to try this new style out. Although not as figure hugging or sleek as previously beloved styles, wide leg trousers are far more comfortable. The ones linked below from Zara have a slightly slimmer upper leg meaning that you don’t lose all shape.

  1. Low Rise Mini Skirts

Miu Miu Spring 2021 ready-to-wear

‘90s trends came back in force in the new year, and they’re not going anywhere for Spring 2021. We have gone from flared jeans to the return of the low rise (insert gasp of horror). This was a trend many people were dreading to reemerge after years of getting comfortable in our high rise bottoms, however they’re back at here to stay for spring/summer. If you’re wanting to rock this ‘90s style with confidence, Urban Outfitters have some great everyday options:

  1. Block colour trousers

Raf Simons Spring 2021 ready-to-wear

Autumn and winter of 2020/21 fashion was the season of neutrals. Beige, brown, and cream were the chosen colour palette for most brands. However, Spring 2021 marks the beginning of a colourful new wardrobe. This was shown in many spring collections during London Fashion week, such as Raf Simons’, block colour trousers, and they are starting to appear in high street fashion. For example, Zara have released a new coloured denim collection for SS21, starring the WIDE-LEG FULL-LENGTH COLOURED JEANS, which are available in bright yellow, green and pink.

  1. Abstract patterns

Raf Simons Spring 2021 ready-to-wear

Abstract patterns already started to make an appearance in Autumn fashion, especially in the realm of Instagram fashion. Yet again, they seem to be here to stay for Spring 2021. Statement abstract patterns are a great way to inject both colour and uniqueness into any outfit. Insta-famous brand Jaded London are the pioneers of the patterned trend, and so I have linked some of their most well-love pieces below, along with some other, equally as stunning, alternatives:

  1. Platform sandals

Bottega Veneta Spring 2021 ready-to-wear

Though this next trend may be slightly ambitious for British Spring weather, platform sandals are bound to make an appearance in SS21 fashion. Gucci’s rubber slide sandals have already received a lot of attention on social media, resulting in many high street brands, such as Bershka (linked below), taking inspiration from the ‘70s design. They are a fun and statement addition to any outfit on a warm spring day. Here are some high street options for this season:

  1. Jumpsuits

Saint Laurent Spring 2021 ready-to-wear

Jumpsuits are making a comeback this spring. They are another fashion trend to go viral on Instagram, with many influencers sporting the new look. What was once an outdated or overly formal outfit choice, jumpsuits have now become a trendy and youthful addition to a spring wardrobe. New jumpsuit designs are not only incredibly flattering, but they also eliminate the hassle of choosing an outfit. It is a one-piece wonder, as you can put it on and have an instantly stylish, spring-ready fit. Here are some favourites linked below:

Hugo Boss Spring 2021 ready-to-wear

The formal shirt dress has been reimagined this Spring. The new jersey material shirt dress is a great cute but casual piece for this season. They can easily be dressed up with a pair of heels or heeled boots, but can also easily be paired with some trainers or flat boots for a stylish everyday look. These dresses are also great for the classic British in-between weather, where it’s not quite warm enough for no sleeves but also feels too warm for jeans. Here are some great shirt dress options:

Pretty Little Thing Long Sleeved Ruched Shirt Dress

  1. Patterned denim

Charlotte Knowles Spring 2021 ready-to-wear

Patterned denim is prominent in many SS21 collections this year. This label encompasses classic jeans with subtle denim detailing, as well as more statement jeans which have been coloured or patterned. These pieces are great to pair with the simpler items in your wardrobe and still create an elevated and interesting look. Here are some of our favourite jeans this season:

  1. Silk/satin sets

Burberry SS21

Silk looking sets are bound to be the perfect addition to your wardrobe for a smooth transition into the real world from the one of pyjamas we have all been living in during lockdown. These silky pyjama-style sets are comfortable, breezy and look ever so chic with a hat and heels. Don’t be afraid to actually buy pyjama sets as they can be a cheaper but still as effective alternative.

  1. Bralettes/corsets

Dior Ready-to-wear SS21

Bralettes and corsets were seen on all the major catwalks including Dior and Versace, but there has also been an increasing presence of them on social media, with a particular one from Amazon (linked below) going viral on TikTok. If wearing one by itself is still a little scary, then pair it with a floaty dress to give your outfit some structure and definition.

  1. Bohemian maxi dress

Etro SS21

Who doesn’t want the excuse to dress up like a princess and run around in a beautiful floaty dress all day? These dresses give you the perfect excuse to do so, with the florals and ruffles adding to the Spring feel. You can also find some that are slightly less feminine, using different patterns such as animal or morrocan print.

  1. Crochet knit tops

The bohemian feel continues with the return of crochet knit tops. They first made a reappearance in Miu Miu’s SS21 collection, with their floral motif crochet top and crochet halter dress. This high end design has inspired many high street brands, such as Urban Outfitters (linked below), to produce similar items for this Spring/Summer. These cute tops create a relaxed and summery feel, and are a great addition to the Spring wardrobe.

  1. Cut outs

Prada Womenswear SS21

Cut outs were present on the catwalks of Prada, Victoria Beckham, Michael Kors and Jacquemus to name a few, and have subsequently infiltrated every online shopping website and influencer’s Instagram. The look is reminiscent of holidays, while being covered enough for British spring time. You can also choose from numerous styles, where the cut out falls, whether it be on your top, dress, arm, side,etc, and how many cut outs you want. There is a variety currently on the market, so the choice is all yours.

  1. Stripes

Missoni SS21

Stripes are getting a new lease of life – the designers want us to re-envision them, with Molly Goddard making them bright and bold, while Dior made them bigger and better. There is definitely no denying that stripes are back; they are perfect for flattering any figure, and are reminiscent of warmer months, the sun and sand.

Of Course Kylie Jenner Has the “Birkinstocks” Made From Hermès Bags

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Kylie Jenner loves herself some designer. The beauty mogul has an insane collection of vintage Dior, Chanel, and Tom Ford-era Gucci pieces to prove it. But her latest acquired accessory is over the top luxury at its absolute finest: Jenner scored herself a pair of “Birkinstocks,” a pair of imitation Birkenstock sandals from the brand MSCHF that are made out of Hermès Birkin bags. (Yes, really.)

On her Instagram Stories yesterday, Jenner posted the new lavish shoes in question. The black, strappy sandals are, to the untrained eye, indistinguishable from the classic Birkenstock Arizona style, but with its gold buckles and pebbled leather—and the Hermès-style orange box they came in—you could tell there was something slightly different about these. “Thanks @mschf,” she wrote, implying that the pair were a gift.

Kylie Jenner’s Birkinstocks Photo: Courtesy of @kyliejenner

MSCHF says it makes these “Birkinstocks” by purchasing authentic Birkins and then completely destroying them. They first disassemble and flatten a bag, then cut a pattern out of the leather from the shoe, adding a cork footbed and rubber sole to finish it off. Despite being all cut up, the shoes still come with real Birkin pricing. Price points range from $34,000 to a whopping $76,000, depending on the finish you get (you can get them in crocodile or ostrich leathers, for instance). And in case you’re wondering, no, neither Hermès or Birkenstock are involved in this; where they get all these Birkins is a mystery.

It’s all an unusual approach, but MSCHF certainly gets an A for creativity here. Birkenstocks, a humble summer sandal, have experienced a high-fashion revival lately. Brands like Valentino and Rick Owens have partnered with the brand, and trendsetters like Katie Holmes are die-hard fans. They’re the perfect foil to a Birkin bag: beloved for their wearability and accessibility.

MSCHF’s Birkinstocks Photo: Courtesy of MSCHF

So making them out of the most exclusive handbag is a genius marketing move, if you think about it. We’ve yet to see Jenner in a classic Birkenstock (though sister Kendall Jenner is into them), but in its new lavish form, it makes perfect sense that she’d have a pair. Same goes for stars such as Future, Kehlani, and other “multiple billionaire art collectors” that have already bought pairs, according to the brand. And while Jenner was likely gifted hers, it’s still the ultimate status piece to own—perhaps even more of a flex that she didn’t have to spend a car payment on them, too.