Heels Are A Girl's Best Friend

If the thought of fall’s forthcoming thigh-high boot trend gives you nightmares of being mistaken for Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, fear not.

Another trend is about to start strutting down Sunset Boulevard and it definitely won’t get you mistaken for a streetwalker.

The emerging shoe trend: colorful, comfortable oxfords, a welcome evolution from the ubiquitous ballet flat. Think Annie Hall with a triple caffeine shot of bold color and unexpected details like studs, ribbons and other feminine touches that make a pretty and powerful statement. A bit too Katherine Hepburn-esque your taste?  Look for oxford-inspired looks to add just a hint of testosterone to your footwear wardrobe.

Here’s what you can wear yours with: just about everything. They look great with or without socks, with pegged jeans or cropped pants, with skirts and dresses, and the blazer you swiped from your boyfriend’s closet.  But leave the suspenders in the bargain bin. And they’re incredibly comfortable, which I can’t quite claim for the aforementioned over-the-knee boots.

Here are a few great oxford options and inspired styles to virtually try on for size–get ‘em early to show just how fashion forward you are:

Unlisted Women’s Sugar Cookie 2-Piece Pump, endless.com, $20.20

NYLA Randee Lace-up Oxford, amazon.com, $36.81

Harajuku Lovers “Pandora” Slingback, macys.com, $79.99

John Fluevog Women’s Radio Am Perforated Flat, endless.com, $123

Poetic License, goldyn.com, $129

Pour La Victoire “Eden,” piperlime.com, $159.99

Joy & Alexandre Herchcovitch “Melissa” Jelly Oxford, saksfifthavenue.com, $100

BDG saddle shoe, urbanoutfitters.com, $58

Moda Spana Women’s Thesalie Oxford, endless.com, $46.72

Zinc Polk Bootie, heels.com, $89.99

Corso Como “Violet Heel,” heels.com, $98.99

What do you think, shoe-istas?  Will you be picking up a pair of oxfords as your new style for fall? Are they a cute alternative to flats or best left in the men’s shoe section?

Follow me on Twitter @ DCShoeDiva

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