Shoes this season are far from ordinary: they boast rounded toes, vivid colors, rich ornamentation, and still remain extremely classic (and classy!). Boots tend to be either flat or very decorated and sexy.
Rounded Toes
Shoe shape took a step in the comfy direction with the reintroduction of rounded toes. The styles straddle the 40s and 70s, with round toes showing up on everything from peekaboo, strappy heels to knee-high leather boots. Rounded toes look great for the office or with casual clothes, and cut-out round toes are oh so sexy when paired with tweeds or velvet pants!
Tweed Shoes
Houndstooth and herringbone make a comeback to shoes and bags this season. But don’t try to wear tweed on tweed! This sturdy fabric simply shines when worn with slinky silk or satin, and they are absolutely lovely with jeans. Take it as a rule: textured shoes look great when paired with sleek, simple clothing - this puts the emphasis on your killer kicks!
Wedge Heels
Wedge heels make another comeback, which is a relief to know (I invested in Stephane Kelian’s sky-high wedge boots only two seasons ago!) Wedge heel offers you a great comfort plus same slimming benefits as stiletto, and they look equally good with cropped pants or a skirt.
Boots
The boot frenzy is still strong this winter. The trendiest boots right now are knee-high, and their style evolved to dramatically pointed toes and spiky metallic heels, or to sensible flats and sporty wrestling boots. The former are best worn with evening dresses and pencil skirts; the latter with fuller skirts, jeans, pants or even leggings.
Bows and Brooches
Ladylike details are front and center, providing subtle retro polish to even the most casual outfit. Bowed shoes and boots are especially suited to full skirts, chiffon blouses and cropped cigarette pants. Same with jewel touches: they adorn both toes and heels, and look great either with jeans or a little black dress.
T-Straps
Making almost every heel and toe versatile, t-strapped shoe is your perfect dressy choice for an office party or a big meeting. Smart and professional, they look well with pencil skirts, tailored pants, with opaque hosiery or fishnets.
Cozy Boots
Wearing your miniskirt with shearling boots – no matter, real or faux – is ho-ho-hot! Warm and comfortable, ugg-alikes spawn all over the town, from more affordable Emu from Australia to pricier versions by Donna Karan and Michael Kors.
Shoe Trends for Winter 2005 
