Your 20s are a great time to get playful with your wardrobe — especially when it comes to shoes, and especially in 2019, when so many nostalgic trends are coming back again. While it's never the wrong time to make a statement with your footwear (no matter how old you are), most of us spend time hanging out with friends, exploring new bars, and brunching it up in our 20s, so check your slides, girl!
We rounded up a handful of fresh silhouettes here that are somewhat trendy — YOLO, you better try those PVC mules out now — along with tons of bright colorways that have the power to stop traffic. It was just the other day that Hailey and Justin Bieber went out matching in rainbow trainers, inspiring us every step of the way.
Don't worry, we're not calling any of the shoes you already own boring; we're just inviting you to take a walk on the wild side and invest in the damn cowboy boots you've been eyeing for what feels like years now. Read on to check out the 10 shoe styles that made our list, read about why you should own them right now, and then pick out the pair that speaks to your personality.
Whether yours are as extreme as neon or are made up of fun pastel straps, you should have free rein to work these with everything from your brightest separates to an LBD.
You may want to splurge on Chanel PVC slides if you're fully convinced of vinyl's staying power. Or, on the other hand, you might want to test the waters with something more affordable. Either way, you'll be delightfully surprised by how these clear shoes elongate your legs.
Alexander Wang Kaia Sandals ($325, originally $650)
Have fun mixing and matching colors in your wardrobe with the help of rainbow trainers. Coordinate with a friend or SO (like Hailey and Justin Bieber) for extra style points — and don't be afraid to wear yours with a fancy silk dress.
Nike Air Max 200 Sneaker ($120)
Even though you can keep things literal and kick it by the pool in these slides, you'll love the way they feel on a casual denim day with a bucket hat, too.
Converse One Star Sandal ($28, originally $40)
The Wolf Gang Como Fringe Slides in Amazon ($99, originally $188)
The hit shoe of the moment may be trendy, but if you really love it, there's no time like the present to splurge and show it off. YOLO, that's what they say, right? Bottega Veneta's mesh pump is currently on our wish list, and that's why you'll be seeing the material used on all your favorite shoe styles soon.
Neous - Bophy mesh mules ($670)
Channel your inner cowgirl and make a statement in embroidered or two-tone booties that you style with a dress. Croc-effect finishes are everywhere, which is a subtle way for you to tap into the trend.
Toga Pulla Western Booties ($590)
Topshop Mercy Western Boots ($180)
You can rock two-tone shoes to stop traffic, choose a geometric heel that essentially looks like a building block, or wow passersby in standout animal print mules. This is the shoe you need when you want to revolve your entire outfit around your footwear — and that's always a fun task to take on.
Mules will always be appropriate, but some of the iterations we're seeing today have crazy chunky heels, embellishments, and buckles. Look for the standout options if you want to be known as "the gal with the coolest mules."
Mango Buckle leather shoes ($50, originally $100)
Velcro straps and cushioned soles are the details that make up the "ugly sandal trend," but we're totally into it. These shoes aren't only functional for getting around, many of them have platforms that give you a boost and they look great with biker shorts, if you're trying to come up with ways to wear yours.
This strappy stiletto should make you feel confident and sexy, and it definitely shouldn't be painful. So even if that means trying a few different styles until you land on the one you want, make sure you feel confident when you're standing tall in it.
Mango Leather straps sandals ($40, originally $80)
Alexandre Birman 75 strappy sandals ($256, originally $511)