WOMEN’S TRENDS

SQUARE OFF

WRITTEN BY Jyssica Yelas

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The easiest way to change the feel of any outfit? Change your shoes.

There’s a reason why we used to see so many “day-to-night” style articles that simply require you to bring a pair of “happy hour shoes” in your purse. Want to take your athleisure to the next level? Add some heels. Looking to dress down that dress you bought for an event? Opt for some trainers.

If knees were the erogenous zone of 2018 – think biker shorts and boyfriend jeans – then pointed toes were the toebox shape of the year. We saw pointed ankle booties dominate both the runway and the street this year.

But as the world is round, fashion is also circular. Whether you like it or not, the square toe box is coming back in 2019 — and with a vengeance.

For those of you asking either “why would I want to pull the squared shoes back out?” or “what’s so good about a square toe box anyways?” I have several reasons. Everyone loves to have an opinion on square toe as a trend. 

There are so many ways to get your feet into a pair of these shoes, but one more mainstream trend of the moment makes it easier than ever. Marie Kondo’s hit book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and spinoff show “Tidying Up” has thousands of Americans getting rid of bags and bags of their belongings to be donated. Because these were popular in the early 2000s, chances are you or someone you know has a pair of square-toed shoes in the closet. Find a unique pair at your favorite second-hand store before everyone else catches on.

In-the-know vintage and consignment shops like Midnight Sunlight will have the best of the best when it comes to stunning squaretoe finds, especially if you’re on a budget. 

If your shoe is angular in the front, chances are that it’s the same game in the back. With blunt fronts, we are seeing that low heels aren’t going anywhere. They are widening out and taking the form of not only squares and thin rectangles, but heel shapes have started to take on geometric lives of their own.

If nothing else, square-toed shoes will catch on again for their comfort. Whereas pointed and even rounded toes are known to squeeze one to discomfort, you’ll be happy your toes can breathe again. You also won’t have to deal with walking up the staircase sideways to fit your foot on the step and avoid tripping or scuffing the tips of your shoes. Guilty as charged, I’ll admit it.

A loafer is anything but stuffy these days, especially with details like an oversized buckle and flared heel. This one also comes in a Light Green Leather color for those who like a vintage-inspired twist, but a water-repellent membrane keeps comfort key for everyone.

Take your jumpsuit, favorite dress, or even jeans to the next level with a pair of angular boots you’ll wear all season long. This colorblocked option at Anthropologie is just muted enough to make a blush snake print an unexpected neutral.