New Year, New Shoes: 4 Shoe Trends for 2023, and What to Wear With Them
What’s in and what’s out is always a prevalent question as a new year approaches. What styles will stand as we head into a new year, and what kinds of fashion will be tucked away for a few decades? It’s a fun thing to ponder and look at when considering the changing styles that have come in gone in the past few generations.
Women’s shoe styles depend greatly depending on your age; women of a certain age are likely not going to be reaching for 6-inch stilettos that are worn by influencers on TikTok, while the Gen Z generation has been recently known to gravitate toward the grunge style of the 90s. When it comes to fashion, it varies greatly from person to person and from generation to generation, depending on specific preferences and what’s trending among their generation. Here are what shoes are trending in 2023.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are a shoe style that never seems to go out of style. They are classic staples that anyone can wear, from toddlers to teens to grandmothers, and are just as comfortable as they are stylish, which adds to their overall appeal. In 2023, ballet flats aren’t going anywhere; instead, they’ll be even more popular as people continue to reach for comfortable items to fill their wardrobes. Depending on your preference, you can purchase ballet flats in neutral colors like black or cream or go for a bright option like red or pink.
Ballet flats can be worn with nearly anything, and they look particularly good with a pair of skinny jeans or comfy jeggings that’s paired with a simple T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt. Ballet flats can be worn with a shift dress and tights or a fun skirt and button-down blouse for a dressier look.
Block Heels
Stilettos have a place in many people’s closets, but thick block heels are what will be filling shoe racks throughout 2023, once again alluding to the desire for comfort that many are searching for. Block heeled shoes come in all different heights—one-inch heels, three-inch heels, and even four-inch heels and beyond—but are more comfortable than their skinny stiletto alternative because of more support from the thick, block heel. Get a pair of block heels in a metallic shade for a fun spring and summer look in 2023, and opt for a neutral shade to wear throughout the winter.
Block heels meld casual and fancy style, so they can really be worn with almost anything in your closet. Try wearing a maxi dress with a pair of open-toed block heels, or wear a pair of black jeans and a white button-down top with a pair of brightly colored block heeled shoes.
Loafers
According to Cosmopolitan, sleek and chunky loafers are expected to remain popular into 2023 just as they have been for the past year, too. The chunky loafer look is an ode to 90s fashion, which is back in a big way thanks to trending items on TikTok. Chunky loafers are a great item to wear with loose-fitting boyfriend jeans and a casual T-shirt. For a dose of added fashion, you can even throw a blazer on to round out the outfit.
The more understated option is sleek, slim-fit loafers, which look just as good with loose-fitting boyfriend jeans but are also a great pairing for a mid-length skirt and tights.
Slides
Cosmopolitan also predicts that open-back slides are expected to be a staple for many people throughout 2023. They’re comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on when running errands. Slides come in many different styles, with fur-lined slides being a current look that can be expected to be popular throughout the new year. For a more casual look, slides in classic styles like clogs and understated black leather options are available, too.
Slides go well with almost anything—jeans, corduroy pants, T-shirt dresses, fit and flare dresses, and athletic-style slides can even be worn with casual sweatpants.
The overall shoe theme of 2023 is comfort; ballet flats, block-heeled dressy shoes, and slip-on slides all fit the comfortable vibe. When shopping for your 2023 shoe selection, keep comfort in mind and remember that flat or block-heeled practical shoes can be just as trendy as a pair of 5-inch pumps.