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Hot to trot this summer

By Liu Yujie (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-01 15:06

The words of the Sex and the City character Carrie Bradshaw highlight the important place shoes have in the lives of women: "Love may be gone, but shoes will stay." Creative combinations of leather and wood, straw plaiting, wedge soles, crystal decorations on the heels, rivets and colors both flamboyant and gouache, have become the most eye-catching features of this summer's trends, according to Chen Si, a fashion editor of Cosmopolitan. In addition, sandals that incorporate rock and sports elements or suggest a Lolita look continue to be popular. Chen recommends five summer shoes.

A group of four Brazilian tourists take a walk around Sanlitun wearing flatties of different styles. [Wang Jing / China Daily]

1. Creative geta

The traditional Japanese geta has been an inspiration for many designers. Carved into either thin or thick heels, wood, with its unique grain, can also be major player in the fashion arena.

Best match: Hunting wear in neutral colors.

2. Flamboyant high-heeled shoes

Don't be scared off by the 10-cm-tall heels. They can still be very reliable in spite of the dangerous looks. The four- to five-cm thick platform will give you a loftier attitude on life.

Best match: Dresses of strong feminine character.

3. Holiday-style straw plaiting wedgies

Straw plaiting elements convey a casual and handmade quality.

Besides, wedgies are less likely to catch chiffon skirts that reach to the ankles than heels.

Best match: Hawaiian flowery long skirts, harem pants and sporty short pants.

4. Romantic natural color flatties with flowers

As the Roman gladiator style fades into the fashion of the past, flatties of simple geometrical appearance are popular this summer.

Comfortable flatties with a touch of fashion can be so versatile that you can wear them in the daytime with hot pants and T-shirts, and also at night when you go out to party. Nude color gives your legs a more slender look.

Best match: Jeans, girly dresses.

5. Sexy porous ankle boots

Still thinking boots only belong to the winter? Then you are out! It is the ambiguity between sandal and boot that appeals to the high tide people.

Black stripes or lively spider webs that reach upward to the ankles, rivets decoration and toes revealed through a "fish mouth" are the key features.

Best match: Black outfit, white T-shirt and jeans, harem pants.