As the warmth of summer gently rolls in, the fashion-forwards are already stepping up their game, focusing not just on the perfect outfits but must-have shoes that will carry them through sunny days and balmy nights.

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Footwear trends for summer 2024 are about leaving a distinctive mark as you walk to your holiday destination with luxury must-haves.

This season, the trends spotlight an array of footwear styles that promise to blend comfort with luxury, ensuring every step is not just a move but a statement. Let’s walk through the top shoe trends that capture attention and turn sidewalks into runways.

The Rise of Artisanal Craftsmanship

This summer, luxury footwear takes a deep dive into the fine art of artisanal craftsmanship. Gone are the days of mass-produced monotony. In its place, bespoke details and painstaking handiwork are taking centre stage. Designers are channelling traditional techniques, bringing them to the forefront with modern twists that speak to a discerning audience.

Picture sandals and flats adorned with hand-painted designs, beaded embellishments, and custom embroidery. Each pair is not simply worn but experienced, offering a unique narrative that champions the maker's art. Brands like Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci are leading this trend, showcasing collections that highlight the unique skills of artisans from around the globe. These pieces are perfect for those who appreciate the backstory as much as the style, blending cultural richness with contemporary aesthetics.

Designer Vacation Sandals

As travel itineraries get marked and destinations are set, the spotlight turns to the perfect travel companion: your shoes. This season, designer vacation sandals from Fendi, Prada, Chloe, and more are making waves crafted to perfect your getaway ensemble with an unmistakable touch of class. These sandals are not just accessories but integral elements of the vacation wardrobe, designed to offer versatility, comfort, and undeniable style.

Fendi’s latest collection offers a refreshing take on the classic summer sandal, integrating bold logos and airy, sculptural designs that speak to a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Prada revisits sporty chic with robust straps and cushioned soles, making them ideal for explorative jaunts through new cities. Meanwhile, Chloe focuses on femininity with delicate straps and soft, earthy tones that sync beautifully with any sunset. These pieces promise to be as functional as they are breathtaking, capable of transitioning from day tours to evening extravaganzas without missing a beat.

Casual Shoes For Fashionable Women

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Summer also brings a revival of the urban casual with a twist. Casual shoes for fashionable women are to be seen everywhere this season as designers merge comfort with opulent materials and playful designs. This trend sees the emergence of elevated sneakers, espadrilles, and loafers, redesigned with premium leathers, unexpected textures, and vibrant prints that push the boundaries of traditional casual wear.

Sneakers, for instance, are no longer just for athletic pursuits; they are now embellished with crystals, sequins, or metal hardware, making them worthy of high-fashion status. Espadrilles come in laser-cut designs and hybrid forms, incorporating platforms and unusual colour combinations that turn an ordinary walk into a chic adventure. Loafers have shed their conservative skin, appearing in bright shades and oversized, sculptural shapes that challenge the status quo. This trend caters to the woman who enjoys her leisure but insists on maintaining a polished look, proving that casual does not mean compromising on style.

The Colourful Soles Of Summer

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This summer, luxury footwear is not shying away from colour – bold, vivid, and utterly captivating hues dominate the scene. From neon greens to hot pinks and electric blues, designers are using colour as a vehicle for expression and standout style. These vibrant shades are seen across a range of shoes, from stilettos to slip-ons, giving each piece a lively personality that is hard to overlook.

Brands like Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin are at the forefront, infusing their collections with colours that pop against the summer palette. This trend is for those who view their footwear as the centrepiece of their outfit, offering a dynamic way to inject energy into any look. It is all about making a statement, whether you are attending a gallery opening or a city brunch, these shoes are designed to start conversations and keep them going.

The Return Of The Platform

Elevating the game – quite literally – this season are platforms. Once a staple of past decades, they are making a formidable comeback, blending retro vibes with contemporary flair. This year, platforms are not just about adding height; they are crafted to add a new dimension to the silhouette, often combined with chunky heels and surprising materials like cork or woven jute.

Designers like Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs have embraced this trend with open arms, presenting platforms ranging from sleek and sophisticated to bold and whimsical. These shoes are perfect for those who love to blend a bit of nostalgia with modern fashion sensibilities, offering a way to stand taller without sacrificing comfort.

The Sheer Delight Of Transparency

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Transparency continues to be a favourite among luxury shoe trends, with clear vinyl and acrylic materials popping up in several high-profile collections. This trend plays with the concepts of visibility and illusion, creating a sense of intrigue and delicacy. Transparent panels, see-through heels, and even translucent straps are paired with traditional luxury materials like leather and satin, resulting in futuristic and timeless footwear.

Designers like Alexander Wang and Manolo Blahnik are experimenting with these elements, offering shoes that accentuate the foot while playing a subtle game of reveal and conceal. For evening wear or a chic day event, these shoes enhance the wearer’s presence, adding a layer of sophistication and mystery to the overall outfit.

This summer's luxury shoe trends are a vivid demonstration of how footwear can define personal style, mood, and attitude. Whether you are jet-setting to exotic locations or enjoying urban escapades, the right pair of shoes can elevate your experience, proving that every detail counts in the world of high fashion. So lace up, strap in, or slip on: this summer is all about letting your shoes do the talking.

Are you waiting for the summer season for a nice swim? The wait can be long, but Pink House Mustique is ready with its newest sustainable swimwear collection for men and kids.

The caftan is a perfect garment for warm months. Scour the beach or the resort you are staying in for the summer, and you will find a woman in comfortable, breezy, and flowy caftan attire. But this summer garb is so versatile. You can dress it up and be suitable enough to wear to a party. You can also match it with fitting pants and shoes, and it would be good enough as office wear during the hot summer months.

If you want to look trendy this summer but do not want to compromise on comfort, you should consider wearing a fabulous caftan.

Here are some top tips to help you choose the perfect one:

1. Go For A High-Quality Brand

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Caftans are supposed to make you feel effortlessly chic. So, if you want to look your best without sacrificing style, you better not skimp on cost. Getting this attire from internationally known brands that specialise in this summer fashion staple may be more expensive. But you will not regret your decision because you will surely enjoy your quality caftan for many years to come.

For example, if you are looking for a classic but fashionable style, you may want to consider shopping for luxury caftans by Natori. This global fashion company is known for its silk and cotton tunics, robes, and caftans that are lightweight and made notable by their bold and beautiful designs.

2. Buy For Your Size

Photo: Natori

One mistake that most ladies make when selecting a caftan is not buying for their built and size. This type of summer attire is typically loose-fitting to let air circulate freely inside the garment, so you will feel comfortable during the warm season. Hence, even if the caftan fits, if it does not give you the ability to move effortlessly, then the size may not suit you. Once you have found a caftan that perfectly fits your body, you will forever want to include it as one of your go-to travel dresses for summer, along with a wrap-around dress and a backless mini dress.

3. Know Your Purpose

As mentioned earlier, caftans are excellent summer attire because they are adaptable. Some Hollywood celebrities even wear caftan-inspired gowns during red-carpet or awards nights. In the 2021 Emmy's, Elizabeth Olsen wowed the crowd with a trendy but straightforward white caftan-esque gown designed by her sisters. So, wearing caftans for various occasions - even formal ones - is doable and appropriate.

For example, suppose you are going to a beach wedding and want something comfortable but still classy. In that case, you should consider buying a caftan made of luxury fabric like silk. Remember to pick one with bold and elaborate colours and designs. However, if you want to own a caftan just because you think they are stylish, then you can pretty much pick any design, colour, and fabric you want.

4. Match With Your Available Accessories

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If you want to look classy effortlessly, buying a caftan made of excellent quality fabric would be preferable. It may be more costly, but you can save money on other fashion items. In other words, splurge on the caftan itself and not on added fashion accessories.

For instance, always consider what accessories and shoes you already have when choosing your summer caftan. So, instead of buying a new pair of sunglasses or new shoes to match your attire, it would make more sense to search for a caftan design and colour that would look perfect with the accessories you already have in your wardrobe.

5. Mind The Length

Photo: Natori

You should also have the length in mind when buying a caftan. By doing so, you do not need to go to a dressmaker to have your garment altered. Fortunately, caftans come in various lengths and sizes, so you will find one that is ideal for your purpose.

So, if you want caftans for casual and loungewear, you can pick one with a short or medium length. You can even use short caftans to work if you pair them up with leggings or slim-fitting jeans. However, if you are eyeing to use this go-to summer garb for a formal party, you may want to get a floor-length caftan or one that can at least reach your mid-calf. Remember to dress everything up with a small clutch and beautiful jewellery.

6. Know Your Fabric

The most common fabric used for caftans is cotton because it is breathable and ideal for hot and humid weather. However, you can also find some made from rayon, satin, or even wool. That said, if you want to feel elegant and luxurious, pick something made of silk. Just feeling that smooth and silky fabric touch on your skin would already make you feel like a million bucks.

Conclusion

Caftans are a versatile summer outfit you can wear anytime and for any occasion. However, if you want to feel unique and fashionable, you should take the time to choose the right one for your body type, purpose, and accessories you already have in your closet.

Salty water, sun, wind and pool. Summer holidays do good to your mood but can leave your hair stressed out. Build a new haircare routine to rescue your hair and start anew.

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Chlorine and seawater but also intense heat and styling tools can play havoc with your hair. Here is how to say goodbye to this Summer with the healthiest locks ever.

Start with cleansing and conclude with extra pampering. These are the expert products to take care of your hair during the seasonal transition:

Only Curls Cleansing Shampoo Bar (£12, available online) 

The newest addition to the Only Curls collection is this eco-friendly shampoo bar. Solid is better for the environment and perfect to take away with you, wherever you are going this summer. Leaving your hair refreshed, nourished, and cleansed, shampoo bars are making headlines!

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque (£12.99, available online) 

This iconic hair mask is essential for those with dry, damaged hair. Raw shea butter deeply moisturises and repairs your hair, leaving your locks hydrated and healthy.

SheaMoisture Sugarcane Extract & Meadowfoam Seed Silicone-Free Miracle Styler Leave-In Treatment (£14.99, available online) 

Free from silicones but rich in natural ingredients, this leave-in treatment detangles, adds shines, and reduces frizz. It is perfect for all hair types and can complete everyone’s hair care routine.

Jerome Russell Bstyled Heat Protect Sleek Primer (£6.99, available online) 

Style your hair, without the fear of damage, thanks to Jerome Russell. Protecting your hair from heat up to 230 degrees, along with protection from humidity, this product is essential whatever you’re up to.

Jerome Russell Bblonde Maximum Blonde Toner Platinum (£4,99, available online) 

According to Google trends, searches for blonde hair toners are up 90% this month, suggesting blonde hair is the colour everyone is after. With the UK’s Number One Blonding brand, blonde hair has never been so easy to maintain. Neutralising all brassy tones, this toner is guaranteed to leave your blonde hair glowing.

Back to basics: your next hair care programme starts this September to restore your locks and remember just the best of your Summer.

That long-awaited heatwave is finally here and combating the tossing and turning at night, frizz-hair and sweaty skin are just a few of things we have to deal with. Need a solution? Well we can help with these super pick of the day, best heatwave slumber essentials – perfect for any nightstand.

• SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Multi-Action Leave in, £10.99, Boots. Don’t let humidity frizz your hair – this brand-new treatment banishes frizz, breakage and fortifies hair. Spray before bed onto clean hair.

• Too Cool For School Coconut Milky Mist, £18.50, Boots - Formulated with 87% pure Brazilian coconut water, packed with essential minerals and vitamins, this moisturising mist quickly replenishes hydration anytime, anywhere. Spritz anytime you feel hot in bed, for instant relief.

• Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack, £18.50. Don’t let the humidity, fans and aircon dry out your skin. This all-in-one nighttime moisturiser and intensive overnight sleeping mask hybrid works wonders for your damaged, dull, dry skin while you sleep, by mildly exfoliating and scuffing away dead skin cells. It provides hydration, supports elasticity, and creates a soothing effect.

• Embryolisse Radiant Eye, £21, Cult Beauty. Really can’t catch some zzz’s? As soon as you open your eues in the morning, apply the MUA secret under your lids. The cooling and rejuvenating stick has both instant and long-term benefit, boosting-radiance and brightening the eye area while the blend of sugar derivatives and aloe vera combine to moisturise and refine skin texture.

• Morning Glamour Set of 2 Pillowcases, £24.99, www.makeupbox-ldn.co.uk - Non-absorbent unlike cotton pillowcases, helping your skin and hair maintain moisture on hot evenings. Also reduces frizz, breakage and wrinkles.

Just like the very flavour of summer - blended in a drink altogether, the fashion for summer of 2019 is a perfect mixture of brights, pastels, ease, glams and comfort! The summer fashion trends for women include the classic and elegant fashion styles of trousers and blazers, maxi dresses, slip dresses, structured shirts, pleated skirts and milkmaid tops, with minimalistic styles when it comes to bags and ease and comfort for shoes. The effortless path to exploring the best complimenting shoes for the attires stops at the vast category of sandals, sliders, mules and clogs. The bags as to be considered the value-added accessories are in fashion with shades of blue and beige in clutch bags and tote bags whereas the chic shade of black in the classic backpacks!

Easy Sneakers And Backpacks

Trainers and backpack paired with denim shorts or jeans is the ultimate king of comfort and classic summer appeal. The trainers have been in trend since last year and haven’t really gone out. Trainers in white and beige are perfect summer attire with ease and comfort fused with style, and the glam of prints. The graphic details added, is the millennial twist to the modern yet chic trainer design. When paired with milkmaid tops of bright shades and denim shorts or jeans or a summer dress, trainers can be encorporated into a casual outfit for the beach or even a day out shopping!

Sandals And Clutch Bags

Sandals are the ultimate all-rounder for fashion trends in shoes, with heeled sandals and strappy sandals in black, glimmers of metallic and jewels are perfect alternatives for the less comfortable stilettos and high heels! Small heeled sandals in black are perfect for formal as well as semi-formal party settings, and the flat strap sandals in gold and silver, glammed with jewels are perfect for a relaxed party attire, paired with playsuits or maxi dresses. The strappy heeled sandals in metallic shades also offer a complimenting look to midi dresses or split skirts and dresses as well. Sandals paired with a clutch bag is a multi-purpose duo for many settings!

Sliders And Mules

Sliders and mules are the ultimate casual attire when it comes to dressing for the summer season. The sliders in tan shades offer a perfect compliment to the classic pleated skirt-structured shirt duo this summer. Mules in black with kitten heels, provide comfort and stylish design to the vintage checked blazer-suit outfit for professional as well as casual days-out. Alternatively, brightly coloured mules worn with a simple dress, or coupled with baggy jeans and a thin knit top, offer that vintage look. Sliders and mules are perfect example of summer fashion which is easy and comfortable, yet still having high-end fashion appeal.

It may not feel like it just now, but spring is coming, and summer will be here before you know it!