Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Sun’s out, toes out! It’s spring, which means it’s warm outside and you can throw your snow boots in the closet in favor of outfit-making shoes. Standout styles this season include low-heeled slides, Western-inspired ankle boots, and luxe flatforms.
Lace-Ups
Trade in your tired winter boots for a pair of sexy tie-ups this spring. From Valentino to Balmain, flat to sky-high stilettos, shoes that laced up the leg or around the ankle were almost everywhere. And considering they've been around for a couple of seasons now, it's safe to say they're a worthy investment.
block-heel slides
Feminine mules with sensible heels are the unapologetically pretty shoes you truly deserve this season — and can actually wear from morning to night. They come in nearly every texture and color, and pair as well with pencil skirts as they do with your trusty denim cutoffs.
Sneaker freaks
Yes, sneakers are still a thing. If you haven't yet embraced the '90s trend, designers like Alexander Wang and Rag & Bone are giving you some time to catch up. This season boasts the classics while introducing funkier new silhouettes with plenty of embellishment.
western boots
No fashion trend is as uniquely American as the Western-inspired boots reinterpreted by Miu Miu and Giuseppe Zanotti this season. (Gotta love those Italians, am I right?) Pair with your favorite denim pieces for maximum impact.
chunky flatforms
Platforms, creepers — whatever you want to call these babies — continue to steal the spotlight as one of the season's most adaptable shoes. Their thick, flat soles offer a little bit of extra height, making them the perfect addition to a dress or skirt. We're talking legs for days.
Lead Image: Tod's flatform sandals, $775; Sonia Rykiel shirt, $670; Zara skirt, $40; & Other Stories jewelry.
Photographer: Shanita Sims, Stylist: Robyn Victoria, Model: Raschelle Osbourne at Muse Management, Hair: Kyia Jones, Makeup: Marika Aoki.