8 types of women's shoes for the summer

Clogs, mules, slip-ons, monks ... We sort out the mysterious names from the world of shoes and choose the perfect pair for the summer.

Birkenstock

Photo: Free People, Urban Outfitters
Birkenstocks are comfortable shoes resembling sandals on a fairly wide sole with an orthopedic insole. The creator of this shoe is the German Konrad Birkenshtok, who invented and patented an orthopedic insole.
For many, birken stocks are nothing more than shoes that are only suitable for wearing with joint problems and lack aesthetic qualities. However, in recent years, designers have seriously tried to convince the public that convenience is beautiful, and birken stocks have become regulars on fashion catwalks, and it turned out that the comfort they offer can really be stylish.

How to wear birken rods

Despite the fact that birken stocks may not seem sophisticated enough for skirts, these shoes go well with them. However, in this case we are not talking about classic strict models of skirts. With birken stocks, for example, a pencil skirt with a bright print will look good.
Jeans, trousers and shorts are a priori ideal accompaniment for birkenstocks, especially since such a duet will make any walk as comfortable as possible. For the bold, a more extravagant combination is birkenstocks plus culottes.

Muli

Photo: Mansur Gavriel, Asos
Mules are high-heeled shoes with an open heel, the height of the heel can be any, from a hairpin to a completely flat sole.
The first mention of these models dates back to the time of Ancient Rome. Status shoes, the name of which in Italian means “thinker,” were worn only by men and only aristocrats. In the middle of the 20th century, Marilyn Monroe returned the mules to fashion, and in 2014 these shoes again became desirable for all fashionistas in the world after the Victoria Beckham show in New York.

What to wear with mules

Mules are extremely versatile, so you can wear them with absolutely all kinds of clothes with one exception - a strict business suit.

Slip on

Photo: Nordstrom, Vans
Slip-ons are lightweight sneakers with thick rubber soles, without laces. This shoe got its name due to its convenience: due to the lack of fasteners and lacing, wearing them is very simple and easy. He created Paul Van Doren slip-ons (founder of Vans) in 1977. Initially, they were intended for surfing, but in the early 80s gained wide popularity.
Of course, slippers are very affordable shoes, which is also very easy to care for: just load them into the washing machine, select the desired mode, wash and dry in limbo or using a special shoe dryer. Leather shoes should be wiped with a damp cloth and dried at room temperature.

What to wear with slip-ons

Slip-ons are not shoes yet, not loafers, not shoes, but definitely not sneakers, so if you think that these shoes will not fit into any style other than casual, we hasten to dissuade you. Slip-ons are ideal for light skirts, airy dresses, suits, shorts and cardigans. For a business look (not too formal), choose leather models.

Clogs

Photo: Bryr, Anthropology
It is conditionally possible to divide the logs into 3 varieties: the usual ones — and the sole and the upper part of the product are made of wood (in fact, this is the original type of shoe in which it came to us from Holland); modern klogs - wooden soles, upper - from leather, textile, rubber and other materials; and finally, clogs-slippers - with a single flat sole made of wood, which is sometimes complemented by a leather strap.
The first klogs were rated by French, Danish and Dutch peasants for their practicality, durability and low cost. Now, the logs have recognized style icons, from Sarah Jessica Parker to Angelina Jolie.

What to wear clogs with

Fashionable experts advise to pay attention to the obvious "pastoral romance", in other words, images that combine natural fabrics, femininity and rustic romance.
In addition, the clogs will fit into both the military and safari: windbreakers, trousers, trench coats and dresses in shades of khaki, beige, dirty brown and black.
Complete the look with accessories made of natural materials - a straw hat or bag, wooden bracelets, etc.

Espadrilles

Photo: Urban Outfitters, Lulus
Espadrilles are called summer shoes made of natural materials, most often cotton or linen, on a rope sole. These shoes are found both on a flat sole and on a platform. Absolutely irreplaceable element of a summer wardrobe! Of course, one of the main advantages of this shoe is natural materials that allow your legs to breathe even on the hottest days.
In the XIII century, the Catalan peasants made clothes and shoes from improvised materials, the cheapest of which was grass, which became the basis for the soles of slippers, and the grass variety itself gave the name to shoes. In the mid-20th century, espadrilles took to the fashion runways thanks to Yves Saint Laurent.

What to wear with espadrilles

Like logs, espadrilles will look great complete with clothing made from natural materials, as well as denim. At the same time, the fact that espadrilles can only be worn on bare feet should be taken as an immutable rule.
Features of this type of shoes exclude the possibility of combining them with business style. In addition, espadrilles should not be worn under evening gowns, tulip skirts and sheath dresses. Also, unpretentious shoes exclude the use of rhinestones and expensive jewelry.

Loafers

Photo: Sperry Top-Sider, Asos
Loafers are classic shoes, somewhat resembling loafers in appearance, but differing from them with a stiffer sole and a wide massive heel. Loafers are often complemented by a brush or leather fringe, or a jumper with a slot.
Initially, loafers were part of the outfit of English sailors, to which they owe their name: loafer in translation means "loafer", it is this epithet that sailors who land on land were often awarded, who preferred to have fun and spend time in nonchalant idleness. In the early 1930s, an entrepreneur from New Hampshire Spaulding began mass production of loafers.

How to wear loafers

Of course, loafers are not as elegant as classic shoes, but their strict lines can very well emphasize the elegance of the female leg, which means that all types of skirts, from midi to maxi, will look great with them. In a similar way, cropped trousers will be very advantageous.
In addition, loafers perfectly complement knitted items - voluminous sweaters, dresses, etc.
The retro style will look great with this type of shoe: for example, a checkered A-line skirt to the middle of the calf, a turtleneck and a cardigan with a belt at the waist.

Monkey

Photo: The Drifter Leather, Acne Studios
Monks - classic shoes with an extended toe and binding buckles, double or single, without a fastener. Women borrowed this type of shoes from monks who wore similar shoes in the 19th century.
Female monks are made, as a rule, of genuine leather, but you can find them both in suede and in varnish. You will not find any fanciful versions of this model - these are really strict shoes, which are adorned with perhaps decorative stitching or perforation.
Refuse such shoes if you have a large foot size - otherwise, the monks will make the foot visually even longer than it is.

What to wear with monks

Monkeys belong to the type of shoes that are called self-sufficient. This means that you are building an image, starting from them, and not vice versa. That is why clothing should be simple, but strict and elegant enough, somehow the monks themselves dictate.
A duet with cropped narrow trousers complemented by a blazer will be very successful.And in general, the monks will fit perfectly into a slightly provocative wardrobe, built on women's versions of men's clothing.

Topsiders

Photo: Sperrys (2)
Topsiders are shoes designed specifically for yachting; topside means “on deck”. Their distinguishing feature is a white sole, the ribbed surface of which prevents slipping (initially - on wet boards of the deck). As for the top, it has traditionally been made of genuine leather with special moisture-repellent impregnation. A characteristic lace runs along the perimeter of the entire boot, which is tied in front.
Today, boaters retain almost all the traditional features, but the color scheme and materials used have become more diverse.

What to wear with topsiders

Most of all, boaters correspond to informal styles - from casual to marine, which for them is the most "native".
As for dresses and skirts, lush hem, a straight silhouette or flared options will be appropriate, while preferring models above the knees.