From clogs to cushy thongs, see the six ugly shoe trends descending on the fashion world in 2021. Then, shop from each.
6 New "Ugly" Shoe Trends Descending on the Fashion World This Year
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Courtesy of BevzaThere’s nothing that fashion loves more than subverting expectations and flipping the script on antiquated fashion rules. The new prevailing fashion mentality puts unique personal style front and center, inspiring people to dress for no one but themselves.
That ideology is exactly what sparked the sartorial world’s obsession with “ugly” fashion. "Ugly" fashion is one big tongue-in-cheek response to dressing for one’s body or choosing “flattering” clothing. What was once considered lowbrow has become cool and is now worn both ironically and unironically. If you’re still confused, just think back to how Birkenstocks, once the premiere middle-class dad sandal of the century, became a fashion-girl staple, inspiring a legion of high-end designer copycats.
As is the way of fashion, even ugly fashion trends are cyclical, with a new crop coming in and out with each passing season. Narrowing in on the footwear styles from the S/S 2021 runways, we’ve rounded up six “ugly” shoes that are going to be big for the whole year and especially this spring. Read on to see which styles you should keep on your radar.
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Courtesy of Sportmax; Courtesy of Acne StudiosWe spotted this trend on the S/S 2021 runways at ACNE Studios, Khaite, and plenty of others, which tells me that it’s one to watch. With elements like complicated straps and asymmetrical cutouts, no one will be able to take their eyes off of these.
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Courtesy of Acne StudiosAcne Studios S/S 2021
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Courtesy of SportmaxSportmax S/S 2021
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Courtesy of Bevza; Courtesy of ChanelAs we know well know, the pandemic nearly obliterated tall heels, making way for these ultra-low floor-skimming pumps. They remind me of the sensible heels my grandma used to wear—comfortable and practical—placing them squarely in the ugly-cool category.
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Courtesy of ChanelChanel S/S 2021
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Courtesy of BevzaBevza S/S 2021
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Courtesy of Jacquemus; Courtesy of KenzoWho else remembers those platform flip-flops from the early 2000s? These are like the elevated version of those retro sandals with cushy soles and extra-wide straps.
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Courtesy of JacquemusJacquemus S/S 2021
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Courtesy of KenzoKenzo S/S 2021
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Courtesy of Jason Wu; Courtesy of SeaIt’s confirmed: Chunky sandals are here to stay. The spring runways were littered with sporty Velcro sandals (fashion’s take on elevated Tevas) with updates like colorful fabrics and whimsical embellishments.
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Courtesy of Jason WuJason Wu S/S 2021
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Courtesy of SeaSea S/S 2021
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Courtesy of Balenciaga; Courtesy of Molly GoddardHow could we forget house slippers? These cozy flats are what kept us the most comfortable last year, and they’re about to serve their purpose all the way through 2021 as well with luxurious updates like faux-fur and pretty pastel tones.
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Courtesy of Molly GoddardMolly Goddard S/S 2021
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Courtesy of BalenciagaBalenciaga S/S 2021
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Courtesy of Hermès; Courtesy of BallyLove them or hate them, you can’t deny that clogs are having a moment right now, and dare I say, they’ve never looked cooler. From cow-print clogs to patent leather, they’re completely taking off.
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Courtesy of HermèsHermès S/S 2021
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Courtesy of BallyBally S/S 2021
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Speaking of “ugly” trends, see every unconventional trend that will dominate this year, from clothing to shoes.
This story originally appeared on: WhoWhatWear - Author:Anna LaPlaca
