Last season’s sensible block heel pumps(otherwise known as ‘granny courts’) are making way for a new pretender for AW16 – all hail the slingback pump.
As with many things in fashion, it started with Chanel. The original black and beige variety was created by Coco Chanel in 1957 and was designed to lengthen the leg and make feet appear smaller and daintier.
Then, for the French fashion house's AW15 catwalk, Karl Lagerfeld revived the classic style, reintroducing us to the prim and polished cap-toed slingback. Shaking off any 'grandma' connotations, this polished fashion staple soon worked its way into the closets of style bloggers and ‘it’ girls, and gradually back to the high street, looking poised for full footwear domination any minute now.
On the catwalk, Givenchy, Michael Kors and Burberry Prorsum also showed their own varying takes on the slingback trend for SS16, but for this season the look is block heeled and ideally round-toed. Beige and black, in a nod to Chanel, are of course always in style, but if you really want to push the envelope, look out for metallics for a modern update on this tried and tested look. Other key details to watch for include snakeprint and embellished or bejewelled heels.
While last season’s pumps were strictly business, the slingback is a far more versatile addition to your wardrobe - it works just as well dressed up with a pencil skirt for work as it does in more casual ensembles. Like those trusty ballet flats of yester-season, it’s an everyday staple that works with almost anything.
A slingback really comes into its own, however, when worn with boyfriend jeans or a cropped trouser. More relaxed pieces balance out the ‘granny’ effect to create a look that’s a bit more directional.
How the bloggers are wearing it
Much of the inspiration for how we’re going to be wearing slingbacks this season comes from street style, so we’ve picked out a few Instagrammers who are working this item to perfection right now…
Proving that slingbacks can be both classic and directional, style blogger Diana (Sweatshirts & Dresses) worked hers last New York Fashion Week with bright red palazzo pants and a cropped jacket.
American blogger Anya Talyzin (Inestyle) also wears it well in a black split leg trouser and straw boater, combing classic Parisian chic with a clean lined US aesthetic.
German street style star Golestanehpairs her Chanel slingbacks with an all-white look that’s cool, classic and luxe to the core.
Meanwhile, back in Blighty, Christina Hauck (Chrissabella) shows it’s not all about Chanel – her metallic slingbacks are the perfect foil to these frayed jeans for an edgier, city take on the trend.
Ready to fling on a slingback? Shop the trend in our gallery below.
The New Classic: 11 Slingbacks To Buy Now
1 of 11Dune Coco Silver Slingback Block Heel Court Shoe £42
This simple silver design is a real statement piece and it's a bargain right now in the sale. Hurry, before they're all gone! Dune Coco Silver Slingback Block Heel Court Shoe £42
2 of 11Finery Ferncroft Sling Back Closed Toe Sandals, Pewter £95
Snakeprint and metallics, you say? It shouldn't work but somehow these quirkly slingbacks do. Style with tweeds and knits for the ultimate in clashy chic this season. Finery Ferncroft Sling Back Closed Toe Sandals, Pewter £95
3 of 11Gucci Arielle Swarovski crystal-embellished leather slingback pumps £570
If you like a bit of luxe in your shoe closet, why not splash out on these Swarovski heeled slingbacks? The black leather frontage and gold statement heel mean this pair are business at the front and party at the back - a winning combination for any fashion-forward wardrobe! Gucci Arielle Swarovski crystal-embellished leather slingback pumps £570
4 of 11Jeffrey Campbell Penthia slingbacks
Part-loafer, part-slingback, these hybrid shoes from maverick designer Jeffrey Campbell have the wow factor and make an ideal work shoe for AW16. Jeffrey Campbell Penthia slingbacks
5 of 11John Lewis Camilla Sling Back Court Shoes £69
These metallic-toed flats are a comfy yet stylish option for those who like to keep their styling simple and classic. John Lewis Camilla Sling Back Court Shoes £69
6 of 11Miu Miu Crystal-embellished patent-leather Mary Jane flats £510
If you want to push the boat out, invest in these patent crystal-heeled flats - not only will they go with everything, but they're a design classic which you're sure to turn to again and again. Miu Miu Crystal-embellished patent-leather Mary Jane flats £510
7 of 11New Look Grey Premium Leather Sling Back Marble Block Heels £44.99
There are some who say grey will be the new black this season - we think there's room for both, and in fact these affordable leather slingbacks from New Look would look great with a black cropped trouser. New Look Grey Premium Leather Sling Back Marble Block Heels £44.99
8 of 11Office Maddie Slingback Block Heels £65
These come in a Chanel-inspired beige and black option as well as this metallic silver and black - we love this option because it will add a bit of sparkle to any AW16 outfit. Office Maddie Slingback Block Heels £65
9 of 11Topshop KISS-ME Ballet Sling Back Shoes £49
This Topshop style classic is eerily similar to the original Chanel beige and black slingbacks - a designer double at an affordable price. What's not to love? Topshop KISS-ME Ballet Sling Back Shoes £49
10 of 11Uterique contrasting slingback shoes £90.jpg
For a statement shoe that packs a fashion punch at a price that won't break the bank, Uterique is a fantastic place to start. These snakeprint slingbacks with metallic toe caps are a real standout piece. Uterique contrasting slingback shoes £90
11 of 11Zara high heel slingback shoes £29.99.jpg
For a timeless basic, Zara is our high street go-to and they haven't let us down with these beige slingbacks. This season's 'granny chic' knits and midi-skirts will find their ideal partner in this classic shoe. [Zara high heel slingback shoes £29.99](http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/shoes/view-all/high-heel-slingback-shoes-c734142p3609921.html
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