Also known as caged sandals, lattice-work shoes stormed onto the scene in summer 2008 and are still going strong in spring 2010. It’s not hard to figure out why: These shoes are very sexy — plenty of straps, with skin peeking out all over — and yet are surprisingly versatile. While they’re not necessarily the shoes to wear to your job at a law firm, they are most definitely the shoes to be out and about in.
More delicate and feminine than gladiators, lattice-work shoes work great with skinny jeans, tight dresses, flowy dresses, belted dresses — you get the idea. They can toughen up a too-feminine look, sex-up a too staid look, and just generally provide an edge where edge is needed. Keep in mind, though, that lattice-work shoes are not super-dressy; they are typically too edgy to wear to a really fancy affair.
If a fierce look is what you’re after, go for lattice-work shoes in brown or black — dark tones really bring out the shoes’ aggressive side. For a softer look, opt for the shoes in this spring’s pale pinks, taupes, and grays — the soft colors provide a great counterpoint to the shoes’ edgy design, and really look gorgeous.
Your only consideration with lattice-work shoes, really, is to mind how high the shoe reaches on your foot. If your legs are proportionally short, or if your calves are thicker, you may want to opt for shoes that don’t reach quite so high, and that are in a pale neutral vs. a dark tone. Both tactics will elongate your line, and make you look taller.
In the mood to shop? Check out our selection of lattice-work shoes.
