Low Heeled Open Toed

I can't begin to describe how eager I am to swap heavy socks for open toes, slip on a sundress, and embrace the new low heel trend that has been swarming the runways as of late. At 5'10", I've never been one to shy away from a good 4-inch heel–truth be told, I kind of like towering above the crowd. In fact, there's a certain freedom that comes with having all that air up there to yourself. Nevertheless, there's the obvious freedom of maneuverability that comes with wearing a lower heel as well.

I haven't always been a fan of low heels. When they drop well below the 3 inch mark, they run the risk of becoming overly ladylike, slightly stuffy, and even unflattering, except on the most pin-thin of legs. This season, however, is different. From heavier heels and platforms to ankle strapped and t-strapped, there are a plethora of stunner options that I'm dying to try. Here are my 5 favorite spring-ready picks of the moment:

I love the mod-ish color and material blocking on these Jil Sander tri-tone suede and patent leather sandals. Still high enough to definitely be considered a heel, the chunkier heel and strap flatter the leg and give balance to whatever you might choose to wear on top. (P.S. Jil Sander has a crazy amount of excellent low-heeled options. Here's another, and one more)

These ultra chunky Matiko Abba platform heels have completely stolen my heart. Super slimming with a pop of color as well as a touch of Asian influence, they check all the boxes for a comfortable, easy-to-wear spring/summer staple that's a little more interesting than your average shoe. I'm dying to try them with my new Addidas by Stella McCartney mesh running shorts and a loose knit sweater, or one of my shorter dresses, as the lowered arch makes showing a little extra leg far more appropriate than say, a 4 or 5-inch heel. 

While I'm not entirely sold on the whole gladiator look, a few extra buckled straps on a low-heeled sandal can be divine. Ankle straps are both sexy and exceptionally flattering, especially when they come in a more neutral tone. These silver Topshop Fran heavy sole sandals are ideal for stomping around in the sun, but also perfect with a wispy sundress or shorts.

Kitten heels are another style I've never completely loved. They have always come across as a dated style, not to mention overly ladylike. Not so with these Loeffler Randall Robin T-strap sandals. The neutral color blocking, snake-print and fresh take on the T-strap are entirely modern and dare I say it, pretty sexy.  I'm dying to pair these with my favorite pair of skinnies or a body skimming skirt for a night out. These would also revamp your favorite LBD for a totally fresh look.

I had a pair similar to these Alexander Wang Dalane cutout sandals that I wore into the ground, after 4 very happy summers together. For some reason, they just went with everything. I consider them the sandal equivalent to your go-to pair of winter ankle booties. They'd be the first thing you reach for in your closet on those days you want to look pulled together without having to think too much. And at 50% off, acquiring these shoes is seeming all the more like a practical investment. 

xo,

Tienlyn