I'm here for almost any shoe trend going; as a fashion editor, you learn fast how to put your personal preferences to the side and see ideas and trends through unbiased eyes. However, I need to get a little bit personal here, as I just saw an elite celeb wearing the one shoe style I've never been on board with, though she may have managed to change my entire opinion on them.
There’s just something about a closed-toe wedge that never quite sat right with me. With so much material enveloping the foot, then extending into a solid, weighty base, I often found the style more clunky than considered, a distracting element that disrupted, rather than elevated, an outfit. However, my stance has softened since spotting Dakota Johnson out this week, styling a pair of closed-toe wedges that, much to my surprise, I can only describe as genuinely chic.
Wearing New-York label Khaite's Colt Leather Mules (£880) in glossy black leather, the sleek design features a backless wedge that curves elegantly into a soft square toe, with a low vamp that reveals just enough of the foot to feel fresh. The open heel brought a welcome lightness to the look, balancing out the typically heavy silhouette of a closed-toe wedge.
Sticking to a sharp, all-black palette, Johnson started with a deep V-neck top in inky black, layering a longline leather jacket over the top and finishing with a tonal pair of black flared jeans. The high-shine wedges grounded the look, adding height and polish without veering into overstatement.
Rather than opting for a traditional raffia wedge that we often see in summer, Johnson’s sleek leather pair offered a sophisticated edge that integrated seamlessly into her monochrome ensemble. The fact that the heel is a mule, and, by proxy, open-back, is a big part of the reason they worked, and is precisely how many brands have tackled the style this season—that, or with a slingback design for balance.
To shop the shoe trend I'm finally converted on, scroll for my edit of the best closed-toe wedges available now.
SHOP CLOSED-TOE WEDGES:
Shop the closed-toe wedges that Johnson loves.
Honestly, these look so much more expensive than they actually are.
Style with black flared jeans and a simple matching tank to get Johnson's look.
I can really see the micro-wedge trend taking off this summer.
Add a pop of colour to your summer rotation.
These also come in a chocolate-brown shade.
The suede shoe trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
-
The Naked Dress Is Dead—Unless It's the Plot-Twist Version Dakota Johnson Just Wore on the Red CarpetSee how she reinvented the trend.
-
Bella Hadid Just Landed in Paris Wearing *the* Shoes to Pair With Fall's #1 Denim TrendModel-off-duty elegance to the max.
-
Stylish Women All Over Milan Are Suddenly Swapping Out Their Classic Pumps for This "Dated" Shoe TrendSpotted on Shailene Woodley.
-
Taylor Swift Just Wore the Fall Shoe Trend That's All Over Zara, Steve Madden, and H&MIt looks good with everything.
-
Not Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Amelia Gray Just Wore the Flat-Shoe Trend in Italy That's Everywhere This FallSpotted at Milan Fashion Week.
-
Fine, I Won’t Gatekeep—These 27 Abercrombie Finds Are Too Chic to Miss (and They're All On Sale)I can't decide which fall pick is my favorite.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—These 29 On-SaleReplica Store Basics Are Instant Closet StaplesBring on chic, effortless fall outfits.
-
Sorry, Heels, Flats, and Loafers—9 Fall Sneaker Trends That Matter Way MoreClassic white? Snakeskin? Soft suede? Check, check, and check!
