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.
-
I Swear By Elegant Outfits—35 Standout Items That Would Fit Right Into My ClosetHere's to a chicer outfit rotation.
-
This Is the Pretty Skirt Color Trend Elegant Dressers in Rome Are Suddenly Wearing With Black FlatsFollow Dakota Johnson's lead.
-
Low-Rise Jeans and Ballet Flats Look Dated Compared to This Trending Jeans-and-Sneaker ComboConfirmed by Dakota Johnson and Natalie Portman.
-
I'm Booking an Emergency Mani-Pedi After Spotting These 5 Pretty Skirt-and-Sandal CombosSeen on Kylie Jenner and Alexa Chung.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From theReplica Store Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich VibesHello, instant confidence boost.
-
Sneakers Are the Real MVP of theReplica Store Anniversary Sale—These 29 Cool Styles Are ProofNew Balance, Asics, Converse, and more.
-
Flat Mary Janes Are Cute, But If You Want to Look More Sophisticated, Wear These InsteadAs seen on Anne Hathaway in Manhattan.
-
These 31 ClassicReplica Store Anniversary Sale Finds Are the Key to a Rich-Looking Summer WardrobeImagine the chic outfits.
