6 shoes from the 80s that will replace sneakers and ballet flats this fall
There are days that call for flashier shoes, and for those occasions, the 1980s are the best source of inspiration.
Series such as Prime Video's Lies and Netflix's Stranger Things —the latter's final season is just around the corner— are rekindling our love for 80s fashion. Nostalgia for those years is at its peak, with ballet flats and sneakers from that era now considered wardrobe staples. However, it is true that there are times when we need something more, more glamour, more elegance.
Shoes from the 1980s that are ideal for replacing sneakers and ballet flats
Bracelet shoes
In the 1960s, after working with Cristóbal Balenciaga and André Courrèges, French designer Emanuel Ungaro founded his own studio. With bold patterns and a constant alternation of textures, Ungaro found the ideal setting for his creativity in the excesses of the 1980s. He proposed colorful pencil skirts and matching jackets, giving the classic attire of those years a more vibrant look.
Strappy shoes
In recent seasons, strappy shoes have been directly associated with ballerinas, offering an opportunity to pay tribute to classic pointe shoes. However, before leaving his mark on Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld had already highlighted the potential of these shoes while he was artistic director at Chloé from 1963 to 1983.
Peep-toe shoes
For those looking for a timeless and always elegant shoe, peep-toe shoes are always an essential choice. They have been revived over the decades, beloved in both the 1920s and 1950s, before making a spectacular comeback in the 1980s. For example, in 1982, Oscar de la Renta used a pair to highlight a short-sleeved shirt dress, creating a summer version ideal for the city.
Two-tone shoes
Princess Diana had shown her preference for romantic pieces on more than one occasion. On a typical day, capri pants, blouses with puffed sleeves, and ballet flats were her favorites, while on special occasions she preferred A-line or midi-length dresses, such as the polka dot design with short sleeves and ruffles. To add a formal touch to this look, Lady Di chose a pair of two-tone pumps, proving that it is a foolproof combination.
Low-heeled shoes
In the 1980s, no clothing or footwear could "resist" Madonna. The Material Girl singer was a symbol of excess during those years, combining different textures and patterns in a single outfit. At a concert at Madison Square Garden, she appeared in a yellow and purple jacket, a short top with long sleeves, a mini skirt, and short lace leggings. The look was completed with a pair of low-heeled shoes, which she wore with long socks to give them more character, a combination that has proven very successful in recent seasons.
Pointed shoes
Before playing Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker was already a fashion icon. Among her casual outfits with rolled-up jeans and white sneakers, which stood out for their unpretentious aesthetic—as was the case at an event in California. There, the actress chose the timeless elegance of a black mini dress with gold buttons, a maxi cardigan, tights, and pointed shoes. Without a doubt, a combination that, even today, looks incredible.
