Topshop ‘Gecko’, £48

The Topshop website has just taken delivery of a new bunch of shoes, and these are just one of the pairs I instantly started to covet. I’ve talked about the appeal of a pair of red heels many times now, so I’ll try not to repeat myself too much, and simply point out that, at £48, these are a pretty good deal for a pair of leather pumps.

Because of the matte leather upper, these shoes should be much easier to style than the red patent Office pumps I showed you last wee: yes, the colour is still bright, and the heel is still high, but it’s just a much more wearable shade, and the shape is sophisticated enough to take you just about everywhere. I’ve noticed quite a few pairs of slingbacks in stores recently: it’s one of those styles that ever really goes “out” of fashion, exactly, but the fact that I’m even noticing them suggests that the slingback may be going through something of a resurgence in popularity. It’s not a style that works for everyone: I know a lot of people find the slim strap uncomfortable, and it can certainly be fussier, and more prone to rubbing, than a closed heel can. As long as the fit is good, however, you shouldn’t even notice the strap, and I think these are a nice way to make the classic red pump a little more spring-like.

I had spring in mind when I started to style these, and this is what I came up with:

What to wear with red slingback shoes:

More River Island…

When it comes to styling red shoes, I always struggle to stay away from the nautical look, as you can see. I don’t put up too much of a fight, though, because it’s a look I love, and always feel good in, and that’s enough for me. When some people think of spring, pastels and florals are the prints/colours that tend to come to mind, but I also always think of trench coats and stripes. This is the kind of transitional outfit that would take you from spring all the way to autumn – including our typically chilly British summer!