THERE'S another heatwave on the way, which is as good an excuse as any to invest in some jazzy new shoes – and what a choice you've got right now.
The spring/summer catwalks brought us heaps of shoe-spiration, from sweet pom-pom-laden flats at Dolce & Gabbana, to stonking great leather platforms at Louis Vuitton.
Put your most fashionable foot forward with these summer stunners...
MULES RULE
By far the most influential SS16 collection has been Gucci's geeky-chic riot of intricate florals and sumptuous textures.
Accompanying all those prim pencil skirts and frocks were jacquard cross-front mules, or a backless version of the house's iconic horsebit loafers – and there are convincing copycats of both on the high street.
We've also seen the proliferation of a polarising new heel shape: as seen at Chloe and Sportmax, the flared block heel has taken root at Topshop, with a whole heap of chunky mules in zingy colours to choose from.
:: M&S Collection Snaffle Trim Mule Sandals with Insolia Flex, £29.50 (www.marksandspencer.com)
:: New Look White Premium Leather Peep Toe Mules, £39.99 (www.newlook.com)
:: Topshop Peru Limited Edition Low Mules, £79 (www.topshop.com)
FRILLS THAT THRILL
It was a major clothing trend this season, and the Flamenco frills and ravishing ruffles that emanated from the Proenza Schouler and Alexander McQueen catwalks look equally appealing on a pair of ankle strap sandals.
When autumn comes, add a pair of lacey frill-edged socks for extra trans-seasonal cool.
:: Topshop Rosha Frill Sandals, £72 (www.topshop.com)
:: Office Milkshake Ruffle Block Heels, currently reduced to £37 from £68 (www.office.co.uk)
TOP KNOTS
As dictated by the Chloe and Ports 1961 catwalks, laces aren't just for fastening this season; they take centre stage, as mannish shoes are embellished with chunky knot and bow details.
This is a trend that's got the Instagram seal of approval - try a pair of amped-up skater shoes or pool sliders teamed with frayed-edge denim for blogger-worthy cool.
:: Miista Valerie Blue Botannica, £130 (www.miista.com)
:: New Look Bow Detail Slip-on Shoes, £17.99 (in stores September; www.newlook.com)
TOUGH LOVE
In direct contrast to all those sweet frills and bows, at Louis Vuitton, leather-clad models stomped down the runway in massive, black platform sandals, the thick patent straps laced with chunky chain detailing.
High-street incarnations of this don't-mess-with-me aesthetic are a lot subtler (the sole thickness is reduced by about two inches, sensibly), but there's still plenty of attitude in these shiny, sporty styles.
:: Office Milan Footbed Sandals, £30 (www.office.co.uk)
:: Dune Lightening Black Multi Strap Flat Sandals, currently reduced to £50 from £70 (www.dunelondon.com)
POM-POM PARADE
Easily the sunniest shoes of the season, at Dolce & Gabanna's jubilant SS16 show, the selfie-snapping models stepped out in endless varieties of colourful sandals pimped with pretty little pom-poms.
The perfect summer holiday flat, you can find tons of these cheerful bobble-covered beauties in the shops, many of them a snip at less than £25.
:: Missy Empire Andromeda Yellow Pom Pom Detail Lace Up Sandals, £24 (www.missyempire.com)
:: Public Desire Susanna Aztec Pom Pom Sandals, £24.99 (www.publicdesire.com)
GET THE LOOK
Summer may not be over but the new season collections are already landing in stores, so you need to act now if you don't want to miss out on autumn must-haves. Case in point? This sporty Peacocks jumper, £21, is a Marni AW16 catwalk doppelganger, and we predict a sell-out. Grab one while you still can (www.peacocks.co.uk).
BUY IT NOW
Chiming with the summer of sport, Sweaty Betty has designed a limited edition London Edit, a 12-piece capsule collection of fitnesswear inspired by British athletes. Featuring Union Flag touches and a red, white and blue colour palette, only 100 of each item have been made.
:: Sweaty Betty Stadium Overtee, £115; Excellence 7/8 Run Leggings, £175 (www.sweatybetty.com)
FASHION FLASH
:: UNDERWEAR INERTIA
When it comes to pants, blokes are clearly stuck in a rut, as a survey by Norwegian brand Comfyballs reveals a third of men aged 25-44 have worn the same style or type of underwear since their teens. In addition, 41 [per cent have never even thought about switching up styles, while 10 per cent still rely on their partner or mum to buy their undies!
:: SEW COOL
It's not all apps this and digital that for young people, as new research reveals nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of UK 18-30-year-olds have taken up sewing in the last year. Attributed to the popularity of TV shows like The Great British Sewing Bee, the survey by pattern website SimplicityNewLook.com also found 28 per cent of respondents had bought a sewing machine in the last year, and 10 per cent had even profited from their new-found skills by selling their wares.
STYLE STEAL
Until August 29, Beaverbrooks is offering big savings with its Brilliance of Diamonds event. There's 20 per cent off more than 100 diamond pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings, with 30 per cent off an additional 13 pieces. So if you're in the market for an engagement ring, now's the chance to get more sparkle for your money.
:: Beaverbrooks 18ct White Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, £1,400 (was £1,750; www.beaverbrooks.co.uk)
