The Top Five 2016 Spring Shoe Trends ~ I Heart Heels

MAGIC is less than a month away and some of our favorite fashion brands are prepping to showcase their fall 2016 collections, while fashionistas excitedly await. To kick-start the trend watch, we chatted with Leslie Gallin, President of Footwear at UBM Advanstar, on her favorite trends that will be making their way into stores in the upcoming seasons. Leslie curates the "shoe show" FN PLATFORM @ MAGIC and is the go-to footwear industry insider, having been in the footwear business for years and nurturing some of today’s most established footwear brands.

If you’re heading to MAGIC this February 16 to 18, be sure to check out some of the exciting show happenings like the live performance by Don Felder of The Eagles on opening night inside the FN Café at 6 pm. If you’re waiting on next season like the rest of us, be sure to follow @fnplatform and @wwdmagic on Instagram to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse on all of the latest this MAGIC.

Below are Leslie’s top 5 trend picks for 2016. To learn more about the show, please visit http://www.fnplatform.com/.

LESLIE GALLIN’S TOP 5 TRENDS:

Pastel Colors – When 2016’s Pantone color combo of the year was announced, fashionistas around the globe rejoiced! Pretty pastels will be translated throughout fashion – including footwear! The soft, ultra-feminine shades offer sophisticated elegance that isn’t too sugary sweet.

Monk Strap Styles – Monk strap styles are very much in their prime. The eye-catching detail walks the fine line of casual comfort and sharp formality. Popular in both men’s and women’s styles, say ‘goodbye!’ to lace-up’s, monk straps will be the shoe of the season.

Kitten Heels – In with the old and out with the new, grandma's heels are back! The kitten heel has been gaining popularity and style mavens have spoken by pairing comfort and sophistication in one. Paired with a cropped pair of trousers or skinny jeans, go ahead and channel your inner Audrey Hepburn!

Lug Soles – It’s no secret that the nineties are back in a big way! With that comes the industrial chic trend that was once reserves for hikers and construction workers. The lug sole has made its way into the fashion world thanks to design houses like Prada and Stella McCartney. Expect to see this style paired below heeled booties or oxfords in 2016.

Desert Boots – Dressed up or down, the desert boot is a classic, versatile option. Both streamlined and lightweight, it’s the perfect transitional piece for spring to fall. Worn by both men and women, this simple style will be seen throughout 2016.

About FN PLATFORM

FN PLATFORM is a joint venture of UBM Advanstar, Fairchild Fashion Group and Footwear News, and debuted in February 2010 under the direction of Leslie Gallin, President, Footwear for UBM Advanstar. FN PLATFORM is North America’s most influential footwear business forum - where the leaders and innovators converge to shape the industry, shop and sell shoes. Connecting the global fashion community at a single gathering, FN PLATFORM showcases the full spectrum of branded footwear — for men, women, juniors and children, across all categories, price points and trends. The carefully curated selections of established and emerging brands segmented into easy-to-navigate lifestyle neighborhoods offer attendees a comprehensive one-stop shop opportunity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. FN PLATFORM takes place during MAGIC from February 16 to 18, 2016 at The Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Level 1. Learn more at http://www.fnplatform.com/.

Disclaimer: I received compensation in exchange for this review.