After a year of lockdown living (and dressing), heading out to work and socialising is now top of many peoples to do lists. But after 12 months of fashion being firmly off the agenda, what accessories should you be carrying to make a style statement this summer?
Though trainers are still streets ahead when it comes to topping the sales charts – accounting for almost 50% of Carvela sales – here, Head of Buying & Design at Carvela, Sarah Pugh, offers her expert insight into the hottest shoe and accessory trends for Summer 2021.
As part of its northern expansion plans, Carvela has recently opened the brand’s first store outside of London in the Victoria Quarter in Leeds. Here, Sarah also discusses why Carvela has chosen the city for its first northern location and what makes Carvela so unique.
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Spring fashion this year reflects the comfort and practicality that we have all become accustomed to after months of working from home, socially distanced walks and endless supermarket trips. This doesn’t mean that we have fully converted to loungewear and slippers though! As the world begins to open up again, we want to maintain that level of comfort while still looking and feeling our best.
To complement all the new outfits we have planned for those bottomless brunches and restaurant outings, the perfect shoes and accessories really help to complete any look.
Sarah Pugh, Head of Buying & Design at Carvela, shares some spring 2021 shoe and bag fashion trends to celebrate the opening of the brand new Carvela store in Leeds.
Keeping it comfy
(Pictured: Janeiro, £99)
Comfort has been key over the past 12 months and that’s not set to change any time soon as we head into summer. Trainers are still the most popular style by far at Carvela – though there’s been a distinctive shift to more stylish, luxe sport pieces such as the Cash slip on (£99.00). Cash is the ultimate sport-luxe companion, featuring a leather upper with zip detailing on the side – it delivers a completely fresh take on the staple low-top trainer. Another popular style is the Janeiro – a super sleek slip on featuring a contrast sole, and a knitted upper with a touch of sparkle.
Heel Appeal
(Pictured: Luxx heels, £99, Second Skin sandal, £99)
We can’t wait to start dressing up to go out again, and with that, brings the return of the heel. The new Second Skin Sandal (RRP: £99.00) is Carvela’s comfiest yet, and the perfect introduction back to heels after a year of lockdown life. Available in nude, camel, black and brown – there natural colour palette is perfect for summer. Wedges are also back with a vengeance and Carvela’s bestselling Sooty silhouette (RRP £89.00) provides the perfect dose of urban appeal.
If you’re looking to step it up a gear, the endlessly chic Luxx heels are perfect (RRP £99.00). With a cut out on the ankle and a mesh panelling across the toe, we just hope the rain stops sometime soon so we can start wearing them!
Flatforms
(Pictured: The Breezy 2 Buckle, £99)
90s fashion is back this year, and with it we welcome back flatforms with open arms. After a year of working from home in our slippers, flatforms are the perfect shoe to ease us back into wearing ‘going out’ shoes without losing the level of comfort we have all grown accustomed to. The Breezy 2 Buckle (RRP £99.00) is a must have – featuring two comfortable straps across the foot with patent blush buckles.
Oversized Shoppers
(Pictured: Pixie studded shopper, £99, Jordana oversized shopper, £99)
Spring 2021 bag trends reflect the shift in how we have spent our time this past year. Boozy brunches were replaced by outdoor picnics, and shopping sprees by supermarket runs, so the rise in the more practical oversized bag reflects this shift in our everyday lives. That doesn’t mean boring though! With bright colours and cute studs, oversized shoppers are really making a statement this year, perfectly combining our love for both style and practicality.
Quilted Bags
(Pictured: Gigi quilted stud backpack, £99, Quilt stud crossbody, £89)
As we start to return to the office, backpacks are the perfect bag to invest in as we start to commute into work again. To jump on this seasons’ quilted bag trend, opt for a quilted backpack to really ensure that you are returning to the office in style!
Sports Sandals
(Pictured: Block sandals, £79)
Our favourite childhood sandals get a high-end twist this spring, with sports sandals reigning supreme on all the latest virtual runway shows. Muted tones and blingy details guarantee you will be stylish, comfortable, and ready for any occasion.
Fluffy sliders
(Pictured: Bank, £79)
Fashion AND comfort? Sometimes dreams really do come true! No need to part with your stay-at-home slippers quite yet because they are now acceptable to wear anywhere. To make sure you really stand out, opt for a bright colour like pink or choose ones with small embellishments or studs. At-home chic is taking over the nation, and we love it!
Q&A
Why has Leeds been chosen as the first city to launch a Carvela store outside of London?
“Carvela has always had a strong brand loyalty and customer base in the north of England, particularly in Leeds. This, combined with Leeds’s esteemed status as one of the UK’s best shopping destinations made it a very logical location for us to choose as Carvela’s first store opening outside London. We’re looking forward to welcoming our Carvela community in Leeds to this brand-new store.”
What makes Carvela so unique as a brand?
“With a vision firmly rooted in innovation, our all-female design team create shoes and accessories that ensure every woman look and feel their best. We offer a wide range of widths and sizes that empower and represent our diverse community of consumers. Carvela is designed by women, for women, and that is what makes the brand so unique.”
