Strappy shoes are this summer's look

There’s something inherently summery about a strappy pair of shoes – and, as the flat footwear revolution continues a-pace, that no longer has to mean staggeringly high stilettos. Indeed, the shoe of the summer is part gladiator sandal, part “peasant” shoe and also owes a significant debt to the slippery, silken ribbons of a prima ballerina’s pointe shoes too.

The spring/summer catwalks were rife with extreme versions of the look – at Chloe laces criss-crossed their way up to the models’ knees, offering a summery take on a knee-high boot. Valentino, too, showed styles that snaked up the leg – although in keeping with the brand’s Roman roots these were distinctly gladiatorial in style; Stella McCartney souped up her thong sandals with laces wound around the ankles.

One of the best iterations of the style comes from Aquazurra, the Florentine footwear brand that has been experimenting with lace-up detailing on heels and flats for some time.

However, if your budget can’t stretch to such luxuries, there’s still plenty of choice on the high street.

Whether in a bright hue or more subtle black, closed toe styles are the perfect step in the direction of summery dressing – without having to worry about getting cold feet when the sun plays peek-a-boo, or painting your toe nails. Once summer is in full swing though, open toe versions will come into their own.

When it comes to how to wear them, the best advice is to tie them loosely, especially if you’ll be walking around a lot – warm weather can make feet and ankles swell, and you don’t want to end up with lines embossed on your legs. A shoe this interesting deserves showing off, with cropped trousers and summery short skirts.