This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish.

This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish.

      I'm open to almost any shoe trend—as a fashion editor, you quickly learn to set aside personal tastes and evaluate ideas and trends objectively. Yet, I need to get a bit personal here, as I've just spotted a top celebrity in a shoe style I've never embraced, but she may have entirely changed my perspective on them. There's always been something about closed-toe wedges that didn't sit well with me. With so much material surrounding the foot and leading into a solid, bulky base, I often viewed the style as more clunky than refined—a distracting element that detracted from rather than enhanced an outfit. However, my opinion has softened after seeing Dakota Johnson this week in a pair of closed-toe wedges that, surprisingly, I can only describe as truly chic.

      Johnson wore the Colt Leather Mules (£880) from the New York brand Khaite, choosing a jet-black option made from glossy leather. The streamlined design featured a backless wedge that gracefully curved into a soft square toe, with a low vamp that showed just enough foot to feel fresh. The open heel added a delightful lightness to the ensemble, counterbalancing the usual heaviness of a closed-toe wedge silhouette.

      Johnson maintained a sharp, all-black look, starting with a deep V-neck top in a dark black shade; she layered a long leather jacket on top and finished with a matching pair of flared black jeans. The high-shine wedges grounded the outfit, providing height and sophistication without becoming ostentatious. Instead of a classic raffia wedge typically seen in summer, her sleek leather version offered a polished element that blended seamlessly into her monochromatic attire. The mule design, being open at the back, greatly contributed to the success of her pair, which aligns with how many brands are approaching this style this season. Alternatively, some have opted for a slingback detail for balance.

      To explore the shoe trend that has finally won me over, check out my selection of the best closed-toe wedges available now.

      SHOP CLOSED-TOE WEDGES:

      KHAITE

      Colt Leather Mules

      Explore the closed-toe wedges that Dakota adores.

      Zara

      Wedge Slingback Shoes

      Honestly, these appear far more luxurious than their actual price.

      Reformation

      Westlyn Closed Toe Wedge

      Pair with black flared jeans and a simple black tank to achieve Johnson's style.

      Le Monde Béryl

      Micro Wedge Mule

      I can truly envision the micro wedge trend gaining momentum this summer.

      ASOS

      Palmer Slingback Wedges

      Add a splash of color to your summer footwear collection.

      Toteme

      Lizard-Effect Leather Wedge Mules

      These also come in a rich chocolate brown hue.

      Alaïa

      75 Suede Point-Toe Wedge Mules

      The suede shoe trend shows no signs of waning.

This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish. This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish. This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish. This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish. This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish. This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish. This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish. This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish.

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This shoe trend used to make me cringe, but Dakota Johnson has just made it look exceptionally stylish.

They are definitely on my radar now.