Fashion Enthusiasts Are Obsessed with This Polarizing Trending Shoe

      Greetings from Worn Weird, the latest monthly column from Who What Wear UK, where I, acting deputy editor Rebecca Rhys-Evans, will shine a light on the enchanting realm of footwear. Expect to see everything from split-toed designs to pairs that lack soles entirely, featuring some of the most coveted and controversial styles available. Envision materials like PVC, furry finishes, robust wooden clogs, and much more that are igniting spirited discussions online. Sure, they may come off as a bit eccentric and might not win over the male demographic (if that’s the case, what’s the appeal?), but that’s fashion for you, darling! This month, I will delve into princess shoes, which are essentially the kind of footwear befitting any royal—from Princess Diana to Cinderella of Disney fame. From *those* Chloé jelly shoes to almond-toed pumps adorned with buckles and bows that even Marie Antoinette would have coveted, these are the standout shoes of the season. More details to come... As a worldly woman, I sometimes like to think of myself as a bit of a princess (what girl doesn’t?). However, these days, being a princess encompasses much more than just a mindset; it’s about how you dress. Fashion enthusiasts have long been captivated by black, and recent years have seen influencers like Charli XCX and Gabriette shaping what is considered stylish. To be deemed ‘cool’ has included donning dark, moody hues, exuding a rebellious attitude, and sporting an almost grunge-like appearance. Although Taylor Swift is immensely popular, her fashion choices have never garnered unanimous acclaim. But there’s been a shift—more accurately, a revival. The “pop princess” archetype is back in full force, bringing with it the whimsical world of princess-inspired fashion. From Olivia Rodrigo's tiaras to the sweet and vibrant pink tones favored by Zara Larsson and Addison Rae, girly pop is making a return, and yes—the fashionable crowd is joining in.

      What defines Princess Shoes? While we’ve been aware of the princess effect for some time, it is increasingly visible in footwear trends as summer approaches. Credit goes to shoe brand Melissa, which has long dominated the ugly-pretty plastic footwear scene, offering Y2K-style wedges, mules, and heeled flip-flops in surprising colors and PVC materials season after season. However, one of the earlier instances of the princess shoe trend emerged from the Rococo-inspired, 3D-printed collaboration with Y/Project, designed by Glenn Martins in 2021. Then last year, during the Chloé spring/summer 2026 show, creative director Chemena Kamali showcased models wearing jelly mules. Although plastic footwear was a popular trend that summer, this design stood out. If you closed your eyes and visualized Cinderella’s glass slipper—with a rounded toe, a subtle blue tint, and a folded bow on top—this is precisely what Chloé presented. Of course, it wasn’t a glass slipper or even leather, but rather plastic. There's also the Junie shoes, which, despite their ‘petri dish’ appearance and emerald green and fuchsia pink satin soles (definitely reminiscent of a princess), are entirely transparent at the top, featuring a clear PVC thong strap.

      PVC serves as a key material in this trend, lending it that nostalgic early 2000s vibe. Valentino Garavani’s open-toe Révélé pumps appear virtually bare above the toes, and, similar to the Junie shoes, they look as though they were made for doll-sized feet when viewed from certain angles. However, the princess shoe trend extends beyond Y2K-inspired “life in plastic” styles for Barbie and Polly Pocket; its roots run much deeper. We’ve noted the resurgence of Rococo fashion in ready-to-wear, characterized by soft florals and coquette-style corsets, and this trend is mirrored in footwear as well. Manolo Blahnik has been at the forefront with its satin spool heels, delicate bow tops, and vibrant color palettes. The brand famously created shoes for Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette, which were recently showcased in the V&A’s exhibition on the fashion of the 18th-century French queen. In addition to launching a collection to honor the exhibition last year, the timeless style of Manolo Blahnik has retained momentum.

      Details on princess shoes, whether inspired by royals of the 18th century or the 1980s, have been ubiquitous. Think almond-shaped toes and high vamp silhouettes reminiscent of Princess Diana, moiré silk, sculptural heels, and an abundance of bows! New styles by luxury brands such as Lanvin and Roger Vivier (which have also long embraced this aesthetic) are now sought after, along with ‘90s Prada and Miu Miu pieces in the vintage market. Additionally, various independent labels are populating my Instagram