If you have to use the word "chunky" to describe a pair of shoes, I would have to kindly pass on them. While the ugly shoe trend continues to gain steam, I have personally never quite caught onto the idea of wearing something purposely misshapen, exceedingly bulky, or otherwise weirdly designed. I don't love this type of shoes on the rack, but I especially don't like how they look on my feet—I'm 5'10" and shoe size 9.5, so I feel like I'm clopping around in chunky shoes that more-petite girls could pull off more easily. (To be clear, that's just my opinion: Tall girls, go crazy with your platform sneakers if that's your vibe.)
Luckily, there are plenty of anti-ugly shoes out there if you happen to agree with me. Ready to swap your dad shoes for sleek sneakers, pretty prints, and timeless colors? I love the slim profile of the Nike Cortez Sneakers ($70), for instance, and I own them in three different colors. I love to wear them with blazers to the office and jeans on the weekend. Aquazzura, Bally, and Tabitha Simmons also offer plenty of pretty shoe trends if you're ready to make an investment for 2019 (and you definitely should). Scroll down to shop the pretty shoe trends I'm wearing right now.
1. Flat Mules
Yep, I'm wearing my navy version of these shoes while I'm typing this.
The shoes also come in this party-ready gold color.
I can always count on Bally to offer grown-up, sophisticated versions of the best trends out there.
2. Printed Heels
My favorite Zara shoes (above) have since sold out, but these pretty Tabitha Simmons versions are a worthy alternative.
I'd never turn down a good floral print.
3. Sleek Sneakers
The classic sneakers to end all classic sneakers.
Yep, you also need these in pastel purple.
You can never own too many white sneakers.
More Anti-Ugly Shoes
These polished Bally boots are the definition of dream shoes.
Malone Souliers x Emanuel Ungaro might be my favorite new shoe collab.
Like clockwork, velvet always comes back in style every winter.
If you haven't bought a pair of J.Crew shoes lately, you're sorely missing out.
Fashion girls are obsessed with By Far's shoes and bags, and these minimalist sandals are the cream of the crop.
You may never want to go back to non-wool sneakers again.
Diamanté is the anti-ugly shoe trend I can certainly get behind.
Cult French brand Sézane always churns out covetable shoes, including these simple yet pretty sneakers.
Yes, ankle boots can be pretty too—just consider these sleek Paige shoes as proof.
Yet again, Zara comes through with on-trend, affordable shoes.
These René Caovilla flats are as beautiful as any pair of heels.
Next up: the seven shoe trends Kate Middleton never wears anymore.
