Ankle High

There's something so sexy about a shoe with an ankle strap. I'm not talking about gladiator sandals or lace up espadrilles, but the classic style pump.  They remind me of old Betty Page photos and are vaguely BDSM.

Steve Madden Faymuss and Whitneyy

They're also everywhere now. 

Now on every kind of shoe from wedges to stilletos, ankle straps are the shoe this spring and will
certainly continue into fall. 

Some of my favorites in my own collection are courtesy of Charles David. The fig colored heels are suede with a leather snakeskin heel and ankle strap. They're perfect with a pair of ankle length cigarette pants or a pencil skirt. 

There's also the far less logical pair by Wild Pair that I bought at Bakers last year on some kind of stress induced shopping spree. Dubbed my "dinosaur heels" because of the spikes down the back of the heels, the red and black suede sandals may not be work appropriate with their six inch heels and giant platform, but they sure do garner attention. 

One pair that has made my covet list is the Steve Madden Faymuss heels. The metallic heel sandal has an ankle strap more reminiscent of a cuff, which only makes it cooler. 

Michael Antonio for ShoeDazzle

ShoeDazzle has also embraced the trend in their June showroom. One of my personal favorites is the Tamaya by Michael Antonio with its sexy double strap, slim heel and two-tone color. 

Sometimes ankle straps can be tricky. There's a fine line between trendy and something that's too sexy for work, a barbecue or family party. Pair ankle strap heels with cropped, fitted pants or longer skirts. 

If you're rocking them at the office, I don't suggest wearing them with anything that goes above the knee. While they can look classy and trendy with a knee length pencil skirt, they can start to look a little too daring with something that hits mid thigh. 

Ruthie Davis does it right. 

Of course if you're going out to dinner, drinks or any other kind of evening out, a shorter skirt is completely appropriate. 

The only other problem with ankle straps, is that sometimes the straps are a bit short, or can squeeze slightly swollen ankles on hot days. If you're going to be wearing this trend mayor sure you stay well hydrated and make sure that the straps don't strangle your ankles. There's nothing trendy about fat looking ankles (despite Kim Kardashian's recent footwear). 

So go ahead and .embrace the look, buy a few pairs and wear the hell out of them. They're a classic, sexy shoe and a style that will be here to stay a while. 

You can click here to shop the look in both heels and flats.