Shoe styles define decades more than any other accessories. I’m mean what’s more ‘70s than a pair of platforms?! We’ll be celebrating each period with a look back at its most iconic shoes, starting with the 1950s when Sandra Dee was rocking saddle shoes and circle skirts. Don’t be afraid to wear them with a pair of socks to get the sock hop style right. Just proceed with caution – later generations have failed to make them chic (see sandals with socks). Here’s what you need to bring the ‘50s to 2013:

Saddle Shoes
Bass Eloise Pump: This saddle shoe elevates the look to new and brighter heights. There’s nothing wrong with giving icons a little facelift! At Nordstrom for $66.29 (from $98.95).

Penny Loafers
Church’s Sally Leather Penny Loafers: At the same time, a classic is a classic. Wear your black pennies with a cute mini skirt to give them the girly touch. On NET-A-PORTER for $455.

Pumps with Bows
Bottega Veneta Bow-Embellished Leather Pumps: After all, Snobs in the ‘50s indulged in their feminine sides to the nth degree, wearing bows everywhere from their hair to their skirts to their pumps! On NET-A-PORTER for $780.

T-Straps
Miu Miu T-Strap Jeweled Heel Sandal: Ladies loved t-strap shoes to ensure the ultimate security when dancing the night away. These platforms aren’t exactly dancer-friendly, but it’s not as if we do as much Hand Jiving today anyway! At Barneys New York for $1,390.

Wedge
Salvatore Ferragamo Suna Wicker-Wedge Sandal: Fun fact – Salvatore Ferragamo invented the wedge in the ‘30s after a woman came into his shop complaining about her uncomfortable pumps. He went on to design shoes for countless Hollywood starlets, including ’50s temptress Marilyn Monroe. At Neiman Marcus for $695.

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Nicole Kidman grabbed lunch in Cannes recently with her hubby while wearing a laid-back outfit that included some great summer sandals by Jimmy Choo. These sandals are summer essentials with their laser-cut suede straps, small heel and classic style.  They pull on and off easily with a zipper back and can be worn from the beach to the pool and dinner after without a care in the world.  The sweet chic shoes would look great with any summer dress or paired with jeans and an easy, breezy tank. Pick these summer staples up in nude at Net-A-Porter for $795.

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Miley’s been getting some miles out of her Givenchy embellished suede sandals lately. She was spotted out in Hollywood wearing them with a leather T and jeans, then again on the red carpet at the Billboard Music Awards in Vegas Sunday with a Balmain jumpsuit. These pretty little pumps are soft suede with a gold-tone heel cap and can clearly be worn from day to night with anything from jeans to a red carpet outfit. These pumps will be your go-to summer shoes. Head to Net-A-Porter and pick them up for $850.

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Image Credit: WWD

Derek Lam Calf Hair Pace: Derek Lam’s Pace heel gets wild with giraffe print. Ironically, the heel’s not very tall, making it a great on-the-go summer sandal. Exclusively at Barneys New York for $545.

Anyi Lu Ballet Flats: All of the Fall 2013 shoes will be going for top dollar. If you steal some deals now, you’ll have enough saved up later for the brand new must-haves. At Bloomingdale’s for $255 (from $425).

Avec Moderation Calf Hair Dress Slippers: The Tuscan brand’s decadent flats come in everything from python to satin to of course, calf-hair. On Farfetch for $321.

Paloma Barceló Calf Hair Wedge Sandals: While the rich feel of calf hair is an autumnal staple, you can enjoy the textured style during summer when it’s on top of a rope-covered wedge! On NET-A-PORTER for $305.

Charlotte Olympia Kitty Cat Calf Hair Slipper: When better than summer to sport Charlotte Olympia’s playful designs? Her cute kitty flat gets a jungle makeover with chic leopard spots. At Bergdorf Goodman for $825.

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Gisele Bündchen attended the Dolce & Gabbana Fifth Avenue Flagship Store Opening in New York recently wearing a pair of Lizard-effect leather sandals from their resort 2013 collection. These pumps add another 5 inches to Gisele’s frame, and thank god for that because she just gets lost in the crowd sometimes. The luxe leather pumps are a great summer shoe to invest in, as they will go with almost anything for an evening out, and are subtly sexy with gold accents that catch your eye. Pick up these sandy sandals at Net-A-Porter for $825.

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Jessica Alba was out and about in New York City to support The Honest Company’s Ultimate Baby Shower on Tuesday wearing some retro color-block heels by Sigerson Morrison. Jessica looks cute as a baby button here in a floral Dolce & Gabbana dress and Burberry jacket paired with the sweet suede pumps. These open toe buckled beauties have a partially clear-heel adding a little more of a 70’s vibe to the throw-back look. To get this gorgeous, groovy look yourself pick these up in red-multi at Bloomingdale’s for $450.

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Miranda Kerr attended a screening of The Great Gatsby in New York wearing Alexander Wang Antonia High Heel Sandals and a Vivienne Westwood Anglomania jumpsuit. These sweet summer shoes have padded leather straps and a crisscross at the ankle. They are the perfect neutral sandal to wear with anything your summer wardrobe has to offer. I love Miranda’s look here; minimal makeup, neutral shoe, floral jumpsuit sans jewelry. Simple, chic, and elegant, Miranda has been really stepping it up in the style department lately. I guess that’s what happens when you no longer have to wear handle bars around your waist while modeling lingerie as a teenager who comes up to your knee cap sings a song and dances hip-hop circ les around you. Life on the other side is looking pretty good for Ms.Kerr- or, let’s not forget, Mrs.Bloom. Pick these pumps up at Shopbop for $495.

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…when the hue is decorating summery sandals like these Maiyets! The gladiator style goes geometric in a shade of green that’s as neutral (read: wearable) as they come. Pair with a full skirt like this colorfully printed Marc by Marc Jacobs (at Neiman Marcus for $90) when you’re feeling bright and flirty. The high hem will ensure that your decorative sandals are getting the attention they deserve, while the bold print will bring them to life. Then again, army green’s natural match is camo, so Blank Denim’s cropped pants (on Shopbop for $88) seem like an appropriate choice. The most natural choice of all? Another piece from Maiyet, of course! Their LBD (at Barneys New York for $1,395) goes wild with a contrasting striped hem. Pieces from the same collection are often designed to coordinate well, so take this style tip from Maiyet and wear the combo all summer long. Available on Luisa via Roma for $1,035.

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If you’ve you ever come home from a sun-soaked vacation only to have friends tell you that you don’t really look that tan, I can’t say I can relate. Kidding, but not really, I am naturally dark so for me I can always use a flash of gold highlights. For those who need to work for it, there is nothing like gold tones to really show off your fresh dewy glow! Next to bright colors and florals, metallics are most definitely summer essentials. Layer on a mix of metals and then step into equally reflective footwear. The price of gold may be up, but the price of these sandals is down!

Badgley Mischka Afton III: Instead of diving headfirst into the gold rush, a raffia wedge like this can give you just a hint of shimmer. On Zappos for $235.

Diane von Furstenberg Daphne Flat Sandals: If you prefer rose to yellow gold, DVF’s sleek sandals will suit your fancy. Flats like these will make you shine bright without overpowering your outfit. On Shopbop for $198.

Rebecca Minkoff Bettina Flat Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff has a similar pair for Snobs who think thong sandals are uncomfortable. On Shopbop for $132 (from $165).

Loeffler Randall Starla Star-Embellished Metallic Leather Sandals: Gold stars orbit around your ankles for added sparkle and shine. The enviable embellishments easily could have looked kitsch, but Loeffler Randall kept them sophisticated with just a light dusting of whimsy. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $175.

Jean-Michel Cazabat Metallic Wooster: Looking for a new cork wedge? The mix of metallics on this tricolor pair is on trend and on budget. At Barneys New York for $225.

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Shoes? Snob. Outfit? Definite slob. This is exactly how even the chicest of accessories can fall prey to a tragic outfit. Lately Miley Cyrus’ wardrobe seems to consist of sky-high shorts and equally high heels, which just doesn’t work when they’re running shorts. These Saint Laurent Paloma sandals deserve so much more than a sideways red cap and a “Sex Drugs & Rap” emblazoned t-shirt! The seductively striped combo of black suede and silver lame calls for a gorgeous gown or at least a more sophisticated pair of shorts. I can’t even look at this photo for more than a few seconds at a time. I know “she’s just being Miley,” but everyone can use the help of a stylist now and again. We get it – you’re not a Disney princess anymore. There’s no need to throw away good taste with your tiara. Available at Barneys New York for $995.

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These KTZ shoes perfectly exemplify how even the most creative ideas can end up crashing and burning. Kudos for originality – there are not many intricate wedge sneakers out there, but as you can see, there’s a reason for that. The functional nature of running shoes makes the ornamentation of these wooden wedges look incredibly out of place. Where would you wear these? And what with? I’m much more likely to go for the sandal version ($750), yet that was also poorly executed. Since the focus is on elaborate details, the design of the actual leather sandals on top should be tighter and more precise. The same goes for the sneakers. They look like orthopedic shoes were dropped on top of fancy rollerblades, except they don’t roll – at least not with me! Pre-order on Luisa via Roma in black or white for $948.

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Who said women couldn’t wear bow ties?? Certainly not Gianvito Rossi. With Sergio for a father, you could basically say that the man was born to design shoes, and these are some of his best yet. He started working at the side of his famous dad at age 17 and has never slowed down. With these new sandals, Gianvito takes the delicate ankle strap to even daintier heights with a crisp black bow. Women love bows – in our hair, on our clothes, and tied around our ankles. They’re whimsical, girly touches, but he ensures that they’re also sophisticated and mature. The white leather and black satin complement each other perfectly with the back of the shoe arching intriguingly above the fray. Pants would suffocate this style – save these for your pretty summer dresses! Available exclusively at Barneys New York for $775.

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Move over, sequins! There’s a new trend in town – mirror embellishments. Why simply shine when you could reflect? Just remember to save those mini skirts for another day, especially when you’re wearing Andreia Chaves’ “Invisible” shoe (at Sole Struck for $3,995). You’ll have a hard time checking your makeup in the geometric facets of these mirror balls, but this is art! Function has no place in this fun house.

Marni Black Leather Mirror and Wood Sculpted Platform Sandals: Who needs a hall of mirrors when you have a heel of mirrors? On Ssense for $1,075.

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Sarah Jessica Parker attended the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Ball looking very Carrie-esq in metallic gown and gorgeous Manolo Blahnik Ardo sandals. These shoes are gorgeous and have an ankle “sock” that makes these pumps super sexy. Though minimalist in design, the lines pack a powerful punch. Wear these to work with a black pencil skirt and blouse for a simple, understated look or pair them with a gown for an evening event. These pumps could be dressed up or down and will always look very “Carrie” chic. Pick them up at Neiman Marcus for $775.

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While I’m excited for the shorter stacked heel movement, these hideous creations seriously need to be outlawed. Comfort plus style is the right equation, but comfort minus style just doesn’t factor out. If you’re looking for granny shoes (and you should really only be doing this if you are, in fact, a granny), then check out Donald Pliner or Taryn Rose. Don’t condone this high-priced madness. The one upside? My mom has never been so trendy.

Balenciaga Perforated Glove Slingback Wedge: Not even summery perforation can save these soles. This is truly hurting Balenciaga’s image in my eyes. Exclusively at Barneys New York for $835.

Jimmy Choo Treat Patent T-Strap Wedge Sandal: Unless you keep a half-used tissue in your pocket and have a condo in Florida, I would pass. If you want these, hurry up and buy them now before the AARP gets wind of them and they’re all gone. At Neiman Marcus for $675.

Barneys New York Co-op Two-Piece Wedge Sandal: Barneys private label does a bang-up job of picking up trends, which is why this is so disturbing. At Barneys New York for $425.

Jil Sander Navy Leather Platform Pumps: These aren’t available anymore – let’s hope they were all sent back to where they came from. At Saks Fifth Avenue.

Pierre Hardy Two-Piece Wedge Espadrille: Pierre Hardy has been getting complaints about their painful soles, so I guess they’re overcompensating now. Hey, at least the shoes are black. At Barneys New York for $725.

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There’s nothing like a chain to add subtle sex appeal to an outfit. Whether we’re talking a sky-high heel or a lowly flat, a little metal goes a long way. On Alexander McQueen’s summer sandals (on NET-A-PORTER for $675), the gold trim perfectly accents the signature skull centerpiece. See which other designers are ready to chain you up…

Monika Chiang Domina Chain Cuff Sandals: Chains and cuffs? Sounds like a dangerous situation, but Monika Chiang is just trying to keep you safe atop those nearly 5 inch heels! On Shopbop for $495.

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Coachella may be over, but the photos of festival-going celebs will live on forever. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is up to you! Vote for your favorite in the poll at the end of the post. One thing is certain – the stars went dressed down, which is exactly what you should do for a day in the desert. Walking around in a crowded meadow in stilettos? That’s the ticket to a day of hell, and considering what you had to pay to attend Coachella, you want it to be the time of your life. Alessandra Ambrosio went in Isabel Marant’s studded Caleen boots (at Barneys New York for $890). The cowboy-inspired style is perfect for taking a beating while still looking good, so high marks to the model! Check out some other looks after the jump.

Katy Perry’s Dolce & Gabbana outfit and vintage Lulu Guinness bag are pretty outlandish, but then again, this is the same California Gurl who wore a bra that shot whipped cream – short of Lady Gaga, anything goes for this pop star. She at least knew to go easy with the shoes, so these white wedges were just right.

Kristen Stewart has been known to wear Converse (on Zappos for $55) with ball gowns, so does this really surprise anyone?

Ouch. I appreciate that Vanessa Hudgens is trying to get in the hippie festival mood, but the ‘60s are over. The mix of the crazy curly hair, a rosette headband, and a barely there white playsuit are just too much. One thing that is right? Those brown gladiator sandals.

Rita Ora is the face of Superga this spring, so it makes sense to see her repping the brand. Honestly, I’d wear Supergas (on Shopbop for $65) to Coachella even if they weren’t paying me! They’re classic comfort.

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Say what you want about 50 Shades of Grey – it made a huge splash last summer and with the movie coming out in the next few years, the hype won’t be dying down anytime soon. S&M has always had an underground appeal, but it seems that people are taking it to the streets with the fiercest shoes we’ve seen yet. In these spiked Christian Louboutin sandals (exclusively at Neiman Marcus for $3,995), you’ve essentially already got the chains, so all you need is a whip! Do you have a safe word ready?

Alexander McQueen 150MM Patent Plexiglass Open Toe Wedges: McQueen’s honeycomb style takes a decidedly un-sweet turn on these black wedges. They’re patently perfect for bringing out your inner subservient geisha. On Luisa via Roma for $4,245.

Haider Ackerman Woven Platform Ankle Boot: These kinky boots will keep even the wildest in line. It’s easier to dominate from atop a platform, after all. At Barneys New York for $2,375.

Paul Andrew Strap Back Heels: Just as you mix pain with pleasure, so you should find the balance between sexy and classy. It looks like newcomer Paul Andrew has already mastered the art. On Shopbop for $1,095.

Christian Louboutin Charleze: Christian Louboutin understands the desires of Christian Grey quite well. It takes a Snob to know one, I guess! At Barneys New York for $1,195.

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Let’s be honest. When it comes to wearing heels, some days are harder than others. For those moments of weakness, we could use a little extra support. Enter ankle straps! They’re like seat belts for your feet, and you always wear your seat belt, right?? If you’re worried about them making your legs look shorter or stockier, then pair them with some skinnies. But try to show them off if you can! Straps like these red hot Alexander Wangs (on NET-A-PORTER for $625) are too chic to be kept hidden.

Gianvito Rossi Strappy Ankle Cuff Sandal: When you go on vacation, leave the nude pumps at home – pack the nude sandals instead! The leg-lengthening effect will be just as strong, even with a cuff. At Barneys New York for $1,000.

Pierre Hardy Ankle Band Back Zip Sandal: A lethal combination of light and dark snakeskin will leave even the strongest feeling weak in the knees. At Barneys New York for $895.

Narciso Rodriguez Ankle Strap Side Buckle Sandal: I loved meeting with Narciso in NYC earlier this week, and this is why – the man is too talented! These emerald python panels will have everyone glowing green with envy. At Barneys New York for $1,050.

Nina Ricci Netted Heel Sandal: Between the thin ankle strap and the grommeted heel, there’s nothing but net. If you’re afraid you can’t pull off the fishnet trend, start with this wider knit. At Barneys New York for $695.

Sergio Rossi Asymmetric Open Toe Sandal: With the sleek gold trim, it looks like these suede sandals have been touched by Midas himself. The full support of the asymmetric straps will make teetering around in 4-inch heels a breeze. At Barneys New York for $735.

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