The good news: women are dressing up again! From footwear to clothing to jewelry, today's women want a more polished look. But, at the same time, comfort is a top priority. Footwear Insight asked a handful of CEO's from leading footwear companies to comment on this emerging trend. Here's a look at the story. Take a look at what Enjoiya Group founder and CEO Frank Cammarata has to say:
Dressed Up Comfort
Consumers have decided that now is the time to refresh their wardrobes and purchase new shoes for weddings, parties, excursions and work. The best new styles fuse fashion and comfort as customers seek more formal options.
I recently attended a Roaring ’20s party at a beautiful venue on the Jersey Shore. As a friend walked toward me in an elegant sequin dress, I noticed that she was moving very slowly. No, she wasn’t making a grand entrance – the sole had literally just fallen off the bottom of her shoe! Having purchased the heels several years ago, she decided to shrug it off with a laugh, exclaiming – “I guess it’s finally time to buy a new pair!”
It’s true – consumers have decided that now is the time to refresh their wardrobes and purchase new shoes for weddings, parties, excursions and work – often because they want to and sometimes because they have to! The ideal option is something that can do it all, offering comfort, elegant touches and a little pizzazz to party in. We’ve asked several brands what is being offered to accommodate.
Are you seeing the “dressed up comfort” trend and how are you responding?
“During the 2020 and 2021 seasons there was a major pendulum shift to comfy casual, easy-on, easy-off disposable footwear. We see this currently swinging back to something more in the middle. Due to more social and group settings to celebrate weddings, graduations and the like, dress shoes are in high demand. This category will return to being about 25%-30% of our total business, where it dipped after the pandemic to almost zero. As some people go back into the office, this category will continue to grow, although now in a more balanced way.”
– Frank Cammarata, founder, The Enjoiya Group
The story also highlighted some of the most popular looks from Spring 23 and not surprisingly, the Enjoiya Soraia Slingback pump was pictured first. Obviously, we are right on-trend!
Take Your Pick:
Dressed Up Comfort Options
ENJOIYA/SORAIA
Enjoiya introduces a sleek, dressy option; the Soraia open-toe, sling back pump that can be worn with skirts, dresses and wide-leg pants, thanks to a 2-1/2-inch sculpted block heel. Black is the strongest color in smooth, nubuck and patent leathers. Fuchsia, canary yellow and bright cobalt provide pop colors, while ivory rounds out the pallet. The padded sock, gore-sling and flexible sole provide an ultra-comfortable experience. MSRP $89.95.