Wedge Sandals and Ballet Flats: The Hottest 2007 Summer Shoe Styles

As summer approaches, it's time to kick off those boots and find some stylish shoes perfect for warm-weather outfits. With miniskirts and short shorts still popular, you'll want shoes that show off your legs as well as your pedicure. Try the two types of shoes that are fashionable for summer 2007: platform wedges and ballet flats. Although they're starkly different in shape and size, these shoes add the perfect touch to all sorts of outfits, and there is no shortage of gorgeous choices from designers.

Wedge sandals have stuck around from last year with good reason. These shoes add drama (and height) to your look with chunky platforms and a bold geometric shape. They elongate the line of your legs just as other high heels do, but their large lower sections allow for increased color or embellishments, thereby spicing up your outfit. They look great with high hemlines, either on shorts or skirts. Wedges work with long dresses too, but avoid wearing them with baggy pants because too much width can make your legs appear stocky.

Designers have experimented with some unique forms for wedges this year. Although espadrilles are still popular, some sleeker styles have emerged for 2007. Louis Vuitton offers a number of platform wedges with hollow, curved heels, such as the Morganne and Mélusine sandals. Morganne has thin upper straps in a combination of lizard, patent and suede leather. Shiny patent is very popular for 2007; this sandal captures this trendy sheen look without being too flashy. Mélusine is available in pink and white floral brocade or black satin. Its dainty straps and gleaming gold lower section make this shoe feminine and eye-catching.

Other designers have created glittery, glamorous wedges as well. Calvin Klein offers a closed-toe wedge covered in silver Swarovski crystals. The wood lower and gleaming upper sections forge a striking contrast. Betsey Johnson's Never sandal, sold exclusively at Nordstrom, features a closed-toe, black leather upper with gold stitching in the black heel. Wide suede straps tie in front of the ankle. This shoe is bold and enchanting in standard Betsey Johnson fashion.

Classic wedge sandals abound this year too. Coach's Mayra wedge features a solid wood lower and wide leather straps with rivet details. Available in metallic bronze or camel, this warmly colored sandal is perfect for summer. Louis Vuitton has traditional wedges as well as uniquely-shaped styles. Sheerazade, in black satin with glass beads and pearls embroidered along the lower front, and Dots, in white canvas with large fabric circles along the front strap, both feature solid heels for those who love a chunky wedge.

Wedges aren't the only shoes with staying power over the last few years; ballet flats remain fashionable for 2007 as well. These slippers are the polar opposite of platform wedges. Their flat heels keep you firmly on the ground and their diminutive shape hugs your feet, creating a graceful and tailored look. They won't make your feet or legs look bulky, so they can be worn with almost any outfit. Peep-toe flats are particularly hot for summer because they combine the best characteristics of flats and sandals: a sexy shape that shows off your toes.

Juicy Couture offers a number of ballet flats for summer, including decorative and bejeweled selections. The Logo Napa leather slipper features the label name embroidered all over the shoe with a black bow and gold charm accent. This style is available in metallic platinum with black letters, pink with black letters or black with white letters. The Mindy charm ballerina slipper comes in camel-colored suede with inlays of gold snakeskin leather. A matching grosgrain trim and bow, gold charms and faux jewels complete the glamorous, girly look of this shoe. These flats may be small and fitting, but their rich embellishments will definitely get noticed.

Conversely, Miu Miu has ballet flats in solid colors with a touch of sheen. Flats with a simple, thin strap over the ankle are available in silver leather or mauve satin. Tinfoil-colored silver slippers with open toes and sides feature a bow detail and gold accents on the vamp. The elegant simplicity of these shoes will coordinate with a wide range of outfits, making them as versatile as they are beautiful.

In short, vastly different shoes are fashionable for summer 2007. Wedge sandals and ballet flats add distinctive dimensions to summer outfits, and both can look fabulous if paired with the right clothes. A bold, chunky sandal will add inches to your height while ballet-inspired slippers will caress your feet, but either style can bring excitement and ornamentation or sleek simplicity. As you enjoy the season's beautiful weather, be sure to enjoy the footwear too!