One thing you can’t go wrong with this Easter is a trusty pair of wedges – a staple of my wardrobe. Whether you’re traversing to lectures, on a picnic with friends, or attending a formal, wedges can be styled up or down to fit the occasion. The right pair add subtle 70’s flair to any outfit – flair reported by Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Elle to be making a serious 2026 resurgence. The Spring/Summer runways were flooded with wedges; the new and improved platform is chic and here to stay.

Not only are they incredibly versatile footwear, they’re also seriously comfortable. Dating back to ancient Greek theatre, where actors would don wedges – or ‘kothorni’ as they were called – to signify their character’s importance over sock-wielding comic actors, wedges are designed to distribute weight evenly across the foot. Though you probably won’t see them on the ADC stage any time soon (long live the character shoe…), their gradual incline makes wedges the perfect choice for day-to-day wear- a great staple in any wardrobe and an elevated alternative to your go-to Converse or New Balance. Not only are they comfy, but they are, for the most part, eco-friendly. Worth the extra investment, authentic style wedges typically feature a sole of cork, wood, or densely packed straw. This makes them a great contrast to the mass-produced plastic kitten heels littered throughout most high street stores.

"The new and improved platform is chic and here to stay"

Beyond their environmental benefits, the heels are a great way of adding a pop of colour or texture to an otherwise uninspiring outfit. See the recently released Jimmy Choo ‘Livi checked wedge mules’, for example. Though beyond many a student budget, their checked pattern and fitted leather bows are a great demonstration of the twee edge wedges can enhance in any outfit – and with May ball season fast approaching, they’re also a fantastic choice for all-night survival! I’d encourage anyone hoping to make it to the 5 am (or 6 am) survivors’ photo to invest. Choice wedges will match your dress, jumpsuit, or suit, and you’re far more likely to exploit unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment than your stiletto-wielding counterparts… not to mention leaving with fewer blisters.

More than just a safe choice for the JMB red carpet, Ferragamo popularised the ‘Ferragamo wedge’ in the high-fashion world during the 1930’s-40’s, and they have remained popular ever since. No longer able to afford steel for traditional heels (due to the economic sanctions against Italy between the wars), Ferragamo experimented with Sardinian cork. Drawing from his anatomy classes at the University of Southern California, Ferragamo’s desire to “adapt his shoes to the human foot instead of forcing the foot to adapt to the shoe” led to the birth of the renowned wedge. Historically dubbed “wedges” or “lifties”, the heels were sported by screen sirens – Judy Garland, Gloria Swanson, and Marilyn Monroe, to name a few – and have since dominated feminine shoe fashion.

“I’d encourage anyone hoping to make it to the 5 am survivors’ photo to invest”

It’s no wonder the iconic platform heel has been so deeply intertwined with Hollywood. Their solid base and stability mitigate any risk of catching your heels in the cobbles (and potholes!) that line so many Cambridge streets. Whether you’re an A-list actress or an overworked student running late for a formal, they’re easy to reach for and keep you from those embarrassing falls and ankle twists that so many slingbacks and stilettos love to inflict. They also come in a multitude of forms. If classic open-toed wedges aren’t your vibe, you can opt for 70s-style wedge boots, closed-toe espadrille wedges, or nod back to the noughties in some platform wedge pumps. Whatever the style, they look fantastic with jeans, skirts, summer dresses, formalwear, and anything in between! Though, word of warning, if you’re an avid cyclist, you may want to steer clear. Unless skilled in the art of pedalling with the ball of your foot, wedges may be an impractical choice… and Madingley Road has claimed enough cycling victims this term.

Next time you’re stuck choosing the right summer shoe for your 9 am lecture (sidge girlies, I’m looking at you), search no further. Say goodbye to spring’s usual suspects – ballerinas and Mary Janes – and embrace the wardrobe staple in walkable heights (best paired with some chunky hoop earrings!).