Gladiator Shoes Guide

Of the many footwear that ever entered the limelight, gladiator shoes took the fashion world by storm. With its Roman-inspired unique design that has numerous, overwhelming number of styles and looks, gladiators first presented itself in an ‘either you’ll love it or hate it’ visage which only the bold and courageous could dare to wear. True, the trend isn’t really universally flattering – - – at least when it first came out. But now, manufacturers and designers pushed their creativity a little further and came up with diverse designs that could flatter a wider range of the population and today, gladiators are seen as one of the most versatile footwear a woman can ever own. Believe it, these things full of cage-like straps that goes around the legs may be a little intimidating, kinda makes one take a step aback and think twice how to pull off the trend, but they’re actually an all-around footwear you can with just about anything and just about anytime. No matter what kind of look you carry, or no matter what kind of style you want to bring together, there is a pair of gladiators that can make that look a lot better than just appropriate, but very swell in fact. True, many women are reluctant to buy gladiators coz they are not sure how to wear them or what to wear them with. Gladly, among the most fashionable people in Hollywood is so happy to show us how to don the gladiator shoes from the most casual to the dressiest affairs.

Before we look around, where do we get our first hand fashion inspiration, but from the fashion models themselves. Who wouldn’t hear of Heidi Klum: the famous German supermodel and wife of British Grammy-winning singer Seal. Known as “The Body”, and indeed she is, what would you say when Klum, one of the highest paid models in the world, has her flair for gladiators as well. Pairing her pair of black flat ankle-high gladiators with a black and white maxi-dress, a look very much apart from many of her Victoria Secret runway shows, this woman truly knows how to bring it on. The look she created is very relaxed and feminine, perfect for summer or afternoon walks or mall shopping, yet by no debate, is truly trendy and well-put together.

This is a great look. But flat gladiators doesn’t limit you to maxi dresses just because that’s what Klum wore. If you got killer legs, team it up with summer shorts, above the-knee dresses and a mini-skirt, if that is your thing. Gladiators come in so many colors. Sure it’s good to have one of every color to create the most looks, but if you can afford to keep one or few, better go for the most versatile hues that you could easily team up with more of the dresses, shorts and skirts you own.

Here’s exactly what I mean. Rachel Bilson teamed up her flat ankle gladiators with a simple solid grey dress shirt. Simple alright, but the whole look is amazing. Bilson is known for her flair for casual street style, the very same one in this photo of her in one of NYC’s streets. But she sure does know how to accessorize simple looks and still look wonderful.

These are two different looks you can create from heeled ankle gladiator shoes. But there’s more, and I’ll tell you a little after we study how these celebs wow the people with their smart fashion decisions and characters that makes the footwear even more appreciated. With a rhinestone-studded gladiator heels, actress Jennifer Connelly (from the left) looked really edgy in her green sequined Balmian dress. Indeed a sleek look to take to the red carpet. Sophisticated British supermodel Naomi Campbell (right photo) once again proved her exceptional talent of carrying just about any look. Her sultry style conquered the fashion world. Keeping it simple with a pair of black heeled gladiators and a sleeveless scalloped mini-dress in a semi-bubble design, Campbell could be a baby or a lady in this look, whichever point of view you may wanna look at it. But whatever with this woman that makes anything she wear just so perfect? Undeniably, she did so much justice to the footwear.

But the gladiator heels aren’t for mini-dresses alone. Just as versatile as the flats, wear them with just about anything, even a pair of shorts if you dare. Just the same with gladiator wedges, there’s just so many looks that goes with it. On the left, Gwyneth Paltrow chose to pair her black strapless knee-length pleated dress with her gold rhinestone-studded platform wedge gladiators. Who would argue with black and gold paired together? It’s a classic.

On the right, Lindsay Lohan’s dress choice is kinda drab, others may even insist it’s sloppy. Without the black wedge gladiator shoes, the whole look could easily be tossed out of the window. Amazing how the footwear made everything just right for poor Lilo here.

Gladiator shoes, like mentioned earlier, could have so many looks. Ankle-high glads could be flat, heeled or wedged, even in platform wedge just like what Paltrow wore. They say that with the characteristics of the footwear, a little care should be kept in mind when selecting which is right for you. Consider your anatomy as well. If you lack the few inches, stay away from heavy, chunky-styled gladiators. Meaning: nothing like what Paltrow has on and more of what Campbell wore. Mid-calf gladiators, they say, is only best for slender legs, though petites can pull off the look if they’re good at it.

In Ashley Tisdale’s photo taken in L.A., wearing her dark grey dress tee, she decided to finish her look with a pair of black mid-calf caged gladiators and her designer Prada bag. Many women praise Ashley for her good taste in fashion. From her dress to clothes, and now shoes, everyone surely nods their head on how she wears her dresses right.

But as even mid-calf gladiators can some in heels and wedges too, which is a bit more challenging to pull off, Gossip Girl Leighton Meester here shows it shouldn’t be that much of a trouble at all. With ease and little effort, she carried on a no-frill but ammmaaazing look pairing a solid blue sweat-top, white shorts and black mid-calf wedge glads.

Knee-high gladiators could be flat or heeled, too. The tall look makes the legs look longer as well as long as one knows how to choose the kind of straps that best flatters the proportions of one’s legs. They say the slimmer the legs, the thinner the straps should be. Thicker legs look better with wider straps.

Mary Kate Olsen (left photo) here wears a black Chanel knee-high caged gladiators with her black three-fourth sleeved mini-dress. We know how popular the LBD is and truly, they are sexy even when paired with regular pumps or strappy heels. But the knee-high glads did quite a remarkable job prepping up the look way much better than with any other footwear. Fashion Icon Rihanna (on the right) is truly a stunner with two-piece collared black dress and super-strappy black and white knee-high gladiators by Belanciaga. With her fearless rave for fashion and bold looks she can pull off with ease, Rihanna sure deserve being named by Vogue as among the best-dressed in its January 2010 issue. Looks like the popular singer didn’t just dominate the music billboard charts but, clearly, also the fashion scene.

Officially, the shoe trend had long taken over Hollywood, and it seems the celebrities aren’t moving yet to another style. Mischa Barton, Hilary Duff, Katie Holmes, Jessica Alba and a whole lot of other celebrities did play a huge part in making the gladiator shoes a hot item season after season. And just as how celebrities seem to have an undiminished appetite for the trend, women around the world are catching up quickly with the celebrity looks and easy-to-pull-off styles to go with the unique footwear. Nowadays, from the busy city streets to the red carpets, gladiators are in sight. There’s no doubt the ‘glads’ are now the shoe for any season and for any woman who loves to look fashionable. Our celebs just saved your day, giving you a big hand on how to pull off the footwear, by now you shouldn’t be unsure anymore how to match your outfits with it. Just look among their styles and figure out which suits you best, incorporate it with your own look, and you’re good to go. Just a pair of versatile gladiator shoes is sure to add a true touch of flair to any wardrobe.

Everyone knows how fashion cycles. They could come back in a few years, in a decade, or pretty much longer than that. With the now hottest trend in footwear, the gladiators, it took quite a really long time for it to enter the fashion scene. Long worn during the ancient Roman-times, it is where the design of these unique, stylish, fashionable and fun-to-wear sandals was born from. Introduced in the fashion world some years back, women had mixed reactions on gladiator shoes. That’s understandable. With all those straps that extend to one’s ankle, mid-calf and other styles climb up to one’s knees, it does look so much different from the rest of footwear you see around. They could have buckles, rhinestone details, and could some in so many colors and designs. Like others, though, women can opt for flat, heeled or wedged.

Could be, if you do not have the courage to at least try it once, this shoe trend may seem a little challenging to wear. Women who are not that courageous have brushed off entirely the idea of wearing gladiators, while others, they consider it a wardrobe must-have and among their most important fashion statements. True, the glads have so much to offer, apart from making one look fashionable. Its design alone allows parts of one’s legs to be visible, making it a very ideal thing to wear during summer. But that doesn’t mean gladiators are for summer alone. As we go along, you’ll see the many wonderful designs and style of this trend that you could take with your evening looks, Spring attires and just about anywhere or anytime you wish to wear – - – making it a very versatile all-season, all-occasion footwear.

Most gladiators are made from leather and non-solid materials, making them lightweight in general. That makes the sandals very comfortable to wear. And many women like that. Trendy women today no longer are willing to sacrifice looks for comfort coz they know the two could go along. If they are to wear something fashionable, it has to be comfortable as well. Gladiators are also very wearable. It goes with a variety of outfits you can don in the most casual to formal occasions. And as gold shoes are ultimate staples in women’s closets, owning a pair of gold gladiator shoes would prove to be as practical and trendy – - – a fashion investment you could never go wrong with.

So, how exactly do you wear your gold gladiator shoes? Or what do you wear it with?

Shorts go everywhere this summer. Could it be denim, Bermuda shorts, summer shorts or if you have killer legs, wear it with your mini-shorts. Generally, the look is pretty much like a lovely chic-in-the city. You can top your shorts with a cute plain or printed blouse, a cardigan, or just go about with your own style. To add more sexiness to your look, try pairing your shorts with a pair of gold gladiators with heels, or wedge gladiators will do if you need the extra lift. Just remember that if you’re petite, don’t go for the platform wedges as they tend to look heavy and clumping. The footwear will result to pulling your height down.

But if jeans are your bestfriend, Gwyneth Paltrow here (on the right photo) just pulled off a simple yet eye-catching look. Black jeans topped with a white tee beneath a black blazer, is okay – - – but the gold flat glad just made her shine in entirety.

You can try to experiment with other pant styles. I’ve seen a lot of women pull off the cropped jeans and glads – - – and it looked swell. You can go for other colors as well. Be daring, and be creative.

You can beat the summer look with an over-all, solid or patterned, then pair it with gold glads. The look is definitely waaaay better than teaming up your summer outfits with those nasty flip flops.

What a way to throw away trendy get-ups. But the wonder of gold gladiators do not end there. A mini-dress, summer or cocktail, would look as stunning with the footwear as well. Just remember that if you have slim legs, it’s okay to slip on those wide-strapped gladiators. But if you have otherwise, be a little cautious and opt for thin straps instead.

A beautiful way to wear you heeled glads – - – is to wear it with dress. Gwyneth Paltrow chose to pair her strapless black knee-length dress with platform wedge gold gladiator sandals. Just as how the footwear could bring on so many reactions from people of different fashion orientation, you would either love or hate the look. But no matter how you look at it, it’s undeniably gorgeous!

But amazingly, the footwear worn with maxi dresses are just beautiful in every way. Many would insist gold glads are made for maxi-dresses. Perhaps they are. Even if you look around the pages of online fashion magazines, you would be convinced. Many of today’s retro and futuristic designs would work perfectly with your trendy shoes. And with the combination, it is easy to make an unmistakably strong fashion statement. What’s more, maxi dresses are comfy as it glides over your curves effortlessly, paired with an equally comfortable footwear – - – ultimate freedom!

But since gladiators themselves are Greco-Roman inspired, why not wear something from the same fashion standpoint? The now popular Grecian goddess dresses just completes the whole look – - – no argument. Yea, it is fabulous and holds a great amount of femininity to it, but overall – - – they’re hot.

Just about what more can you wear with this amazingly versatile and trendy footwear? Really … anything!

Take your pick on whatever makes you feel most comfortable. You don’t have to change your style, stay within your comfort zone and just let those gold gladiators make your look stand out. Play it right with your accessories, and the hair helps too. Go ahead and shine!

No matter how many talks about gladiator shoes being the trickiest things to wear, nothing changes the fact that they are one of the ultimate must-haves for the modern women. A pair of gladiators keeps one in the cutting edge when it comes to fashion. The Greco-Roman inspired footwear having all those straps and buckles that wind up to your ankles, and sometimes, all the way to your knees, actually were crafted from the very same concept and designs seen in classic Greek movies worn by gladiator warriors and royalties worn in ancient Rome. Though worn back then in history, modern-day gladiators were only introduced in the fashion scene of today some years back. Unique and stylish, exactly what appeals to the celebrities and stars, it was easily embraced in the fashion mainstream.

Though noticed by the mass public, its quite different visage made it a bit challenging for many to pull off. And being entirely new in the fashion scene, knowing how to pull together a look with the footwear was one thing many fashionistas had to struggle to learn about. The cage-like structure, with all the straps that extends to different heights, happen to be a bit choosy on whom to flatter. So it took a while to study which type of gladiator will look good with who, and what build and heights will look perfect with a particular style of glad. Such accounted for the rather slow rise in the popularity of the shoe trend. Gladly, some brilliant minds in the fashion industry found ways to make the footwear more wearable by the mass public. Manufacturing more diverse and versatile designs and colors, the footwear then quickly invaded the wardrobes of many women. Since the past seasons up to today, the fashion must-have remained ideal for different women carrying different looks, for different seasons and for different occasions.

True, options for gladiators are now overwhelming. From the classic flat ankle-length glads, heeled ankle gladiators, wedges, mid-calf gladiators, either heeled or flats, to the sexy knee-high glads, every style and design represent just so many looks and personalities, but in general, they are all so versatile and could easily go with so much of what you own in your wardrobe. Thin straps to wide straps, buckles, rhinestone-studded – - – they’re filling the racks of shoe stores and pages of online retail stores, but no one’s complaining. How women love them! Colors? They’re as vast. But I guess, even with this new trend, the old rules still apply. And unmistakably, black remains to be the staple, most versatile color you can easily team up with so many looks. So whether it’s flat or heeled, or tall glad you wish to own, having it in black better stretches its usability and allows you better to be in style.

Be in style alright. So, how do you rev up your look with your black glads? Let’s take it one step at a time. If you are new to this footwear, start with the most classic pair – - – that, you can never go wrong with. With the fewest straps, and with no extra details, the simplest black gladiators are easier to mix and match with several outfits.

Your everyday outfits, shirts and shorts, your summer dress, mini-skirt and tee, you don’t really have to change much of your fashion choice just to fit in the gladiator look. The footwear will simply blend in with your personal style. And with summer just around the corner now, what better time is it to wear your breezy pair of gladiator sandals? But what if you’re not Nicky Hilton? No problem, like I said, you can pull off the gladiator look with little effort. Black is a classic. And remember, we’re still starting off with the most basic look.

These aren’t celebrity photos anymore. But see how amazingly they carried the footwear? Summer shorts are now very popular and undeniably, are very stylish and comfy. The sexy, feminine and stylish appeal of this fashion item is just a perfect match for your glad. Go for more neutral colors as it better blends with black. Now for the dresses, the shoes bring about a lovely entirety – - – and very fresh. Since your glads come in the most basic hue, it did not, in any way, clash with the print of the dress. Same goes with other dresses with prints and patterns, they would just blend in beautifully with black gladiator sandals. The one we have in the photo is a knee-length empire-style cotton summer dress. But if mini-dresses, shirt dresses, jersey dress or maxi dress is your thing, just team them up together and get going – - – you’ll look great! If wearing plain-colored dresses, you can now go a bit bolder with your glads. Perhaps, pick one with eye-popping details, or the sexy knee-high glads.

But heeled black gladiators look sexier and more feminine when paired with tunics, cocktails, evening dresses, or even afternoon drapey outfits. And again you don’t have to be Jessica Alba to look fabulous in it. Even with black being so basic in itself, paired with even a simple dress, the look and style of the gladiator brings a huge wow factor. Just remember that if you have the small frame, or if you belong to the petite category, steer clear of heavy-looking glads. That means you can’t wear the wedge gladiators. But you can go for the gladiator heels similar to what Alba wore on the picture. It is a display of simplicity, yet with a whole lot of elegance to it.

But pairing the footwear with a flowing Grecian gown is, by no debate, a classier look. You don’t have to be Naomi Watts either, but if you wear a Grecian dress similar to what she has on, no matter what color, you would look so glam! The one she wore with her black Grecian goddess toga is a pair of black diamond-studded gladiator flats.

Kate Beckinsale (leftmost photo) made it look so easy pairing her strapless maxi dress with her black flat glads. So did supermodel Heidi Klum (second photo from the left). But the two ensembles on the right just proves how, even a non-celebrity, can make a full-dress or maxi-dress and black flat glads work and look as glamorous.

You can’t stop women from loving the mini-dresses, still. The great thing about wearing your black glads with a mini-dress, is it goes with just about any color. Whether it’s empire-waist, sleeved, sleeveless, strapless, sweetheart neckline, A-line, or the cute bubble dress, you’ll be amazed on how entirely different and definitely more revved up your look could be if you pair it with glads instead of your stilettos or pumps. And with the staple little black dress – - – they’re just made for each other! Just don’t wear flat gladiators when wearing your cocktail. Definitely, go for the ones with heels.

But you see, the heeled glad aren’t limited to dresses and feminine looks. They could look as sexy with jeans and even shorts. Just never think about tucking your jeans under your gladiators. I don’t think anyone will ever dig that look.

So now, you see, gladiators are no longer for celebrities like how they used to be. Anyone can wear it with anything. Going black is always a good way to start you adventure with the fashionable world of gladiator shoes. I’m sure the photos were helpful in making you feel more daring – - – now you can don the glads and jump right in the bandwagon. That was all you really need to keep in mind, it’s the general rule of thumb even with all other forms of footwear: flat glad with shorts and jeans, heeled gladiators with dresses and skirts. And when you get the feel, then, anything goes!