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I’m sick of trainers: how do I up my shoe game this spring?

If the puddles are shrinking in your neighbourhood, it might be time to make the transition from boots, sneakers and chunky loafers to something lighter. It’s still too early for thongs and other toe-baring styles, though, so consider putting your best foot forward, and step-toe-shuffling into new footwear territory, in a pair of trending jazz shoes (jazz hands optional).

Since moving to its own beat on the Celine runway at designer Michael Rider’s exceptional Paris Fashion Week debut last year, the jazz shoe (a more stylish derby shoe) has slowly supplanted the ballet flat as the favourite spring accessory. That’s because these low-profile lace-ups in soft leather partner well with everything – tailored trousers, skirts and shorts – without stealing the style show. (I’m just grateful that a leotard isn’t required.)

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Yes, they come in all colours, but stars such as Nicole Kidman, Harry Styles and Lily Collins have endorsed white in an elevated update on the classic white sneaker.

While you can get away with a roomy fit and chunky socks with loafers, jazz shoes are far more fitted, like a second skin. They look their very best worn nude, so make sure those spring showers are over. If you must wear socks, pick the same colour as your shoes, to maintain a line that even super-hoofer Fred Astaire would surely applaud.

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    Damien Woolnough is the fashion editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The AgeConnect via Facebook.AdvertisementAdvertisement