Trend to Try: Hot Pink Shoes

In a season full of no-frills, decidedly practical footwear (Birkenstocks, we're talking about you), the recent rash of punchy pink shoes is an unexpected delight. We've been spotting the bright-colored kicks all over the place lately, from Solange Knowles' and Busy Phillips' classic pumps to Georgia May Jagger's vivid sneakers. And every time we see them, we can't help but smile. What's more fun than footwear that looks exactly like Barbie doll shoes?

In Cannes last month, both Paz Vega and Jessica Chastain got the magenta shoe memo. 
(Source: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe)Vega's satin Christian Louboutin pumps add a playful pop to her teal dress, while Chastain's sequined Paul Andrew pair are a work of art unto themselves.

(Source: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe)But this trend isn't just for the red carpet. As the pink-shoe fans demonstrate below, a pair of fuchsia or bubblegum-hued kicks play just as well with daytime denim as they do with a second-skin cocktail dress.

(Source: FameFlynet Pictures, Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America, Bauergriffin.com)And the look couldn't be easier to pull off. Feeling edgy? Go for a pared-down, dark-hued ensemble (like Gwen Stefani's, above) and your pink pumps will look punky, not prim. Feeling bold? Match a bright pair with a solid dress in a contrasting hue. You really can't go wrong here, unless you throw on a matchy-matchy pink dress or skirt. That look belongs in Barbie's dream house only.

Now it's time to walk the walk—shop our pink-shoe picks, below:
(Source: Nordstrom, Steve Madden, Amazon)Isaac Mizrahi Lamis Pump, $135, at Nordstrom; Steve Madden Lanii Flats, $100, at Steve Madden; Nine West Tatiana Leather Dress Pump, $79 $60, at Amazon