When I think of Valentino, I don’t think of understatement, but that’s probably because most of my relationship with the brand has been via its bags. Flowers, ruffles, rhinestones, patent, chiffon, silk, bows…you name it, Valentino has festooned a handbag with it. The brand’s shoes are often a little more soft-spoken, however, and designs like the Valentino Cutout Patent Pumps prove that Valentino can still do detailed work with a more refined edge.

Perforations and broguing have become an increasingly popular adornment for women’s shoes of all types since oxfords started to get trendy, and this design does an exceptional job of implementing it with sunny yellow patent to make what is perhaps the ultimate summer office shoe. I can just see these at the end of a pair of ankle-length skinny trousers in light grey. Even the most conservative offices should be able to accomodate footwear like this (they are closed-toed, after all), and bringing a little sunshine indoors during the warmer months does indeed sound like a rosy proposition. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $795.