Branching out: Oxfords - YouLookFab Forum

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Branching out: Oxfords

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm thinking of stretching my fashion legs and trying a new style of shoe for fall and winter. I'm pretty well set in the boot department. I have a few wedge pumps and a couple of pair of ballet style flats but nothing that I would wear with socks when it's cold out. I'd like something that I could wear primarily with straight legs, BF's and boot cuts and an occasional skirt (with tights.)

I love the oxford that Angie has in the YLF store but I'm not crazy about either color. I feel like charcoal or black would be the most versatile for me. I'm curious what you think about these for me:

http://www.zappos.com/born-arl.....al-leather

http://www.zappos.com/dr-marte.....ey-buttero

http://www.zappos.com/frye-car.....full-grain

Alternative suggestions appreciated too. Thanks in advance!

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Carole

Veteran

I could see you sporting the Borns or those Docs! Can't wait to see how these amp up your style. How fun!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love the Frye's the best but they all look good.

Anonymous

These are all great, but the Frye's are striking my fancy. They're probably not the more comfortable of the lot though.

KathyL

Veteran

I like the borns and the fryes best. How about a two toned one like Shannon's (black and white from today). I think Sarah did a DIY of a pair recently with three tones that looked great too.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I like the docs - they are an "alternative" classic.

BethL

(website)

Veteran

I like them all, and I think they'd be a fun, as well as pracical, addition to your wardrobe. I like the Frye's the best, and then the Docs. I think the Frye's might be very slightly more feminine?

jayne

Veteran

I like the Born and think they would be comfy. They are not to chunky if you know what I mean

deb

Veteran

I like the Frye's.

fashionista

Veteran

I like those oxfords. How about some espadrilles like those in pics.

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catgirl

Veteran

I have the Fryes in purple and they are amazing. I was planning to wear them all fall if it would EVER stop raining here.

sarah

Veteran

I like the Fryes. I'd also check out Jeffrey Campbell oxfords.

April

Veteran

I like the Fryes best. Not loving the yellowish sole on the Docs.

Lisa

Veteran

I like the Frye's, they are streamlined and will not add bulk like a thicker sole shoe will. I have been hunting for oxfords for a while now. I recently added a pair of loafers that I adore, perfect for skinny jeans.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I really like the look of those Fryes for you Kelly - not too chunky. I also second Sarah's suggestion of checking out Jeffrey Campbell. I have the three-tone patent leather Jeffrey Campbell oxfords and they are very, very comfortable.

Mind you, I'm a Docs lover and am curious about the comfort of the Docs oxfords you posted. I guess in the end, you can't go wrong with any of these. That probably wasn't really helpful, was it?

Jules

Veteran

I am not sure if it's enough of a difference to matter, but there looks to be about 1.5" difference between the heel height of the borns and the frys, so you might consider the length of the pants you want to wear them with.

eperdu

I have this mental thing with Oxford shoes .. I think mostly because they were SOOOO popular when I was a pre-teen. I used to have several pairs and now they are back, like many of the other unfortunate trends of those years. I still like them I just feel like I've gone back in time. Does this mean I'm getting old?!?

But I love the Frye's ... and the Doc's ... I actually have a medium gray pair of oxford style (with the seams) shoes like the Fry'es from Clark's. I ended up scoring them for $25 last year at the outlet. I find them difficult to wear with most of my outfits. They just never seem to work. I'll have to try harder this year.

kellygirl

Veteran

Thanks for chiming in, Carole, shevia, CClaire, KathyL, caro, BethL, jayne, deb, fashionista, Una, sarah, April, Lisa, Shannon, Jules, and eperdu! I guess I am on the right track
@KathyL: I’m pretty low contrast so I think I’d be better with something more subdued. Good idea though! Thanks,
@fashionista: Thanks for the visuals. I think those could work for warmer weather but we are heading into fall/winter and I need protection from the elements!
@caro: I agree about the “alternative” vibe. I think that’s why I find them so attractive.
@BethL: giggle. I think the Frye’s are pretty masculine but they are more streamlined than the Docs. I am not 100% sure they will jibe with my style though.
@Una: You bring up an good point--I hadn’t thought about rain. Hmmm.
@sarah: I will have to check out JC. I thought most of them were two or three toned--not sure if that will work for me.
@Lisa: Cute loafers! I have a narrow heel and have a hard time finding slip ons that stay on.
@Shannon: LOL!
@Jules: Another good point. I liked the heel height of the Frye the best.
@eperdu: Looking forward to seeing some outfits with the oxfords! I think I totally missed oxfords except for an uber uncomfortable heeled pair that I wore in the early 90’s. My feet ache just thinking about them.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really like the Frye's for you, Kelly. Not sure if I can articulate why; I just suspect the Docs might be too clunky for your delicate ankles and legs. (Much as I love Docs).