Paint it Grey? - YouLookFab Forum

HI Fabbers!

I can't recall if I bought my white ankle boots this year or last, but what I do know is that despite really liking them (love the fit, the shape etc), I am just not wearing them:( Admittedly they are not a winter boot for me due to the colour and my need to keep them looking pristine. But I went to wear them this morning and I just don't think they quite "fit" where I am at style wise.

SOOOOOO, I had a brainwave! I could dye them grey! What do you think?
I am talking soft dove grey. I have been wanting grey boots for ages but any I have found are beyond my budget. I think I would get much more wear out of them as I am often reaching for grey boots that are not there.

My other thought was dye them dark navy or ink blue?

Of course I could dye them black!!

OR do I persevere a little longer as its now warming up a little and see if they can actually work with my Spring wardrobe?

Would love to know you thoughts.

Thanks
xxx Deborah

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9 years ago

Glory

Veteran

These are stunning boots Deb. Would it be possible to decide on wearing them 2-3 times to try and get a love affair going? If after that you still are not loving them, then yes to the dye job. I would go dove grey because the black accents (heel and zip) would still stand out. Plus I think you could go from Dove grey to ink blue or black if you didn't like the grey colour.

Transcona Shannon

I completely agree with Glory. Try them again I'm white with your spring wardrobe a few times and if they truly aren't working for you, dye them. I like the idea of grey.

Thistle

I third Glory. These are stunning. White is very hard to wear as footwear in the winter. I would give them a go in the spring. If there is still no love, dove grey would be gorgeous.

rabbit

I'm hunting for a pair of dove/pearl gray booties right now, so that would be my vote (I love it's softness as opposed to the occasional harshness of white), but I'd try wearing them or photo-ing outfits three different ways just to make sure you are giving the white a fair shake.

Caro in Oz

I like Glory's suggestion. I'd try them first then you have the option of dye if you are still not reaching for them. Metallic paint is also an option

Suz

(website)

What Glory said! And what Caro added.

JAileen

I guess it depends your climate, but white seems wrong for winter, and boots seem wrong for summer. If it were me I'd dye them grey.

SarahTheWhite

I am all about taking a risk when I find that I'm not wearing something in the first place. I vote dye grey, then if that doesn't work so well, you can try navy, then black. Just keep going darker. If you just don't wear them as is, then you have nothing to lose. My experiments like this seem to work out about 50% of the time... or a little less, if I'm being honest. But the regret doesn't drive me as crazy as the wondering what fabulous thing could happen if I just dye that, or rip out those seams and remake it... Oh the possibilities!

CocoLion

Deborah how do you see yourself styling these? They have a higher vamp, they're like a mid-calf boot. I have found this style to be a bit trickier to style. What I'm getting at, is maybe it's not just the color but also the style that is making them a less frequently worn piece.

Deborah

Denise, yes that's a really good point. I think if I dye them a lower contrast colour they will work better. I.e. I can tuck darker leggings into them.

Firecracker (Sharan)

You wore them white already, didn't you, Deborah? I'd go for the gray. I've been considering dying a black pair of oxfords pewter. I've been on the verge of ordering the dye (Tarrago, recommended here on the forum in a few posts), and haven't done it because I'm afraid I don't love the shoes enough to make the effort. And yet, what have I got to lose? Time and a very little money (the dye isn't very expensive).
In your case you have a beautiful pair of white boots to "lose." So perhaps those who advise caution are wise. But if you feel you've already given them a chance in their current state, why not go for it.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The thought of you painting these beauties grey hurts my style soul, Debs.

Tanya

I also agree with Glory, give them a few more chances, they are so beautiful.

Thank you, you wise women.

Angie, do you actually see how these would work could work for me? I am drawing a blank.

I have worn them with an all black skinny jeans outfit, they bookend my hair and I quite like it I wore them with my pale blue ponte skinny pants but they are now in the donate pile. I tried them with my white slim leg jeans this morning but the overall outfit was right so I changed. Is white boots with white jeans too "matchy"

catgirl

Can you show us some outfits? These seemed like a greT way to add white to your lineup to me.

Oh post photos of the white jeans & booties please. What about wearing them with a darker top & pant & a lighter topper? Do you have a lighter grey cardigan/topper? Or did I just dream it?

ETA: Do you wear jeans? I love my silver booties, which are a similar style to yours, with my rolled light wash jeans too.

Ok, looks like I need to post some outfits:)

Caro, yes I do wear jeans:) I have three pairs of black skinnies that are on pretty regular rotation on non work days (and the occasional work day). I have a couple of pairs of blue jeans but I am really off blue denim at the moment. And I have two pairs of white jeans that are almost orphans lol. And thank you, you have just given me an idea for my pewter boots which haven't proven quite as versatile and I thought. And yes I have a light grey cardigan and some tops. Looks like white and grey might be the way to go.

I see them working either white or grey with a black skirt or dress. MIDI maxi or shorter. I don't think white on white is too matchy. With boyfriend jeans maybe?
I have grey Newbury booties and the most I've been able to come up with is with grey skinnies rolled or tucked. For a tonal look. I'm thinking of purging said boots as I'm rarely wearing them.

Deb

Lovely shaped boots but I'm not a fan of white shoes. I think they'd be much more versatile in grey.

Jjsloane

The booties are gorgeous in white. I hesitate to think if they'd work as well in dove gray with the black accents. I've also had mixed success with shoe dye and it hasn't lived up to my expectations. Of course if you try the light grey an ink blue can cover up the oops. I vote try the white with some outfits and see what you can work out first.

Astrid

I love the idea of soft grey ankle boots, but these are fantastic just as they are. I think I would be hesitant to experiment with them. I like the idea of trying to create some ouftits with them before making a decision.

texstyle

What a tough question! I have seen you wear these in a post I thought, and I remember them looking pretty great, but I totally understand when something doesn't feel right in color or style. I certainly have felt regret more than once over a certain color or style purchase. The mid rise is definitely a consideration. Could they be resold and the money spent on a different fab pair you would wear? Dying them is a risk and investment in time if not time and money. I probably wouldn't dye my own shoes, but then again, I don't typically spend more than $150 on any one pair.

Thanks, Caro. I was JUST going to suggest Debs tries her white jeans with the booties keeping the tops black/grey.

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