White Footwear: Yay or Nay

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

White Footwear: Yay or Nay

— by Angie

on June 14, 2012

Note: by white footwear I mean all shades of white, off white, bone and cream, but excluding athletic sneakers.

I LOVE the look of white footwear throughout the year. My love for white peds started in the ’80s and it stuck. White boots, booties, stacked sandals, ankle strap shoes, thong sandals, mules, peep-toes, ballet flats, mary janes, Converse, espadrilles, loafers, flat oxfords, sandal booties, pumps – I adore these styles in all shades of white, although I wear only a handful of them.

I have a thing for white items in general, so that might be why I am drawn to white footwear. White footwear looks fresh, crisp, bold, and above all modern to my eye. It can also look graphic or retro depending on the style of the shoe.

White footwear is a perfect marriage with white trousers, cropped pants and jeans, creating an elongated column of colour. They also look great when matched with a top, topper or dress that incorporates white. You don’t need to be tanned to wear white footwear either. I think it looks fabulous on all skin tones.

When I work with my clients, I’ve found that their thoughts on white footwear are divided. Some like it for the same reasons that I do, while others find the vibe frumpy, unflattering, jarring, unsophisticated, hard to successfully pull together in an outfit, or just old fashioned.

Granted, white footwear is bold and bright, and not quite as versatile as a metallic or nude-for-you shoe. For me, there is something magical about white footwear, and my wardrobe is never without it.

Do you wear white footwear? If so, do you wear it in the warmer months, or throughout the year? Do you think that white footwear is hard to match up in outfits? Does it look frumpy to your eye?

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Colour · Footwear

89 comments · Add a comment

fashionista

Veteran

I love white footwear. Infact I have two white knee length boots-leather and suede, two white ballet flats, one white ankle strapped flat sandals, one white stilletoes, one high heeled white pumps with gold bow, one white gladiator sandals, one white converse, and one white house slippers (if that count too).
I am in love with everything white. And me and shoes in white are what most women to chocolates.

June 14, 2012 at 4:12 am

fashionista

Veteran

And I wear them with every color in my wardrobe and they don’t look at all frumpy to me. Infact I love people who like white footwear. And yes white is my all year round footwear color.

June 14, 2012 at 4:14 am

lyn67

Veteran

Thus I have one pair of white loafers worn especially to denim bottoms when having on some other whites too (like a tee, a topper or a bag), I do have hard time with bright white shoes other than some sandals in the summer. Cream/beige is completely other world, that’s my way to go and wear it mostly from spring to fall, but I’m also on the hunt for a light pair of boots for this winter, if that counts…

June 14, 2012 at 4:15 am

Deborah

Veteran

Yes I do like white shoes! Though I probably veer more towards cream for myself. I think it looks fresh and modern and as you have taught me Angie it bookends beautifully with blonde hair. I am definitely looking to add lighter shoes to my wardrobe for all seasons. One of my secret desires is for white flat go go boots!!!

June 14, 2012 at 4:19 am

Vildy

Veteran

Yes, I like it and wear it but never thought about it for winter. Now you’ve put the thought in my head.

June 14, 2012 at 4:22 am

Sigrid

I do have a pair of cream shoes for summer and think they look fresh and summery. Since my hair is dark blonde/light brown, I think it looks best when I wear something cream at the upper half of my body too. What makes me hesitant about white footwear is that it can make my feet a focal point, and I’m not sure that’s what I want. Bright white doesn’t suit me, so I try to stay away from this shade.

June 14, 2012 at 4:26 am

Thunalata

Love the look!

I know that for me it requires thought as I’m quite dark haired.

As a very practical dresser it worries me that they are going to get marked so I think I would feel less comfortable in them and therefore less stylish.

So yay on other people and a potential yay for me but not right now!

June 14, 2012 at 4:32 am

Ellie

(website)

Absolutely love white shoes. So crisp, fresh and a wee bit mod. Ballet flats with skirts, Oxfords with jeans/ capris. Extra great with a button down shirt.
They’re okay in WInter too if they’re patent leather and you can wipe the mud off!

June 14, 2012 at 4:36 am

Ellie

(website)

Oh, have alo just ordered some white sandals from the Clarks originals range (heels and flats) – can’t wait for that box to arrive!

June 14, 2012 at 4:37 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

I love bright white. It brings attention to the feet. It’s like a reverse black, with the same sophistication, except more funky.

June 14, 2012 at 4:39 am

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Yes I do like the look and have two pairs of off white footwear, however, even though my hair is blond I do not achieve the automatic bookending effect I desire and find another cream item thrown into the mix helps the overall look tremendously.

June 14, 2012 at 5:08 am

ManidipaM

Veteran

I find white decidedly difficult to keep clean and scuff-free, but that’s probably a combination of my lifestyle and career choices, plus my own clumsiness. If I find white shoes difficult to integrate, that is again due to the fact that my practical side has eschewed too many pale garments for years now and my own dark hair and skin need help with white. (Oddly, I always have a white shirt or tunic hanging around though — why doesn’t that work for my feet as well?) From an aesthetic point of view, I like a pale pair in summer, though I prefer the softer contrast of cream to stark white, and matte or textured to patent. I’ve not had pure white shoes since I was a tot!

However, come to think of it (actually I’ve not managed to forget since Inge talked about memories attached to shoes in one of her Book Club posts), one of my favourite and most-missed pairs of shoes from the past was a cream suede ballet shoe with a low block heel and grey piping. Currently, no whites or even creams reside in my shoe wardrobe though.

I do prefer white footwear in smaller doses for myself though — strappy or perforated sandals, at best a shoe with contrasting trim (like the pumps and moccasins you’ve shown, Angie). I feel it may be easier for blondes to get away with a larger expanse of pale shoe because it integrates more easily with their colouring.

June 14, 2012 at 5:13 am

patti

(website)

Active Member

I do like the look, if there’s a little bit of contrast in the shoe, like the Timberland platforms and Nine West flats. I don’t love the upkeep, though, so I usually go a few shades darker, back to nude-for-me.

June 14, 2012 at 5:13 am

Claudia

Veteran

I like bone, cream and off white footwear, but not so much optic white.

June 14, 2012 at 5:15 am

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I do not like white footwear (for myself) and do not own any pairs.
It does not suit my style or lifestyle.
Practically, it would get dirty too quickly.
I much prefer nude, tan or camel colored light shoes or boots

I think it takes a very stylish and savvy women or man to pull it off with a modern feel, and when that is achieved, as with you Angie, I adore the look!
There is something very modern, almost space age about the look that is cool an quite sophisticated.
I do not think the look is frumpy, but see it as being potentially costumey or clownish if worn in an certain ways.
I think the outfit should have clean and modern lines.
I also think white shoes look best on those with either very dark or very light straight, mod (long or very short) hair. It is the starkness of the look that makes me feel curly, tousled, mid tone hair would be a disconnect with white or cream.
I sound like a nut but I think of all these things when it comes to fashion.
That being said- the look can be sensational, as it is in all of Angie’s outfits!

June 14, 2012 at 5:15 am

marianna

Veteran

Not for me. I’m really hard on my shoes and I’d get them dirty and scuffed up in a matter of days.

June 14, 2012 at 5:16 am

Sihaya

Veteran

I wear white footwear all the time. I find it super versatile with the colors I like – black and white, yellow, red, and at the moment – blue. I find white shoes really freshen up an outfit.

June 14, 2012 at 5:31 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I’ve always loved white sandals in summer time, but haven’t owned any in a number of years. For a time it was difficult to find them. I’ve tended not to wear white footwear in winter largely because it’s impractical where I live. But my Doc Sara’s have reminded me of my love of white shoes (and their usefulness) so I foresee a lot of white, cream, or bone footwear in my future!

And Angie, you have been the inspiration!! Still swooning overt yesterday’s shoes…

June 14, 2012 at 5:37 am

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have at least one pair of white shoes hidden away but I really can’t bring myself to wear them. Greenglove articulated some reasons that make sense to me – my style is not clean and modern enough perhaps. At any rate they don’t look right. I do love the white shoes you wore in yesterday’s post though – on you!

June 14, 2012 at 5:49 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

If you don’t count my running shoes, or the toes of my Converses, I have only a couple of white shoes, and one is black and white — the Doc Sara’s, which I love. The other is a pair of sandals.

Up to this point, I have not been terribly attracted to a solid white shoe or boot, probably because my hair is very dark, and black and darker colors are easier for me to work with. for me, a white shoe would be much easier to work with in the summer than in the winter.

I think the frumpy connotation comes from the old nurse’s shoe styles, or tennis shoes worn as everyday wear. I remember some white pumps back in the 80s that looked pretty frumptastic too. But if the style is modern, I see no reason why a white shoe should be frumpy. The lightness can certainly call attention to one’s feet, so I understand why some women who have larger feet don’t care for white footwear, although I’ve never looked at someone and thought, “Wow, her feet are big!”

June 14, 2012 at 6:05 am

rute

Veteran

I confess I’m not a fan!
I know white shoes are back, but I don’t like and they get dirty so quickly!

June 14, 2012 at 6:09 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I actually have never owned any white footwear – I’m not sure why. It just seems too “bright” to me. But I have been looking at it lately so maybe I’m ready to take on this style choice. I agree that I would need to have some white in top half of my outfit so that the shoes wouldn’t feel so “on their own”.

June 14, 2012 at 6:13 am

Classically Casual

Veteran

I’m not a fan of white shoes either. Perhaps if I lived in a tropical climate white would feel more appropriate. I sometimes get a vibe of the old nurses’ shoe when I see bulkier shoes. Also, my feet are fairly large & white doesn’t seem flattering. I try not to buy white athletic shoes either, in fact any color but white, because they get grimy looking quickly. All that said, your new white & silver flats are adorable.

June 14, 2012 at 6:14 am

Diana

Veteran

Yay for others, (mostly) nay for me. I love to look at and covet white footwear (case in point: those cracked Frye boots) but in practice, I find it terribly hard to wear. My hair is dark so it doesn’t naturally bookend, and I don’t wear very much white or light colors, so the white can look really glaring on my feet. I wouldn’t rule out something like a two-tone oxford with white though.

PS – I don’t think I am even going to wear white shoes to my wedding, but this is mostly because I have my heart set on blue if I can find it!

June 14, 2012 at 6:21 am

Cynthia

(website)

I generally like light-colored footwear. I’ve taken a lot of the black out of my wardrobe, especially in summer, and it’s easier to match. My favorite light footwear is metallics, but a cream shoe does not go amiss.

June 14, 2012 at 6:35 am

Jamie

Veteran

Love white footwear! My favorites are an off-white or bone, but I could go with a bright white if the shoe was right. I also love white paired with black and nude. Though I love white footwear, sometimes I can’t figure out how to style those items so that they look chic, rather than dowdy. Right now, I’m on the hunt for a pair of off-white knee boots. Must have!

June 14, 2012 at 6:38 am

cheryl

Veteran

I don’t mind white footwear but aside from tennies I don’t think I own any and its not on my must have list.

June 14, 2012 at 6:47 am

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I love my white mocs, but I do put them away in the winter. I have a pair of white perforated kitten heel slingbacks that I hardly ever wear, I think because they stumpify my bare legs and I wear mostly skirts and dresses. I’ll have to remember them next time I’m putting a pant or jean outfit together. I wear cream pumps year round, and just got some bone colored flat sandals. I would love some white sandals, but don’t see them much when I’m shopping. For winter, I prefer cream and bone to bright white.

June 14, 2012 at 7:12 am

Meredith

Active Member

I don’t own any white shoes, but I do say yay! I think they look fabulous!

June 14, 2012 at 7:13 am

Joy

Veteran

I need to experiment with white footwear. I have one pair of mostly white sandals that come in very handy with white pants. In general, I prefer more of a nude beige, but white shoes would bookend with my hair. I like white best with a dark heel or something to break up the white a bit.
White shoes remind me of white maryjanes for Easter as a child and Pat Boone’s white bucks that became popular with men. My mother planted the thought that white shoes make one’s feet look big.

June 14, 2012 at 7:15 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great observations about white footwear.

Greenglove, it makes complete sense that white footwear does not work for your style. I love your hair analogies too. Our style is art, so interpreting it that way is fabulous

Krishnidoux, great comment.

White footwear does make your feet look bigger. Although, as Janet mentions, I have never thought that someone has large feet because they are wearing white shoes. How does that work?

June 14, 2012 at 7:20 am

Aziraphale

Veteran

Yay from me. I have a pair of tall white gogo boots that I love. When I wear them, everyone comments on my feet, so I don’t wear them on days that I want to blend, haha. White is bright!

The main downside to white is that it gets dirty. My gogo boots are leather, so this is not much of a problem, but anything other than leather quickly gets filthy. I used to have white canvas fashion sneakers and that was a problem.

June 14, 2012 at 7:23 am

Mrs.M in MI

Nope, not a fan at all. It’s largely impractical here, I think it looks old-fashioned, and my feet are on the larger side, which I would prefer not to emphasize.

But power to you if you like ’em!

June 14, 2012 at 7:27 am

Irene

Veteran

I bought my first pair of white sandals for a long time this season. I really like them with lighter clothes. I like white shoes when they are open, like ballet flats, pumps and maybe even loafers if they are low vamp. But I find white booties, and especially high boots tacky. I also find green, red, blue or any other color except for black, brown and tan tacky in boots though. And even more so if they are high-heeled. I know that Americans think otherwise, I believe you guys are waaaay more excentric when it comes to colored shoes lol I have yet to see a Spanish woman with some sense of style wearing colored boots!

June 14, 2012 at 7:30 am

valleycat1

I’m not a fan of white shoes for myself, and prefer white shoes on others if the shoe are sleek with a lower profile (not boots, booties, really wide straps, etc as Lemonade more gracefully wrote) and pristine. Pristine where & how I live is pretty impossible to maintain. The worst are clunky white scuffed worn down shoes.

Also, I have dark hair & eyes, & wearing shoes that are lighter than my skin tone just looks wrong to me and I prefer darker colors – black, gray, or deep colors. Bookkending, I guess.

June 14, 2012 at 7:45 am

k-t

Coming from the midwest, white shoes are what you wore when dressing up in the summer months: white sandals or white pumps. When I moved to the east coast after college I learned that people out here think of white shoes as bordering on trashy. So I haven’t owned any truly white shoes since then. I have a pair of cream flat loafers and cream pumps, but I don’t think they have seen the light of day in more than a decade. My cream & black cap toe flats make an occasional appearance. Nude for me pumps and sling backs are what I wear to work with summer dresses (unless the dress or skirt is predominately black, in which case I wear black summer shoes). Matte metallic sandals are what I wear on the weekends.

My aversion to white shoes actually led me to stop wearing white skirts and pants, because I thought cream shoes looked wrong with white bottoms. Now I wear nude with white, or sometimes black shoes if I’m wearing black on top. FWIW, I have dark brown hair, so bookending with white shoes is still a few decades off for me.

White shoes just come across as either very 80’s or very old lady to me now, although I can say that I’ve seen many people in DC even trying to wear them.

June 14, 2012 at 7:50 am

christieanne

Veteran

I love those white with silver cap toe Nine west flats enough to put them on a “to try” list. I have avoided Nine west for a few years since a particular pair of their shoes was hard on my feet but since you report that these flats are comfy, I want to try them.

My only white shoes are white Converse high tops (they must be 10 years old though – not as white as they once were and I barely wear them) and a while ballet flat with black toe and black accents. I think I need another color with white for balance. Stark white is museum beautiful but looks odd on me/too me. Maybe it’s my dark hair not balancing the white? Maybe it’s that it does make me feet look large lol.

June 14, 2012 at 7:55 am

Ruth

Nay for me. I’ve systematically phased white out of my wardrobe because it’s such a pain to keep clean. I also think my darker hair doesn’t balance white that well. I handle medium gray or taupe a lot better.

June 14, 2012 at 8:19 am

fauxpas

Active Member

This question has me asking MYSELF the question. I don’t own ONE single pair of white shoes! I’m not sure I don’t like them, I just haven’t purchased a pair so I am trying to think WHY? I am a huge fan of the nude/blush shoe and have several pair but probably own every color BUT white. I think I will do some looking over the next few days to see if something catches my eye. I agree with your description that they are crisp and fresh but hadn’t thought of them as being “very modern”—maybe that’s why. Maybe I’ve been thinking ot them as very “passe” because of al the colored shoe options out there—-so here I go….will let you know if I find something I never knew I needed!

June 14, 2012 at 8:21 am

Kate

Veteran

Not for myself. Too hard to keep clean, and with size 10 feet, I’d rather encase them in something a bit less showy (says the woman with screaming yellow boots. I can’t explain the difference; there just IS one). I do like, and wear, black and white in combination. Love my B&W oxfords.

June 14, 2012 at 9:01 am

clearlyclaire

A hesitant yay for me. I’ve been avoiding white shoes and bags for the last 10 years or so, but now I feel like they’re trending again. I have some bone colored pointy toed flats. When I look down at my feet in them, sometimes I think they look like gunboats but, oh well. I’m sure no one else is thinking that (or at least I hope not)!

June 14, 2012 at 9:05 am

LibraCyn

Active Member

Living in a sub-tropical area where white is ubiquitous makes it almost a given to wear white sandals or shoes, but, nope, I don’t have any at the moment. I used to have a pair of super white pumps but that was back in the day. Those shoes did get scuffed up very quickly, too. (which made me feel somehow inadequate.) For me, metallic, beige, flesh-colored, and tan are better choices. Also, I find that most of the more practical white shoes or sandals look frumpy and clunky. . . it’s just one of those stereotypically “old lady” things I choose to avoid!

June 14, 2012 at 9:06 am

rachylou

Veteran

I’m very attracted to white shoes, but I don’t own a single pair. I feel they require HOT, sunny weather. So I wouldn’t wear them year round unless I lived in the Caribbean (and btw, I do also have a fondness for the much-maligned man’s white Gucci loafer) or a pair of Doc’s.

I *am* terribly leery of ordinary white pumps. I think it’s very easy for white pumps to look cheap and unfinished.

June 14, 2012 at 9:09 am

Active Member

I’m not a fan of bright white, although I have been wanting to get a pair of white Converse for a while now. I do have one pair of cream colored flats, but I tend to go more for camels and tans.

June 14, 2012 at 9:11 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

As I expected! The thoughts are quite divided.

In my experience, I find that metallic shoes scuff more easily than white shoes. Does anyone else feel that way?

June 14, 2012 at 9:15 am

Lori

Veteran

I am not a fan of white shoes in general, but a dainty strappy sandal I can do. It’s not say that white footwear does not look fabulous on some, it is just not part of my style.

June 14, 2012 at 9:29 am

Saretta

(website)

Active Member

I bought a pair of white sandals this summer and although they are extremely comfortable, I can’t help but feeling a bit geriatric in them. LOL!

June 14, 2012 at 9:41 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

Angie, you have started a white shoe revolution in my closet! I have loved seeing your tall white boots with your citron trench, and also your shorter white shoes.

I am wearing my white dalmatian booties today, and I have white riding boots on the way (fingers crossed). Smooth, matte white leather sometimes looks off to me, reminding me too much of sneakers and nurse gear, but I have decided I really love textural white – patent, calf hair, and of course the crackled texture of the boots I ordered. I didn’t know it until you said it, but I think the key is a modern/edgy vibe. I used to think white shoes only came in the form of sexy platform spiked heels and wedding shoes.

June 14, 2012 at 9:42 am

rosee

Veteran

While I love it on others like Angie (especially women with shorter, lighter hair), not so much for me. Greenglove explained that well.

It doesn’t really work for me on a practical or style level. The closest I get is light taupe or light metallics. Actually I have a pair of linen (creamy beige) wedge espadrilles that work as my “white” footwear, but they are not really white.
I favor darker colored shoes, especially dark brown, blue or red.
I don’t even like my athletic shoes to be too white.

June 14, 2012 at 9:53 am

fern

Veteran

I love white shoes in theory – none in my closet though.
They are incredibly striking when done right.
I think those sculptural shoes in the model shots are gorgeous, but I’m not sure how I could work something like that into my style.

June 14, 2012 at 9:59 am

Babe Hope

(website)

White footwear? Absolutely, it’s fresh, graceful and crisp!

June 14, 2012 at 10:01 am

Louise

Veteran

A tentative yes from me. I love the look but struggle to make it work on me because being a brunette I have to make sure I wear white somewhere up top which takes a bit more thought x

June 14, 2012 at 10:42 am

cciele

Veteran

I love the look of white shoes-clean, modern, graphic. But when they veer toward the nurse/orthopedic/athletic territory, I have a poison eye for them (except when worn for said purpose or perhaps ironically).

I have one pair of white shoes – the short version of the white Docs that Angie has. I have a hard time styling because the bookending issue, but every time I wear them I get a ton of compliments!

And I do find the surprisingly easy to keep clean. Metallics tend to get scuffed and worn down so you can see the underlying leather; the white I have is pretty much wipe and go.

June 14, 2012 at 10:48 am

Sammi

I LOVE white sandals. I buy and wear out a pair almost every summer. However, I don’t really care for white shoes on myself. The effect is much more dramatic than a strappy sandal. I find this harder to style and worry that it makes my feet look larger

June 14, 2012 at 10:52 am

Recovering Goth

I’m experimenting with white shoes at the moment. It’s not easy given that black has always been my default “neutral” color; but, I think it’s a worthwhile exercise, because there are so many beautiful white shoes to be tried out there!

June 14, 2012 at 10:58 am

teeandcee

Active Member

I adore white footwear and am always attracted to it even if I only own a single pair of white wedges. White has to be my favorite color for anything I put on my body.

June 14, 2012 at 11:18 am

Meredith1953

Veteran

I love the look of them on others! They are just so dang difficult for me to keep clean and scuff-free!

June 14, 2012 at 11:29 am

Scarlet

Veteran

I love the way you show the white shoes here and the way you wear them yourself, but this is something I shy away from for myself. I do like strappy white sandals, but a whole shoe in white feels like a very strong statement (attention getting) and also destined not to be long-lived because it’s so easy to get shoes dirty. It’s probably something I would experiment with if I had more latitude with shoe purchases.

June 14, 2012 at 11:40 am

Mac

Veteran

Nay for me. I think they can look great but I find they scuff easily. And I have difficulty enough looking polished… I don’t need any items that would make me look even more disheveled.

Do metallics scuff more easily, you ask? I don’t find that to be the case. And when they do scuff, I actually find that scuffed metallics can look kind of cool and “rough around the edges” while scuffed whites, to my eye, just seem dirty.

June 14, 2012 at 11:48 am

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Seeing your examples here make me feel like I’m walking through a white footwear gallery exhibit, because of their design and shape. I particularly love the ones on the two models and the last two shown.

It’s interesting, because my love for white shoes has been an acquired taste. I used to think there was something “off” about them, but now I fully embrace their look as modern and occasionally retro. As for cleaning, I was told by Marley to use the Magic Eraser and it seemed to help the few scuffs on my white Zara boots.

June 14, 2012 at 11:52 am

sarah

Veteran

I am gradually being won over to white footwear as I learn the power of bookending, thanks to you, Angie. I would never wear “white white” shoes, but bone or cream are definitely something I would consider. In fact, I guess that my Frye Sabirna boots in “clay” might be considered “white” boots. I am gradually incorporating more footwear in these tones into my wardrobe, because they bookend my hair.

June 14, 2012 at 12:27 pm

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I think the only pair of white shoes I have owned in recent years is the sandals I wore to be a bridesmaid in a cousin’s summer wedding, but I have been oddly attracted to the concept. Must be your influence, Angie! I’d like a pair of off-white loafers or oxfords, but I have been hesitant to pull the trigger because I’m not sure whether they would look geriatric or mod on me.

June 14, 2012 at 12:41 pm

Kristin L

Veteran

At this point, I’m not a fan of white shoes. I feel like it gets dirty (or ruined) so easily because I spill everything. I like it on other people, but I don’t think it’s for me.

June 14, 2012 at 12:58 pm

san

Veteran

I don’t wear much stark white so the lesser amount of white in a pair of sandals is enough white for me. White boots can look amazing on the right person but would never be right for me. When I was younger and lived in a sunny climate things were different.

June 14, 2012 at 1:13 pm

Jonesy

Veteran

I agree with a lot of the comments: I love them on you, and appreciate their modern look (those Trouve ones are really fab–love that ankle strap!) but I can’t see them for myself. I feel like they require some other white in the outfit, and I usually don’t wear white, plus their look is very sharp and graphic, which doesn’t fit perfectly with my style. I also think they look better somehow on light-haired people (probably the bookending thing). But never say never :)!

June 14, 2012 at 1:13 pm

lamireille

Active Member

I think the women here could pull white shoes off without looking frumpy, but as a rule (and for me–especially since most of my clothes are so dark) I think white shoes look very… elderly. However, I admit that when they’re worn with panache, they look very, very stylish and chic. Like most things, whether white shoes work depends entirely on the rest of the outfit and they require–more than, say, jeans or t-shirts, that the rest of the look be just right.

And I don’t have the ability to put things together at that high level. Just ask my daughter!

June 14, 2012 at 1:19 pm

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I love your white shoes and the ways you wear them, Angie, and these examples are gorgeous. My favorites here are the Trouve wedge sandals. I have a few pairs of white sandals but rarely wear them. White shoes don’t seem to work with my wardrobe; I don’t think I have that crisp, modern look that they seem to support.

June 14, 2012 at 2:01 pm

Anna D.

Honestly, I never wear white footwear. Mostly it’s because I also never, ever wear white bottoms, and still have a hard time wearing shoes that are lighter than/really high contrast with my bottom half. I did just recently get a pair of light taupe pumps for summer, and LOVE them (they’re a little darker than nude-for-me, but serve that purpose pretty well), but that’s because they’re not too high contrast with my skin. I’m quite pale but my feet tend to go red, and white is so high contrast against reddened skin. (Of course, I also have large and unattractive feet, and it’s really hard to get away from the idea that white makes things look larger – hence, not wearing white pants/skirts.)

The one exception: I have had white sandals in the past, and I could see having something flip-flop/espadrille-y in white. But there are so many other pairs of shoes I’d rather get first, and only a limited budget!

June 14, 2012 at 2:10 pm

K. Period.

Veteran

I love white shoes. No sooner had I said (proudly) that I hadn’t worn a pair of white shoes in 10 years than I bought a new dress that demanded glossy white patent wedge sandals. Another reminder to never say never in fashion.

However, I do find white shoes challenging to wear. Shoes, not sandals. Sandals seem easy to me, but the substance of shoes, the very mass of them, seems to make them more challenging. Always open to “how to” examples. Nudge, nudge Angie.

June 14, 2012 at 2:39 pm

Antje

Veteran

I don’t have any white shoes/boots, nor have I ever, I believe (except for running shoes, of course.) I don’t think they are frumpy per se – I like many of the shoes you feature above, and I’ve enjoyed white shoes on you.

For myself, though, I admit to finding them too “difficult” to even want to try. With regards to bare legged looks, I think they are much harder to pull off in an outfit than cream or nude shoes, which -if the shade is right for ones skin tones- can be so flattering. White can look very harsh against the skin, and I have an issue with white legs – I like my legs lightly tanned (naturally or just tanned looking ;-)), and white shoes make legs look even whiter. I find that in both of the above pics with the models. Of course, if a tan/glow on your legs is not important to someone then this issue is moot. To me it matters.

And with pants, I imagine it’s real hard to figure out how to avoid a super harsh contracts. I imagine a soft blue denim would look awesome, and probably also some brights and pastels. But I can also imagine some challenges, and I’m just not motivated enough to try.

So nay for white shoes for me, but kudos to those of you who wear them well!

June 14, 2012 at 2:40 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’ve really enjoyed hearing your perspectives on white (all shades of white) footwear. Thanks for sharing them.

June 14, 2012 at 2:44 pm

(website)

Veteran

I seem to like it in extremes – thong type sandals and then full on fuzzy wedge sweater boots. I don’t have any in between, like flats or pumps. Hmm. I usually do try to bookend them since I have brown hair.

June 14, 2012 at 3:22 pm

DonnaF

Veteran

Other than athletic shoes, I don’t remember having white footwear since my go-go boots in 1965. I don’t wear much white or even light shades, so the closest I would come to white footwear is nude or maybe black & white since I would need to balance the look due to my black/graying hair. Also, I am a clumsy slob who is not given to high maintenance looks. . . .But white footwear is fine on others!

June 14, 2012 at 3:30 pm

Lyn D.

Veteran

I have 1 pair of white sandals with bronze and silver detail that I wear occasionally in Summer.
I definitely steer clear of workout shoes that are white because I mainly wear them in winter with dark colours.
Overall I prefer off-white or nude. (Clearlyclaire- I admired your bone pointy flats the other day.)

June 14, 2012 at 3:48 pm

Sheila

Veteran

I love white shoes…but I NEVER buy them or wear them–like so many of the other posters on this topic. I wonder why??? Maybe I associate them with a hot climate and just don’t think I will get the cost-per-wear down to a reasonable number. However, both you and I live in Seattle and it really seems to work for you. Hmmm you’ve got me thinkin’ again, Angie!

June 14, 2012 at 4:54 pm

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

Yay! I have a great pair of stone/off white purposely scuffed oxfords. Love, love, love them.

June 14, 2012 at 4:58 pm

lasallepal

Active Member

I just realized that I do not have a single pair of white shoes.. I would probably be more comfortable with a cream or winter white color. I have a pair of flat white sandals from 30 years ago that tie up the ankles with gorgeous white leather, but since they are flats and do not help to elongate my silhouette they were not worn to often. Which would partly explain why I still have them.

June 14, 2012 at 6:25 pm

Dale Kathryn Grove

(website)

I have always preferred darker shoes just because of the climate I live in… lots of rain and white gets dirty fast. I do have one pair of white footwear though… (for the first time in my life…) a pair of Birkenstocks because they were comfy for walking along the Canal du midi in France last summer. Over there i would probably wear white more often!

June 14, 2012 at 6:51 pm

Kyle

Veteran

White heels or pumps bring back bad 70s flashbacks and I’d have to reframe my thinking to incorporate them into my wardrobe now. But I fell hard for a pair of nearly flat white leather booties with light blue suede lining in Italy. My son and I were window shopping and they spoke (actually they shouted) to me. There was a charming shopkeeper who helped us and instructed Nick to carry his mom’s bag. It was at the end of a great day and is a good memory all around. I’ve been a tad challenged to style them, but have worn them with jeans and even a dress or skirt a time or two. A bit out of my comfort zone, but these boots make me smile. I might even pop them on today.

June 15, 2012 at 6:49 am

Jewell

Veteran

Another fan of white footwear here! I wear white shoes quite a bit in spring and summer, because I wear a lot of white during those seasons. I’ve practically lived in my white sandals this spring. I don’t wear white footwear in fall and winter, not because I’m opposed to the idea, but because I wear a lot of black and brown during those seasons and have plenty of black and brown footwear to match.

June 15, 2012 at 1:16 pm

Lotus

Active Member

I like the LOOK, but I’m afraid of dirtiness :c

June 16, 2012 at 1:47 am

Kari

Veteran

I like the concept and like them on others, but I’m afraid white would not stay pristine on my feet for long. A slightly mottled/distressed cream (think the lighter part of the Miz Mooz Histeric oxfords) shows wear and dirt less easily.
I also prefer yellow, cognac, and hair-book ending shades fore WITH cream as an accent color-on me, that’s much more wearable.

June 16, 2012 at 12:35 pm

Kari

Veteran

Also, I’m baffled at the idea that white footwear in inherently frumpy. Why do when that’s not true uniformly for black shoes?

June 16, 2012 at 12:37 pm

callie

White shoes show dirt and stains more quickly, white leather is hard to keep clean looking, and white footwear makes anyone’s feet look big, especially in photos. Just check out the models’ feet! But if those features don’t bother you, of course white shoes are fun and different looking.

June 17, 2012 at 1:19 am

Tanya

Veteran

A yay here. I have a pair of cream perforated flats and white wedge sandals that I like to wear in the summer. Would love the right pair of cream booties too!

June 18, 2012 at 5:30 am

Aida

Veteran

100% yay for me! I don’t have any footwear that is optic or bright white except for sandals, but I do wear my cream and dove gray footwear all the time in spring/summer. It can be difficult to balance, but since I also wear a lot of white/gray in spring and summer it’s usually not too difficult for me. I would LOVE to get a pair of cream booties, been looking for just the right pair.

June 18, 2012 at 6:51 pm

Aida

Veteran

Also, I have been WAY into those Trouve wedges you have in the last photo since seeing them in the Nordies catalog, but they’re all gone in my size Also also, I wore my cream booties the day you posted this in honor of the post

June 18, 2012 at 6:53 pm

Kim West

(website)

I love white shoes. They look awesome especially during this season! I adore those shoes and I think I would look into a possibility of buying another pair of white shoes again!

June 19, 2012 at 5:10 am

Pouty

I know that this blog is 12 years old, but I’d like to comment on it. I prefer black shoes over white shoes because white shoes show scuff marks and dirt much more than black shoes, and my employer requires me to wear all black, including my shoes.

March 9, 2024 at 6:41 am

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