https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:56:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough/page/2#post-2171492 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 17:12:46 +0000 nemosmom 2171492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aww, Jenni! I wouldn't expect you to relate!&nbsp; I absolutely adore your sassy shoemaker elf collection!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough/page/2#post-2171433 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 07:24:22 +0000 Jenni NZ 2171433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry my friend Nemosmom but how can I possibly relate to someone who doesn’t think about shoes as part of their outfit?<br /> These actually all look pretty similar to me. But I want 1000 different colours of shoe... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough/page/2#post-2171410 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 02:59:39 +0000 Anonymous 2171410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote different enough &amp; useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough/page/2#post-2171396 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 01:51:56 +0000 nemosmom 2171396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>@Sal - In summer, I mostly reach for the slides (pedicure-permitting). If I need to hide my toes, I reach for the low-top sneakers, although I cringe a bit at it.</div><div><br /></div><div>@Carla - I feel like I default to bookending because I don't wear much print or color variety in my tops/bottoms.&nbsp; My closet is mostly green tops, and jeans... or tops in the same color as the jeans... :D&nbsp; and I look for a little continuity somewhere... I think... <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough/page/2#post-2171392 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 01:29:22 +0000 Carla 2171392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahhh! &nbsp;@ nemosmom - there is some major ‘bookending’ going on here! (Half your collection.) &nbsp; Warm golden brown/cognac to match your hair! &nbsp;Not too many shoes, BTW. &nbsp;This is a pretty diverse collection style-wise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171387 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 01:01:12 +0000 Sal 2171387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's very similar to me in numbers.....&nbsp; I sit between 15 and 20 (excl rain boots, running/hiking shoes and flip flops and slippers).&nbsp; I find this gives me variety and options without being overwhelming!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I know summer is a short but intense season - do you wear sneakers in summer or just the two pairs of slides? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171386 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 00:55:44 +0000 nemosmom 2171386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla - I feel like I have a lot of shoes, given I had only 4 before moving here and now I have 3x that. </p> <p>Here is my current collection (excluding gear: 1 rain boot, 1 snow boot, and 1 pair of trainers, and 3 fancy sitting shoes that I could probably whittle down) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171385 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 00:37:52 +0000 Carla 2171385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What!?!? &nbsp;Although all three are brown, they are&nbsp;<i>completely&nbsp;</i>different looking! &nbsp;How many pairs of shoes/boots do you have anyway?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171383 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 00:28:53 +0000 nemosmom 2171383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Sarah - glad to hear splitting wears has worked out for you.  I could see the burgundy and black boots being different enough for you that it makes sense. <br /> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171366 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 22:33:11 +0000 SarahD8 2171366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They seem very different to me*, certainly different enough if brown shoes are an essential for you.</p> <p>This seems like a perfect case for the ole "when would I choose these over x that I already own?" test. And as others have noted, "when I've worn x that I already own 3 days in a row" is a perfectly legitimate answer. Deliberately splitting one's wears can be a good strategy -- that's what I did with my 2019 black patent stompy boots and my 2020 burgundy patent stompy boots, and it's worked out great.</p> <p>*(Like, I would 100% wear the Thursday boots, the timberland [ish?] ones would be a near miss for me, and the sneakers would have no place in my wardrobe. So they seem like completely different shoes to me!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171360 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 21:47:26 +0000 nemosmom 2171360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Angie - thank you!&nbsp; Brown footwear has become more essential.&nbsp; Your visuals help!&nbsp; I can see the differences in yours, but not in mine. I wonder why...</div><div><br /></div><div>Brooklyn - good point.&nbsp; I could see the lug sole being more wintry than the sneaker.&nbsp; Our hot weather only lasts for ~3 months, and the rest of the time it's either really cold or completely unpredictable. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Janet - hehe! I could see Lisa's boots working GREAT with your new sweater!&nbsp; And just being great anyway.&nbsp; <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171357 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 21:22:29 +0000 Janet 2171357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was feeling a bit uneasy about ordering yet another pair of black boots (copying Lisa’s white soled ones) and then I saw how many white boots snd sneakers Angie has and I feel much better! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171346 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 21:02:59 +0000 Brooklyn 2171346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would treat the Vans as more warm weather wear (early Autumn and late Spring) and the boots as true cool weather wear, so they’d be different enough for me.</p> <p>I think it comes down to whether you are confident you would wear them all, rather than the new pair causing you to abandon one of the earlier pairs. If you still feel the love and need for the existing pairs, I think you’ll be ok </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171326 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:19:10 +0000 Angie 2171326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely different enough! And even if they weren't, if they are a wardrobe essential - it doesn't matter.</p> <p>Look at my white wardrobe essential footwear. Each different enough to my eye, and many serve different purposes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171316 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:56:13 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2171316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you god that very thotogh response! It sounds like comfycush is what I want. “Heavy” shoes don’t bother me, and I find cushioning hard to evaluate because firm can be more supportive over the distance. Thanks again </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171310 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:36:14 +0000 nemosmom 2171310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Oh darn, Carla! I really love those for you!&nbsp; Are you going to stalk them??</div><div><br /></div><div>unfrumped - you make good points. I have definitely been guilty of adding shoes I "ought to have" or that SHOULD work (leopard print flats, I am talking to you!), that ultimately sat unworn because they really weren't my thing. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171309 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:13:11 +0000 nemosmom 2171309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>FI - The olive Vans are in ok shape, but they are only one of 2 pairs of casual winter shoes I have (plus one gear boot), so maybe this is a good buy?&nbsp; Still on the fence...</div><div><br /></div><div>As for comfort level, it depends on which model of Vans you are looking at, as different models come with different insoles.&nbsp; Only one model is comparable to an athletic sneaker, and that is the EXO (first find). It is lightweight with inner support and rivals what I consider to be a "gym shoe" - although, not a high-impact running shoe IMO, it's supportive enough for hiking, walking, strength training, and you can buy or custom build them with different levels of weather-resistance.&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The more popular Vans are the Old Skool (with the side stripe) and the Era (more like a Keds, and similar to the one in your comment).&nbsp; You can buy (or build) them with different levels of support or materials (canvas, suede, leather; weatherproof, reinforced soles, etc) <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have the Old Skool <b>Pro</b> (green suede; #2 find) that comes with a supportive insole (ultracush insole, which is stronger/firmer than the comfycush, which is more squishy, but still semi-supportive) and reinforced soles and toes.&nbsp; They are designed for pro skateboarders and can take a major beating (which is what I wanted since I manage to wear holes through the soles of chucks in a year...). But, they are certainly not an athletic shoe. They are heavy, and rigid, and while I don't find them TOO heavy for lots of urban walking, my tolerance for heavy shoes is high.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is the Vans "Era" (first <u>photo</u>) that looks like Keds, and similar to the one in your post. It has a padded COLLAR (so around the ankle), but not a padded insole.&nbsp; You can find the Era with a comfycush insole, or build one via the "vans customs" site, but colors tend to be more limited.</div><div><br /></div><div>The MTE has an insole similar to the ultracush (it actually may be the ultracush), but a liner over it for warmth.&nbsp; It is rigid like the ultracush, but not as noticable, if that makes sense...&nbsp; you can get an Old Skool MTE (low top, looks like my green Pro) or a high-top MTE (like the brown in my post, or the olive in my last find). <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>ETA: there is also a slip-on (no laces) that you can get with a comfycush insole. Again, not an athletic shoe. I don't have any experience with the slip-on; I don't care for the style.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171307 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:04:00 +0000 Carla 2171307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooops! &nbsp;While sitting on the fence, my size sold out. I really should be shopping for sandals for my summer capsule.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thebay.com/product/steve-madden-troopa-lace-up-combat-boots-0600091186721.html?dwvar_0600091186721_color=BROWN">https://www.thebay.com/product.....?dwvar_060</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171306 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:39:49 +0000 unfrumped 2171306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kind of what Liz said. Are you trying to maximize versatility and wear, and then replace update, or have more options. </p> <p>Also, I have been trying to think more in terms of actual outfits and “ my styke” than in terms of just collecting items that “ ought” to go, or work with, other things. So, if a certain pair of shoes really creates a group of outfits that I love and was not getting from existing shoes that seemed like they “ ought” to work, then that might be worth it.<br /> Then those types of situations might help tell me something else- is it really a slight but important difference in style ( I am unfortunately VERY affected by small differences in dressiness, vamp, shaft height, profile, weightiness, etc, of different shoes with different pants) that I need, or is it way more comfortable I’ll prefer it from now on, or does it juxtapose great( dress up or dress down).<br /> Lastly, and something I really have to focus on now, is whether it’s on my list- meaning, did I finally figure out several things that I really need, but just got distracted by something else.<br /> I also think shoes try need to be tried on thoroughly at home, with whatever socks, pant lengths, hem widths, with a big dose of willingness to return if “ almost but not quite “ right. So if something is try- able, that can be Retail Research. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171305 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:28:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2171305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn’t realize you also had Thursday’s! Love those. I see them as dressier, by far, than the Vans, but that’s because I’d wear them with dresses/skirts, which you probably won’t do. The second find is stompier than the vans, imo, But the real question is what you would/do wear each pair with. What kind of shape are your olive vans in? Those are the ones I think would compete with these for outfits. </p> <p>On the printed shoes, the answer is yes, of course. </p> <p>While we’re talking vans, may I ask you something? I’m still questioning the green sneaks i got recently. I’m not planning to wear them until it’s warmer out (like 50s or 60s—it’s below freezing this week). They have a 100 day return period. In my head, I’m still questioning if they are as cushioned as athletic shoes would be, or if I should get green vans instead. How comfy are your vans? Would you compare them to an athletic shoe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171301 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:32:00 +0000 nemosmom 2171301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Robin - Thank you! I usually default to a warmer brown (like the hike-y boot), but have been expanding my brown clothing capsule some.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171300 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:27:15 +0000 nemosmom 2171300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thank you, everyone! Shoes are always SUCH a pain for me. I don't like wearing them, and I never know what looks right in an outfit.&nbsp; In my mind, they are purely functional - and I noticed last night my pinterest board of inspiration pics has only one photo that includes shoes (out of 61 photos LOL) so, the board doesn't help guide me... :D<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sloper - my lug sole/combat ones are worn the most, but still in decent shape. Hmm...</div><div><br /></div><div>Carla - a third pair?!&nbsp; Let's see them!&nbsp; I don't really have the storage for dupes...</div><div><br /></div><div>LaPed - I don't wear the Thursdays at all in the cold weather<i>. </i>So, if I look at winter-specific shoes (excluding my gear boot), I have only the Cougars and the olive Vans. Hmm...</div><div><br /></div><div>Liz - you make a great point. I have a set number of "slots" on my shoe shelf, but I edited out two sneakers a few weeks ago. So I have space, but I won't have room if a better option comes along later...<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Joy - these would work for wet spring weather, and fall, but certainly not in hot summer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sal - yes, I also have similar but different jeans. You make a great point.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shevia - I had not thought about extending the life of what I have. Thank you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Rachy - yes, I am finding brown footwear has become an essential.&nbsp; The only shoes that are getting worn lately are either brown (cognac) or green...&nbsp; oh, I wonder if the print ones are the silly buy. D'oh!</div><div><br /></div><div>Janet - great point.&nbsp; They are same-y to me, too. But, maybe they wouldn't be once they were in rotation....</div><div><br /></div><div>Bijou - I have much love for the print sneakers!&nbsp;I wear minimal (more like microscopic) amounts of print and they are WAY outside my comfort zone, but I am drawn to them like moth to flame.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Suntiger - Ya, that was my original plan:&nbsp; a lightweight brown sneaker. So hard to find!&nbsp; Then I stumbled on these... :P<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171293 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:52:30 +0000 RobinF 2171293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They look different to me, the last boots slightly dressier and the middle more hike-y while the Vans are casual-city to me. But it would depend on how much you wear that color shoe if you need the different styles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171278 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:52:17 +0000 Anonymous 2171278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me they're very similar- so I'd feel like I was "splitting my wears." How about looking for brown lightweight sneakers for mild weather, if you don't have any? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171277 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 11:56:24 +0000 Bijou 2171277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have multiple white boots and white sneakers and feel that they are all totally different wardrobe essentials. Given your beautiful hair colour, these are a great bookend. How different they are is really your judgement - La Ped thinks they are different, whereas Janet sees them as similar and they both provide very good reasons for their views.</p> <p>If you are looking for spring and summer footwear, then the Hawaiian print sneakers are FABULOUS. If you only want to buy one - I would take the printed sneakers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171262 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 03:17:59 +0000 Janet 2171262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If brown shoes are to you what black shoes are to me, then I think it’s worth considering. I don’t wear much brown footwear so they seem a little same-y to me, but my multiple black boots probably look that way to someone else, even though I justify and wear all of mine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171258 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 03:07:29 +0000 rachylou 2171258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps brown boots are a style essential for you. The vans to me are functionally different from the other two... different functional purpose but similar styling purpose. I’d consider getting them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171253 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 02:45:01 +0000 Jaime 2171253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since you can see when you would wear them I think they make sense. It will extend the life of all three pairs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171252 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 02:43:08 +0000 Sal 2171252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really hard to gauge... they are great though.</p> <p>I do like different but similar options for some things - black tops, white tops, and jeans also.&nbsp; So I can get that with boots and or hi tops!&nbsp; Especially in a colder climate where you mostly wear casual clothing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-these-different-enough#post-2171249 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 02:13:14 +0000 Anonymous 2171249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you can visualize these as part of a spring outfit, go for it. Your boots are not sneakers and you can wear them with olive . The shade of brown is cooler, and different from your boots. </p>