https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:25:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-621125 Wed, 16 May 2012 14:49:52 +0000 rae 621125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are my current sandals - flat and near flat, so less sexy (good), but would be more comfy with an inch or two more heel. The last two are Luckys that I am eyeballing after Mo mentioned the brand.</p> <p>Natalie, I think you and I are on the same page - I prefer a narrow fit as well, but chunky heels, like my Frye Julias. Two of my sandals are actually narrow sized as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620890 Wed, 16 May 2012 04:38:51 +0000 goldenpig 620890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread! I can definitely see what you mean about tough and masculine being separate aspects. I like tough but ladylike, which is why I went for the Frye lace-up boots with the narrower more delicate foot, instead of the chunky tough and masculine Docs. But I also don't like super feminine stilettos either, I like to have a little chunkiness to the heel. And I do occasionally like masculine but non-tough shoes, like my Converse. I don't like flat loafers or super masculine shoes though. Maybe we should make a 2x2 grid!</p> <p>I hope you find the right pair of summer sandals for you. Let me know when you do and I'll probably copy you. I'm so confused about sandals and summer shoes I don't even know where to start looking. All I have are three old pairs of Dansko sandals, which are pretty darn clunky. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620857 Wed, 16 May 2012 02:24:24 +0000 Anonymous 620857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahhh... I see your dilemma. What did you wear last year?<br /> You should start with a pair of caged wedge sandals, with wide straps. Tough yet feminine. Dolce Vita had some great styles last year. Let's see if I find something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620828 Wed, 16 May 2012 01:50:37 +0000 Aida 620828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh! I get it! I totally forgot that you had actual, you know, warm weather in the summer Hmmmm how about perforated boots?</p> <p>(I hear you on the short shorts "debomshelling"; I generally didn't like wearing ballet flats with mine either because it felt a little too sweet and girly. The loafers are now my favorite for sure, though I'll also wear them with short boots (too hot for you probably) and flat strappy sandals.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620818 Wed, 16 May 2012 01:43:25 +0000 rae 620818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, I actually meant "cool" in the physical sense - the enclosed toes of loafers are too hot and sweaty! I just wanted perforation for ventilation... I do like preppy elements quite a lot. </p> <p>IK, I would say you are tough but feminine, too, now that I know they are not mutually exclusive. </p> <p>Manidipa and Amy, I'm enjoying your self-analyses and nodding right along with everything!</p> <p>Claire, you are right on the money! I have to de-bombshell the short shorts, if you will. Something about heels with short shorts/skirts can invite men to interact (probably in a negative way) when you'd rather they would not. </p> <p>Anna, I love how covered up the Steve Maddens are. Actually, they are both really cute! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620748 Wed, 16 May 2012 00:57:41 +0000 annagybe 620748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it was GIvenchy that did this last summer, but I could see you in this</p> <p><a href="http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=57262&#038;np=428_819-710_851&#038;omid=affiliate&#038;utm_medium=affiliate&#038;utm_campaign=2012&#038;utm_source=linkshare&#038;srd=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.stevemadden.com/Ite.....#038;srd=1</a></p> <p>ETA citron and black?</p> <p><a href="http://www.shopbop.com/tyra-wedge-sandal-joes-jeans/vp/v=1/845524441939615.htm?folderID=2534374302024643&#038;colorId=12867&#038;extid=affprg" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopbop.com/tyra-we.....tid=affprg</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620739 Wed, 16 May 2012 00:52:08 +0000 Anonymous 620739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, this is a great thread. Reading along with your realizations helps me come to a few of my own, so thanks for sharing your epiphany!</p> <p>I think your masculine footwear is what keeps you from looking sexier than you want to in the summer with short-shorts and high heels. Your footwear kind of sends the message to "back off" to any dude who is stupid enough to mess with you, lol! (I pity the fool!) A heeled fisherman's sandal sounds like a great place to start looking. I can't wait to see what you find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620736 Wed, 16 May 2012 00:50:10 +0000 Amy 620736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting! I hadn't thought about this at all before, and can see what you mean. I do like some menswear styles, but am not a tough personality. I like feminine items rendered with masculine touches, e.g. a dress in "menswear" fabrics, like gray flannel or pinstripes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620733 Wed, 16 May 2012 00:45:35 +0000 ManidipaM 620733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis, Rae and Aida. Angie, thanks for extrapolating to clothing as well --- I've been trying to find that same sweet spot across both clothing and accessories, so very helpful to have it spelt out.</p> <p>I realized that I like slightly feminine detail (but with restraint! one element at a time) along with a certain level of streamlined chunkiness, covered up or not. Maybe because my most covered up garments are ethnic Indian, the decided opposite of tomboyish! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620732 Wed, 16 May 2012 00:44:19 +0000 ironkurtin 620732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting! On reflection, perhaps what I enjoy is tough - but feminine! I definitely enjoy tough and subversive styles, but only if balanced with something that says, duh, boys - I'm a girl! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620697 Wed, 16 May 2012 00:04:01 +0000 Aida 620697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would a loafer in an unconventional color/finish still be too preppy for you Rae? I don't think I've seen any perforated loafers, but there are some pretty interesting colors and finishes out there, and of course the bedazzled studs are always an option </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620682 Tue, 15 May 2012 23:48:56 +0000 catgirl 620682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting distinction. Since I've worn *actual* men's shoes (oxfords, loafers, etc.) they automatically seem tough to me. But I do see the difference. I think I like both, or else an androgynous look that evades easy definition.</p> <p>I am 100% Team Chunky/Clunky Shoe, though. It's taken me a while to stop trying to be someone I'm not! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620669 Tue, 15 May 2012 23:27:28 +0000 Angie 620669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five, Aida! We are on the same style wavelength for sure. I LOVE refined menswear inspired peds for my own style: loafers, flat oxfords, riding boots, Converse. </p> <p>High five, Rae! For sure. The devil is ALL in the detail </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620645 Tue, 15 May 2012 23:03:59 +0000 rae 620645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like I am in good company here!</p> <p>Aida, I DO know those shorts very well. I wish loafers were cool enough for me... maybe something perforated will show up on the market?</p> <p>K, that's a lot how I think in the fall/winter and most of my boots are tough/feminine, too. High five for scoring those Luckys - fingers crossed that they work!</p> <p>Angie, good to have my epiphany supported by a pro's experience. Now that I've made the distinction, it sounds so obvious! Kind of like my other, Angie-inspired epiphany that menswear need not be business-y or stuffy. </p> <p>Elizabeth, I know exactly what you mean! Off to google fisherman sandals! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620640 Tue, 15 May 2012 22:57:42 +0000 Aida 620640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, this is a very good point! I also love masculine shoes but am so and totally NOT on Team Chunky so my versions are always on the refined end (my oxfords are slim, flat, and almond toed yet very distressed, and my loafers are slim and very low vamped). I think that your point regarding clothing has been brewing in my mind for a while too, after considering some of my husband's comments whenever I wore tougher/harder edged menswear ensembles. I had also thought of them needing to be that way, but of course, they don't HAVE to be. A very eye opening and enlightening realization! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620638 Tue, 15 May 2012 22:55:45 +0000 Aziraphale 620638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I missed the first thread, but I'm nodding along to what you're saying. I'm a very petite, delicate, feminine-looking woman, but I don't feel feminine on the inside (I sometimes feel like I'm a 15-year-old boy trapped in a 39-year-old woman's body!), so I gravitate toward masculine as well, and what you say about counterbalancing all the exposed skin in the summer with masculine footwear makes sense. </p> <p>It explains why I'm more comfortable in my old clunky Doc Martens fisherman's sandals than strappy heeled sandals or ballet flats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620636 Tue, 15 May 2012 22:52:41 +0000 Angie 620636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice thread :)</p> <p>There is a VERY big difference between "tough" and "masculine". Personally I have always loved masculine shoes, but prefer them with a refined integrity. Not so tough. (Says she who will forever wear her 20 eyelet docs......)</p> <p>As for clothing, I was just having this conversation with a client - explaining to her that menswear inspired looks needn't be tough and hard edged (my menswear looks are not hard edged). She thought that they had to be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620629 Tue, 15 May 2012 22:43:53 +0000 K. Period. 620629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting! I'm the inverse. I'm rarely showing a lot of skin, so I like tough, but feminine. Mo's Lucky Brand Abeo sandals were spot on sexy/tough for me. So beautiful and perfect, in fact, that I searched around and found a pair (fingers crossed that they'll fit) online. I'm always amazed by how much I learn about fashion and about myself by hearing how other people think about clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620620 Tue, 15 May 2012 22:20:36 +0000 Aida 620620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*nodnod* I have started to notice this with my loafers as well! They seem to work really well with lots of skin showing (e.g. short baggy denim shorts, you know the type!), much better than strappy sandals or even ballet flats. Now I totally want some gold slipper loafers :} </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sandal-followup-tough-vs-masculine#post-620605 Tue, 15 May 2012 21:52:42 +0000 rae 620605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You all might be tired of me talking about this by now, but I had a bit of an epiphany on this issue - all this time, I've been thinking "tough tough tough" was what I needed to look for, but I think the masculinity of the shoe is actually more important. With all the skin exposure that happens out in the heat of summer, I feel a big need to be even less feminine than normal. So in my future browsing, I'll be loosely keeping in mind men's sport slides and Grandpa's house slippers for inspiration -- still easier said than done since I need a high heel, but it's a start. I have a couple of Lucky Brand options in my Amazon cart while I think them over.</p> <p>Big thanks to everyone who posted pics and linked to sandals in my previous thread (<a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shtkicking-sandals-oxymoron" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-oxymoron</a>). I don't think it would have clicked if I hadn't seen such a good sampling of tough shoes! </p>