https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 29 May 2026 22:37:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last/page/2#post-694215 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:57:03 +0000 harmonica 694215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alicat - I really like the idea of breaking it down to categories like you suggest, because I can easily get overwhelmed even not having a vast shoe collection</p> <p>Janet - I used to have a large selection of shoes, but find that downsizing is easier to work with, though I (always) have some shoe gaps that needs filling in </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last/page/2#post-694209 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:36:51 +0000 Janet 694209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally depends on the day -- if weather and activities dictate a certain type of shoe, I'll start from there and work with outfit options that suit the shoe choice. Or if I'm really jonesing to wear a certain pair.</p> <p>Other times I'll have an outfit in mind and have to consider shoes choice after the rest, but I have such a generous shoe collection, I always know I'll have something just right for a given outfit. I suppose that's a benefit of a large shoe wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last/page/2#post-694200 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:06:06 +0000 April 694200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was working in schools, my offices were not air-conditioned, so in the early fall and late spring every decision was based on what I could survive in when it was a humid 90 degrees. Shoes were based on whatever cooling outfit I could put together on top.</p> <p>I think the decision about which actual pair of shoes to wear comes last, but the decision about which *category* of shoe to wear (flats, boots, sandals, heels) is based on the weather and the day's activities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last/page/2#post-694174 Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:35:44 +0000 harmonica 694174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for the interesting takes on this! I've enjoyed reading your comments alot. </p> <p>Krista – teachers sure d have unexpected happenings around the corners. Helps to be prepared with runnable shoes ;-)</p> <p>Claire – I'll have to try that too, because now I go through *at least* 5 pairs in a rush</p> <p>Ceit – very clever to have a variety of shoes at the office. I do too, but are a bit short now after the vacation</p> <p>Shiny and KathyL, Elisabeth – thanks for your insightful reply! Very fun to read and not overthought I love how you've sorted it out by what's dominating your schedule (shopping, walking, work…). When shopping, I also chose carefully whay clothes and shoes I wear so that I easily can try clothes with the right accessories </p> <p>Echo, Shannon, Diana – I see your point! I really am a mood dresser, but could definitely be a bit more streamlined</p> <p>Laura, Ruth, Angie, Scarlet, Elisabeth – weather is really unpredictable where I live, so I see your concerns. I think I've always had weather in mind when choosing shoes – it comes with the climate</p> <p>Shabbychick – great that you manage to get a cohersive outfit when chosing shoes last</p> <p>Racylou – I like your take on this and are taking notes! Sounds like my dinner planning that is a kind of elimination process… do I want fish or meat, if meat - white (chicken, pork) or red meat, if fish – salmon/trout or cod etc etc)</p> <p>Una – we should make that an exercise both of us!</p> <p>MaryK, Jonsey – you always look so cohersive and every detail is really well integrated. I'll listen to you fabbers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last/page/2#post-693786 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:23:52 +0000 harmonica 693786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many interesting replies! I'll have to come back and read and comment later on </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693721 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:22:37 +0000 Aziraphale 693721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually start with the shoes and work up from there. The weather, and my planned activities for the day, greatly affect which shoes/boots are appropriate, so that's kind of why. Also some days I just really feel like wearing a certain pair of shoes, so I'll plan the outfit around them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693691 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:03:39 +0000 Diana 693691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Depends. Some days I am restricted by foot pain, weather, activities to wearing certain pairs of shoes so then I might start with the shoes. Or if I just want to wear my cool new shoes! Other days I just throw them on at the end although I might try a couple of pairs to get it just right.</p> <p>Physically, my shoes are usually the last thing I put on because I don't wear them indoors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693687 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:58:34 +0000 Jonesy 693687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto exactly what MaryK said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693649 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:13:46 +0000 MsMary 693649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes first, sometimes last. But I always include the shoes in the outfit planning because sometimes the footwear takes the longest time to get just right! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693628 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:55:54 +0000 Scarlet 693628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I start with shoes when the weather is restrictive. I often need to walk outside for a time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693617 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:49:13 +0000 catgirl 693617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great question. For me shoes always come last which is why I end up defaulting to the same basic ones again and again. Maybe I need to switch it up and start with the shoes! Thanks for this question! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693572 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:32:35 +0000 rachylou 693572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Varies. But I frequently enough think about shoes first. Things sort of start with whether or not I want to wear heels or flats, or if I want to wear one of my pairs of cool shoes (as opposed to non-interfering basics). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693542 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:01:04 +0000 Anonymous 693542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Last, but they never look like an afterthought, but as though they were planned all along....does that make sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693489 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:17:57 +0000 KathyL 693489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been very interesting reading! My shoe collection is not all that exciting, so it usually comes last. It does depend on amount of walking, who I'm going to see, and what I need to do to some degree. I don't have a huge shoe collection so it's easier in some ways </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693450 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:34:06 +0000 Angie 693450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Laura and Rute, said. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693438 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:12:49 +0000 Anonymous 693438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For the most part, shoes come last; but when it's raining or snowing outside, shoes come first. There are certain shoes I refuse to wear in bad weather. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693434 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:07:22 +0000 Laura 693434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I build a lot of outfits around footwear, because our weather is so demanding. Start from the bottom up is my motto. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693426 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:50:31 +0000 Transcona Shannon 693426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It all depends on my mood. Some days, my outfits actually start with my shoes, especially if they are new and my fave at the time. I also have a real thing for shoes so consider them an integral part of my outfit every time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693422 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:40:18 +0000 Echo 693422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it completely depends on the outfit... and how new and fun the shoes are! But I feel that everyone should have dependable shoes that match with almost everything that they can always wear when in doubt. Then again, statement shoes are fantastic and important to have, but one usually needs to plan an outfit around the shoes instead of the other way around. So it really depends on the occasion for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693416 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:22:29 +0000 shiny 693416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hand bag is the last item chosen; that's because I keep all my hand bags near the front door. Usually I have a pretty good idea which one I'm going to choose, but I have been known to scuttle back and forth between front door and bedroom full length mirror to double check if the handbag works with the outfit, before I swap out all the contents. </p> <p>The down side to this strategy is that I can forget I own certain purses. For example, I have a cobalt bag that has not seen enough use and that's a hot color now. So I will probably try to plan around that bag for awhile. </p> <p>Otherwise, I plan according to what the day has in store for me. I don't work every day in an office. Every day is different. </p> <p>Do I need to go errand running? Flat comfy shoes, and probably a layer because I freeze in the grocery store.</p> <p>Do errands include hitting up the mall, where I might try on clothes? If I'm going to shop for dresses, make sure I am wearing a dress with proper dress underwear. If I'm going to shop for pants or tops, don't wear a dress. And wear comfortable heels so I can check pants length. No buttons on top because getting in/out is too difficult. No boots for same reason. Is there an item I'm shopping for a coordinating piece? Wear it. Yes I think all that through. :-)</p> <p>Am I meeting girlfriends for lunch? They'll likely be dressed from the office, so might as well dress as if I have also been at my office. </p> <p>Am I going out and about with my teens with or without their friends, or will the friends be hanging out here? Take extra special care to dress my age and look "grown up." Since I'm shorter than all of them. But don't go overboard and look frumpy and dated; remember I am their role model for what it means to dress "grown up." </p> <p>Am I meeting up with accountant, lawyer, doctor or some other professional? I like to dress respectfully for such occasions. </p> <p>Am I canvassing for my favorite political candidate? Wear blue, and comfortable shoes. </p> <p>Am I going to be walking on cobblestones? Wear flat shoes or wedges. </p> <p>Is today an in-office day? That means I'll be on video conference. No patterns. Pearls are a must; no silver/gold. Something with a strong shoulder line in a flattering color. </p> <p>Am I going out after work hours? If so what are we doing? Dress appropriately for the occasion. If coming from the office, how can I swap accessories to go from day to night? Are we going to the theater? An art reception (dress creative/trendy)? A movie (dress warm)? Dancing (wear heels)? What neighborhood will we be in (each has it's own style)? Etc, etc... </p> <p>Am I seeing my Mother-in-law? Dress in something she hasn't seen me in yet. She loves to ooh and ahh over my outfits, and she's a fashionista herself. :-)</p> <p>Possibly I have over-thought your question, but it was fun answering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693415 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:20:34 +0000 Anonymous 693415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have a crazy job and don't want to get caught out with the wrong shoes. I have a stash of work boots, steel toes, and plain flats that live in my office for the rare times I wear heels or something in case I need to make a quick change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693413 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:17:18 +0000 Anonymous 693413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I often dress from the bottom up, starting with my shoes because my feet are fussy. If I did it the other way around, I'd eventually end up having to change things out so it's just easier this way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693405 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:57:39 +0000 Krista 693405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have this crazy job where it is a guaranteed fact of the universe that if I'm wearing statement shoes something bananas like a fire drill, fight, police emergency will happen (I work in a large high school) and I will have to run on a moment's notice, so I generally have a few pairs of shoes that I know I can wear without fail and I plan my outfits around them.</p> <p>I used to plan pretty outfits with pretty shoes and now I just plan pretty outfits with somewhat pretty and sensible shoes. The circumstances of my job dictate what kind of shoe I can wear (I also have picky feet - see my post in Rae's thread on walkable pumps), so I do plan ahead a little bit (not a week in advance, but definitely the night before). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693404 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:57:37 +0000 nicoleb 693404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It can go either way for me. Sometimes i really want to wear a certain shoe so i'll make sure the rest of the outfit works with it. Other days the outfit takes precedence. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693400 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:54:07 +0000 harmonica 693400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Louise - I totally get that point! When I know I have a lot of walking ahead, I need comfy shoes. Either I bring a pair so that I can change, or I revolve around the ones that I have chosen</p> <p>Suz - wow, so great to read how you break it down and it it true that weather predicts a lot! When travelling I think it is always so hard to choose the right shoes and not bring too many. I'm not sure I'm ready to start with footwear on a daily basis, but will for sure implement it a bit more often when planning outfits </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693363 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:12:58 +0000 Suz 693363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are two kinds of shoes - background shoes and statement shoes. Every woman should have some of both, unless she truly hates statement shoes. </p> <p>But statement shoes often need to be planned around. So they take a bit more thought. </p> <p>It's funny - when people travel they are often given the advice to plan their travel capsule starting with the shoes. I'm beginning to think it is good advice for every day, too! Here's why. </p> <p>1. What are you doing? As Louise mentioned, if you're walking a lot, you'll need comfy shoes. And that will dictate certain trousers or skirts. </p> <p>2. The weather. I don't like wearing some of my shoes in inclement weather, so that rules them out. I HAVE to wear sandals if it is super hot. Etc. </p> <p>So more and more I am starting with the footwear and building up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693362 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:12:35 +0000 Julie 693362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually build my outfit around the boots I want to wear that day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693359 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:09:04 +0000 harmonica 693359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun read! Thanks for sharing your takes on shoe dressing </p> <p>Ornella - thank you for your insightful and wise reply! I must say that the days when I have everything figured out, I am less stressed (about that at least). I am more of a mood dresser so planning several days ahead seems impossible, though when I have a stricter schedule at work I plan those days in advance, so that I don't end up with too much of the same outfit several days in a row, i.e. I'd wear a dress one day, trousers the second and skirt the third. And different toppers.</p> <p>Default shoes are a great suggestion!!! That way I have at least one good option to fall back on if I can't figure it out in the morning rush. </p> <p>Also agree very much on how one detail can change an outfit from failure to success, but also changing style (i.e booties vs ballet flats, utility vs patent belt) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693344 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:41:53 +0000 Louise 693344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>depends on what my day involves, if I'm doing a lot of walking then I choose shoes first so I know they'll be comfy x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-dressing-do-shoes-come-first-or-last#post-693341 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:00:44 +0000 rute 693341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>for me it depends, sometime I build an outfit based on a pair of shoes I want to wear sometimes is an acessory, others a skirt, it all depends on the mood! </p>