https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:35:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332639 Sat, 29 Jul 2023 02:41:52 +0000 Carol 2332639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I noticed the "unexpected" awhile ago when studying Italian style. They would break the rules just so, which would make it look fresh. For example, pairing brown and black leather in the same outfit, or maybe decadent chandelier earrings with a simple day shift dress.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the wrong shoe theory, and now I want to play with it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332607 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:59:33 +0000 unfrumped 2332607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Jules. Working on “ the wrong shoe for me” concept. </p> <p>I don’t think it had to be “ the ugly shoe” substitution. More of, try something a bit unexpected. It could be a significant juxtaposition of masculine/feminine, delicate/clunky, dressy/ casual, or it could be the “ expected “ style in an unusual color combo or fabric. </p> <p>From Alyssa Beltempo, some of these choices contribute to looking more<br /> “ effortless “ than “ styled”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332604 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:52:01 +0000 Angie 2332604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, I like the sound of your outfit! </p> <p>What thrills me most is that you’re having fun with fashion, and feeling at ease and confident with your look. Follow your feelings! Rock on </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332600 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:21:07 +0000 MsMary 2332600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So funny -- obvoiusly the universe wants me to look at Allison Bornstein because this is the second time this morning, on two different web sites, that somebody has recommended her. And I have always been a devoted proponent of the Wrong Shoe Theory! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332588 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:28:39 +0000 Jules 2332588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely many tried and true formulas rely on this! Baby doll dress and combat boots, boyfriend/distressed jeans and heels, etc... for me the a-ha aspect is coming up with my own new combos, based on existing stuff in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332572 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:40:42 +0000 Helena 2332572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I've seen a few people talking about this, and similar concepts such as pairing 2 dressy pieces with 2 casual pieces in an outfit. I think it falls under the general banner of style juxtaposition which seems to be a good way to make a staid outfit feel a little more modern imo? I don't know how much I do this but I will happily wear my Birkenstocks with anything so maybe that's my contribution to the technique </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332565 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 11:22:07 +0000 Anonymous 2332565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not a new concept, just a new name for it! I'm thinking of 90s heavy boots, sneakers with everything, Crocs, flip flops/pool slides, and Birks. In general, I'm on team dainty shoe too, but have definitely been wearing my Birks with more things lately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332556 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:18:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 2332556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting concept, thank you. I’m too conventional to do it though I suspect. Batting for team refined or dainty shoe makes me unlikely to want to juxtapose much. I do love a bit of an androgynous look, but to me the slightly more masculine shoes would likely go with the more masculine pants also. Probably not so much with a pretty floral dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332525 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 01:18:29 +0000 Jaime 2332525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Allison Bornstein a lot and have been following her for a while. I like this idea and think I had been doing it for a long time because I love juxtaposing unexpected elements and always have. But I am with Jules and embrace a bit of crazy lady on the bus . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332508 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 23:15:29 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2332508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve seen Allison Bornsfein’s commentary on this quite a bit on instagram. I like the idea of adding something unexpected to a look. &nbsp;However in my own case, I shy away from anything that I think makes my feet look big. And of course, the “wrong shoe” is not the complexly wrong shoe; as you say exactly, it’s more the unexpected one. In this case I think it’s the balance of the green and lavender that makes it work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332504 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 22:03:57 +0000 Olive Green 2332504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“Reinventing my style to work with my feet” is a great way to put it! Unfrumped nailed it for me. I find pain very unfashionable.&nbsp;<br />Jules, great idea to consciously try when clothes are in the expected mode, and you are just a wee bit unconventional, or like a twist in your style.&nbsp;<br />I think slightly crazy lady is an excellent bus defence tactic, Jules!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332497 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:58:09 +0000 unfrumped 2332497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed seeing this idea in AB’s videos and have kind of tried it, mostly by trying on all my shoes with one outfit sometimes ! </p> <p>I think there is overlap with another “ guideline” from somewhere else in the fashion blogosphere, about wearing chunky shoes with slim pants and more refined/ slim shoes with wider pants. I found that useful to narrow some things down before tearing up my closet!</p> <p>Because my feet are so wonky and limiting what shoes I wear, I’m trying to take the “ wrong shoe “ theory to the next level, by trying to think, what shoe(s) are sort of LIKE the wrong shoes that looked great in a photo of someone wearing an outfit similar to the clothing I like to wear, but the modeled shoes are something I simply cannot wear. Examples being flip flops, slides, ballet flats and now most loafers, plus the OB Hermes and pointy toes.. So whilst I can come up with chunky sneakers, round toe boots and wide-ish- toe Oxfords and such, for the outfits that they seem to complement, I have trouble finding “ refined” shoe styles that my feet tolerate, to go with opposites. </p> <p>Some types I can wear are suede laceups in which I can wear a slightly tapered toe due to the more forgiving leather and strapping in the foot so I can wear a roomier size or cut , and ankle strap flats similarly. </p> <p>So I’ve been kind of doing more intentional looking/ experimenting with shoe styles that I might not at first think are my favorites visually , but might be that “ wrong shoe” that I can actually wear. This is may not be much different from simply updating footwear as folks do from time to time, but it’s more about re- inventing my style to work with my feet regardless of trends, but somehow combining things in an interesting way. Since clothing itself is not as limiting for me, it might be wearing certain lengths, widths, silhouettes both because I like them and because I especially like how they work with my footwear options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332496 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:55:30 +0000 Jules 2332496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Riding the bus downtown right now and being reminded that my embrace of potentially ‘crazy’ juxtaposition isn’t so much original but actually inspired by local street, or perhaps ‘bus’, style! I don’t think I’m too old for it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332495 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:38:17 +0000 rachylou 2332495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is like my ‘little bit of ugly’ philosophy: try the ugly, boring, basic thing. Include some in your (my) wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332494 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:35:21 +0000 Jules 2332494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You’re right Sharan, it’s like a formula/instruction that can help someone achieve what might be a nebulous concept. I like specifics!<br /> L’abeille, I agree about androgyny or gender juxtaposition. Also playing with proportion. For example early in the season I saw a woman wearing an oversize blazer, cropped wide pants and relatively tiny profile ballet flats. I wore a copycat of below outfit this week, but found my offwhite sneakers looked boring; swapped in some gold-ish ballet flats instead and loved it.<br /> Cat2, I am not afraid to be crazy lady on the bus! It’s occurred to me some of my choices might be interpreted that way - I’m fine with it lately, after feeling the need to fit in conventionally for my 30s/40s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332492 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:10:53 +0000 Dee 2332492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s an interesting concept to experiment with now that fashion is no longer near as rigid as it once was. I have done flip flops with dress pants before not that I was trying to be fashiony really, just my feet had some blisters and in the end I kind of liked they way they looked together. It’s that juxtaposition I guess.</p> <p>There really aren’t any limits to what one can wear and still be considered fashionable these days, funny because it wasn’t that long ago when socks with sandals, and runners with dresses were definitely a fashion faux pas.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332490 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:57:04 +0000 cat2 2332490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t like juxtaposition; wrong shoes, or your sweater worn backwards or whatever. I think what you get to do when you are just out of school and don’t have the budget to dress properly can end up looking like Crazy Lady at the Bus Stop when you are older. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332488 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:32:19 +0000 Jenn 2332488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is great advice. It’s not something I think about consciously, but I’m going to start now. It’s probably why I love things like cowboy boots and combat boots with dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332486 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:30:48 +0000 L'Abeille 2332486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for starting this post. I too read about the wrong shoe theory and wondered if it had come up on the forum yet. I think I've been following it unconsciously for a while actually! In my case, it's usually to pull an outfit into a more androgynous direction, eg with a dress or skirt I add clunky loafers or sneakers, with a trouser outfit I choose&nbsp;ladylike footwear like ballet flats or slingbacks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332482 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:17:39 +0000 Janet 2332482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this idea and have been trying to employ it lately too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332480 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:55:16 +0000 Suz 2332480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting, <b>Jules</b>!&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks for sharing -- and for the outfit!&nbsp;</p> <p>We were nearly dress twins but I gave this dress to my stepdaughter...I decided the blue and white version was enough for me but she would look great in the green. I'll bet it is fab on you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332479 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:48:18 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2332479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I like this idea. It really simplifies the concept of "juxtaposition" that we talk about a lot, and makes it easy to implement.</p> <p>Thanks for your example, too. I like the outfit and your unexpected shoe choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wrong-shoe-theory#post-2332472 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:44:27 +0000 Jules 2332472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure if this has already been discussed on the forum, but I am a fan of the "Wrong Shoe Theory":</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/wrong-shoe-theory#:~:text=Dubbed%20the%20%E2%80%9Cwrong%2Dshoe%20theory,look%2C%20giving%20it%20more%20personality"></a><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/wrong-shoe-theory#:~:text=Dubbed%20the%20%E2%80%9Cwrong%2Dshoe%20theory,look%2C%20giving%20it%20more%20personality">https://www.vogue.com/article/.....oe%20theor</a>.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://https://www.vogue.com/article/wrong-shoe-theory#:~:text=Dubbed%20the%20%E2%80%9Cwrong%2Dshoe%20theory,look%2C%20giving%20it%20more%20personality."></a> </p> <p><a rel="nofollow"></a></p> <p>I have actually been doing similar for a while thinking of it more as "try the unexpected shoe". It came about from the trial and error of trying all potential shoes with an outfit and very often ending up happiest with the option I least expected. It may speak to a lack of imagination or styling skills on my part more than anything else! But it has become more intuitive now, such that I think of formerly weird-to-me pairings first. Case in point, for my heatwave outfit today I chose these blush Buckleys rather than the cream Birk Arizonas, or white, metallic and cognac sandals that I would have found "obvious" in the past.</p> <p>Would love to hear and see others' thoughts!</p>