Born pics and help with shoe goal focusing

Here are some pics of the Born shooties ( black and brown—how exciting).

1-3 with pants.

I feel good about them with pants because of the high comfort level and that they function like boots (except when sitting) but are cooler. There is just something about how the toebox is shaped. Therefore I think I could enjoy and get good CPW in a year and then see what's what.

Pic 4 is shown with dress & tights, but I used gray tights so the shoes would show up more. Black tights would be more forgiving. I think this is do-able, but the try-on and photos tell me that this is not really my goal look for dresses. They look cobbler-elf and not necessarily edgy or refined. So, to me it helps me see I’m still searching for “my” versions of footwear (for fall-winter) + tights+ dress look that is really comfortable but still more updated.

5 is close-up of herringbone tight from pic 4. I could not resist trying as it’s in shades of gray with a hint of burgundy, or whatever cool red/pink you put next to it.

6 is the gray tights with slipper flat (actually is has a low heel) for comparison

The booties I’m drawn to in photos tend to have 2.5-3” heels! I know that’s because that shortens the appearance of the vamp and also looks more dressy—I won’t wear them, but I’m not immune to the visuals. Also I keep searching for a narrow shaft for less flower-pot, and I often like some kind of buckle or trim even though that can be more casual—I think again because it breaks up a long expanse of boot vamp and shaft. Another option is another variation on a heeled oxford but it has to be low-ish, perfectly comfortable (so not really pointy) and have some kind of style upgrade, 2 tone or trim or something. Lastly I’ve wondered if I should explore T-strap with a chunky heel--the right straps would hold the shoe on with less "shoe", so maybe get a more refined look that way.

I’ve also focused on smooth leather, especially if black; more options if not-black. Last year I was sure black suede was my only deal, but now I see I need a more, not less contrasting texture with tights and fabric so as not to be the great black hole of light-absorbing flat black darkness.

Comments welcome. I'm especially interested in how to compare the shootie look with slipper flat for updating (or maybe neither is good) and how some of you have balanced the comfort/chunky/updating conundrum. Meaning, if I have to have chunky is it better to go more RATE than try to be chunky-refined, or what?

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12 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

Great questions! I like the chunkier bootie/shoe with the trousers vs the skirt. For myself, my high vamp shoes for skirts/dresses have lots of detailing going on, buckles, strappy, etc. I think this helps when the leg is bare against the shoe. In #4, without anything to break up the shoe, it's one solid block of color.

Suz

(website)

I think that shootie is really meant for pants. Perhaps it would work as a "shoe" for someone with a more substantial build. But on you I think it's much better with the trousers.

I think the slipper flat works well with the skirt and is a much more refined appearance.

kellygirl

I think the bootie looks best with the pants. I think the high vamp makes them less suitable for skirts--I much prefer the slipper flats. I like the idea of a heeled oxford too--that would read as more "refined" as well. I saw the Miz Mooz oxfords are on sale at Nordstrom now. Perhaps give those a bash too.

Kristin L

Where did you find your booties? I love how they look with the pants. I'm not so sure about them with the skirts.

unfrumped

Thank you for the comments! K, these were from a "discount" store called Shoe Connection but I think they are available on the internet.
Lisa, that is what I think I'm seeing--in addition to needing more "delicate" footwear, things that break up the expanse are helpful, too.
suz and kellygirl, thank you--I got the flats in my trusty go-to black suede as a good option that I can count on if I'm determined to wear the occasional skirt. Plus I can wear them with some of my trousers as well. So I'm trying to remain PPP if I want to have an alternative shoe for skirts--it needs to be an improvement, style-wise.

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