Building a footwear wardrobe - YouLookFab Forum

Okay, so I'm just starting to move out of my mom-iform of jeans and sneakers, and one place I'm in need of serious help is footwear. Where to begin??

I have plenty of Converse, a good pair of brown Frye boots, a beloved pair of lace-up Docs (also brown), and...that's mostly it.

I'd like to add something fun that supports my general tomboy vibe, that would work with all the grey/navy I wear during the winter, and that is comfortable for playgrounds and story times. I'm a stay-at-home mom, so work-appropriateness isn't an issue. Oh, and I have wide calves. Yay.

I just tried the Seychelles Lucky Penny in pewter because I wanted something more interesting, but when it arrived I found it a little too...cowboy-esque in shape. I live in Oklahoma, so anything that is vaguely cowboy-boot-like reads as straight-up cowboy. And as I already own a pair of cowboy boots, I don't need anything more in that vibe. I think I'd get a lot of use out of an oxford, but I'm slightly overwhelmed by all the variations.

What might you all recommend? What would make a good foundation shoe for this casual, menswear-loving mom?

12 years ago

deb

Veteran

It sounds like booties will work for a start. There are so many nice ones that fit your style available now.

amiable

I second booties - maybe beetle booties?

Emily

Short Moto/Engineer boots, maybe? I got a pair last year and they went everywhere I would have worn Converse in milder weather.

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Eliza

How about looking at Cole Haan oxfords, which have a high comfort factor (some CHs have Nike Air features) and multiple color options.

This link has some current ones on their website: http://www.colehaan.com/gramer....._color=Irn.

Look around for sales (including on the internet) or CH outlets. I lucked out with CH Alisa oxfords for half the price at our local outlet store. I love them, they hold up well and so far have generated at least 10 conversations with strangers. Great for MOTG and forgiving of high use. I find oxfords to be perfect for a bit of masculine plus high comfort.

Anonymous

Hi, new here - I am a part-time SAHM. On my days home, I love shoes that I can slip on. Good for quick exits, play dates, getting the inevitable sand out. I

http://www.zappos.com/kork-ease-velma-meteora-grey

http://www.zappos.com/frye-pip.....ge-leather

http://www.zappos.com/splendid-orlando-tan

qfbrenda

What kind of climate do you have where you live? It's sounding like you want closed-toe shoes but I was still curious. Shoe wardrobes are based on not only preferences but on the weather.

Assuming you want closed-toe shoes, I would look for ankle boots and a pair of oxfords. Knee high boots are another favorite of mine for keeping pants dry and toes warm in the cool weather.

I would also think about a type of shoe that could be a dressy option. You didn't mention this type of shoe so maybe you are already covered. But when I think of a shoe wardrobe, I like to make sure my bases are covered. So I have shoes that could work for a sudden dressy occasion--i.e. funeral--so I'm not caught unprepared.

unfrumped

I agree with short flat boots if you wear pants over (as with trousers and bootcuts). I say flat, if you need super comfort and mobility--your reference to playground.
You'd get some more almond-toed or possibly pointy, but I find pointy not as comfortable. If you're into skinnies, then you'd get a taller boot and tuck in.
Oxfords are good, I just love lace-up footwear because of narrow heel and mid-foot, but depending on how style-conscious you are, some people don't wear them with long pants (full length)--see discussion on ankle pants. I do wear some of my oxfords, brogues actually, with socks and pants, possibly throwing fashion to the wind, and some others with full-length but tapered pants that "scrunch" over the oxford, but with those I can wear sheer hose and pretend I'm showing skin. Oxfords are also good with skirts and tights (I'm going into winter mode now, and assume you are also in OK). Another option is the slipper flat (aka s------ slipper) as an alternative to the ballet flat--again, may be most trendy with ankle pants or rolled BF jeans and skirts, but I've worn with jeans and pants.
So, some kind of boot or bootie is one of the best bets for comfort + a new style, in colder weather.

Glory

If you are part lemming I can recommend the ones I just got from Mr UPS yesterday. I just posted them under Team Wear. Super comfy and they come in 3 colours. If you are in the US they are avl in Black but no longer in Canada.

Meegs

Active Member

Thank you all! Brenda, our climate is all over the place - crazy hot summers, short warm fall/spring, and cold winters with more ice than snow. Not particularly rainy.

I think I'm going to focus my search on a brogue first - I can see it being something I'd wear in most seasons here in OK. But I'm still going to keep my eye out for an ankle boot (and I think moto/engineer is exactly what I had in mind, so yay for that suggestion!)- I'm leaning towards black for the boot, just because I don't have any black footwear.

Wish me luck!

K. Period.

Luck!

It will be fun! Have you tried/are you using Zappos? It is amazing. The ability to ship and return for free has let me try on more shoes than I would ever have thought possible. Many went back. Some really great ones stayed.

pastrygirl

(website)

I love my Born Lydia shoes that I got from Nordstrom a week or two ago (I have a thread with pics about them). I also really liked but didn't buy Clarks Charlie cap oxford. If they'd had them in-store in my size, I would've gotten them!

LoveSarahDub

Moto boots! Moto boots! Moto boots! Since you love your Docs so much, these will remind you so much of them and will act a great alternative. I have a pair from Steve Madden named 'Colony' and I'm OBSESSED with them. Also, moto boots dress up AND down. Just a good choice all around!

I also love oxfords! They come in all kinds of awesome styles and colors now and are unique, easy and cool.

A brogue sounds perfect. Good luck! I had to laugh at your cowboy comment. I live in the SW and a snakeskin bootie around here would look like it came from Sheplers.

MuseumGal

I'm in OK too, and I've got to tell you, I've never seen another person here in brogues. Doesn't stop me from wearing and loving mine though.

Mia

I got my moto boots when my son was 4 and they are still in rotation now and he is 15.

TraceyLiz65

I just wanted to say congrats for starting this journey of kicking things up a notch and taking care of yourself. it is something so many mothers forget to do!

Beth Ann

Shout out to OK! I lived in Tulsa for a couple of years and loved the city. You're right about the Summers (A/C a must), but I was so happy to see the azaleas bloom so early -- here in Chicago, the flowers wait 'til May!

For a tomboy, moto boots and oxfords are perfect. I think there's room in everyone's wardrobe though for a pair of slipper flats (a little more masculine), or even pointy toed flats. In your climate, you could wear these during the seasons that your Cons are wearable.

You mention grey/navy. I think a shade of cognac would be great with these, as would black. Both would work with your hair.

shemarie

Great question and I can't wait to see what you find Meegs. My climate, minus the ice, is somewhat similar, and I really get stuck trying to shop for non-boot/non-sandal in between options. I love the look of oxfords/brogues too, but haven't yet figured out how I'd style them, so I'm hoping to learn from you!

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