Converse with skirts/dresses for casual

Keix

I just bought a pair of Converse sneakers (dark gray, black laces, low top) as a fall/winter alternative to boots once it gets too cold to wear ballet flats barefooted. In addition to jeans and slim pants, I was planning to wear them with opaque tights and dresses/skirts; is this an OK look for dressed-down casual?

FWIW, I'm pretty young--college student on a casual Northeast campus--and the past two years I've happily worn solid gray TOMS with dresses and skirts. But I like the versatility of wearing socks with Cons and they seem a tad warmer than a single layer of canvas.

If the consensus is no, what kind of fall/winter shoe can I substitute? I've been looking for non-black flat oxfords that don't read too old for my age and style, without much luck in a similar ~$50 price range. I do live in boots and booties in the winter, but sometimes an ankle-showing vamp is preferable.

13 years ago

Shopping

6 replies

Latest reply was from cheryl

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I think this is doable but is very casual. An oxford would be better (and they are everywhere, so it's surprising you haven't found some you like! Why the non-black stipulation?).

You could also look for a shootie - a bootie that shows the ankle...but those typically have a heel. Curious why you need to show your ankles? Personally I live in boots and ankle booties all winter long and I'm only in Seattle so it doesn't get as cold here.

13 years ago

Keix

Veteran

Thanks for your input, Jenava! I already have a ton of black shoes (flats, flat booties, heeled mary-jane pumps, tall boots, plus various black sandals) so I'm trying to be more adventurous in my shoe colors. I adore color and pattern in my clothing--definitely a maximalist--so it's strange that the inclination hasn't carried over to footwear.

Also, I need a size 5 or 5.5, which makes finding reasonably-priced oxfords more difficult. I'm a long-torsoed petite but don't really like wearing heels, and I feel like a low vamp elongates my leg line. For instance, my almost-flat black booties tend to cut off my leg line when paired with tights and a skirt. Trying to get away from wearing tall boots all of the time when I don't want to wear pants.

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

It seems like the cons would be cutting your leg line, no? And I personally have a hard time pairing oxfords with skirts - I know this is a trend, and perhaps I am too old for this - for the same reason.

Have you considered wearing your ballet flats with fleece lined tights? Too cold?

For the best leg line and comfort it seems like tall flat boots would be the best. My sis just bought these waterproof ones that are very sleek:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bl.....ve/3290859

13 years ago

Keix

Veteran

Hmm, where does the leg line start exactly? To me, if my ankle is showing, that's better than a bootie that stops at the bottom of my calf and just over my ankle. The Cons I purchased have a full vamp but curve down around the ankle on the sides, if that makes sense. They're my first pair of non-gear sneakers so I'm not sure about the other available styles other than true high-tops.

I've considered fleece-lined tights, also wool tights--not sure where to find the former in a full tight that isn't too bulky in the foot, though. I've seen fleece-lined leggings that stop at the ankle, but that defeats the purpose of keeping my feet warm.

Actually, the same BF shopping trip that added Cons to my wardrobe, also added flat tall waterproof riding boots from Clarks. So I'm set in that department! But it seems like I'm wearing boots ALL the time in the winter and variety is nice too.

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Yes, boots and winter do seem to go together! (-: I have one pair of waterproof flat boots and I've been just sick and tired of them this week since we've been having a series of big rain storms.

Try a fleece tight with the cons? Then you wouldn't have to worry about the leg line issue. It is still a very casual look, but that's probably OK for what you need.

I think in general if you are wearing tights this help immensely to keep the look from being too choppy on your leg. It's more about contrast...also, booties that are fitted at the ankle worn with tights would probably not give you the chopped leg issue either. To me, any high-vamped shoe can cut your leg line, but I also think this emphasis on leg line is a bit overrated. You just have to try things out and see how you feel about it.

13 years ago

cheryl

Veteran

I love the look of Cons with skirts and dresses but I am team casual all the way. I think it's cute and sassy.

13 years ago

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