"Galumphing" is what I feel I'm doing when I wear sneakers with anything

The opposite extreme, yes, but all related to how much ankle is showing.

Smart Suz! Time ago I realized that the combination shoe/pant can be tricky, but then sometimes I forget the learned lessons. Thank you for the reminder!

Very interesting! I have always said shoes can make or break an outfit, and I really believe it (not just an excuse to buy shoes ) I also think a bit of ankle showing makes a huge difference.

I love how you have analysed this. This is one of the real gifts of YLF - the way that now when something 'feels off' I try to solve the puzzle, so that I don't repeat the same mistake.

All fab items and yes, a change in shoe is all that is needed. It would be interesting to see if your red plaid Paul Greens work (or not) in this outfit. They are still a bit stompy, but just less so and more tonally in keeping with the rest of the outfit, they may be OK.

I completely understand this. Thanks for sharing your analysis.