Flat oxfords 101 - YouLookFab Forum

I would really love to get at least one pair of flat oxfords as they would make perfect lab shoes. Since I have been on SYC for the most of past two years and not much on YLF, I have kind of missed the main wave when they became popular and there was a lot of discussion on how to style them. I have read Angie's blog posts on this topic and seen many WIWs but am still not very certain what exactly works. From browsing around, I would categorize them in the two types, first one like #1 which is a delicate version, almost like closed ballet flat, and the second one like #2, a much more substantial shoe, equivalent to men's shoes.

I am curious on how both types pair with various pants/jeans, since I can not wear skirts, shorts etc to the lab. I see the first type working well with all sorts of pants, from skinny to straight and bootcut. However the second type has me utterly confused. To my eyes that would not go that well with skinnier pants which would pretty much make them only work with bootcut jeans/pants hemmed for flats. I have tried that pair on while wearing skinnies and the long nose and my short&skinny legs made me look very clownish.

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13 years ago

Isis

Veteran

Tanya,

I think #2 would look even better with skinnies than bootcuts! Here's Debra rocking similar oxfords with skinnies:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ew-oxfords

It could be that you have exceptionally long feet and these won't work....But maybe your eye needs to adjust? Why don't you try them on and post pictures and see how they fare on the forum?

Diana

I have 3 pairs of flat oxfords at the moment - 2 pairs of Born Arlettas and the Boutique 9 laceless oxfords that several of us got last year. I definitely prefer the more feminine type of shoe like #1. My main reason though is that they look better with skirts/dresses which is not an option for you, but I think some of the same considerations apply to wearing them with skinnies. The more masculine type looks super long and skinny when a lot of the shoe is showing, like you've mentioned. To my mind, the main difference is how long the front part of the shoe (like from the end of the laced part to the toe) appears - a very long length here looks very manly to me, so I prefer something shorter in this area. A more delicate toe shape and brogue or other detailing also helps break up this region and makes it appear shorter.

ETA: Deborah's oxfords look much more feminine than the black/white ones that you showed, since they are more delicate/pointier and have details to break up the front, as do Angie's in her outfit today as well.

ETA2: FWIW, I think this is a bit of a poisoned eye thing for me, though, since i personally do not like the look of long, skinny shoes sticking out from under skinny pants. I don't like cons with skinnies either.

Kirti

(website)

I have both versions - a dainty one in pink and a more menswear inspired nude version. I feel like both work with jeans. It does take some time for the eyes to adjust to them though. I initially felt that the pink ones looked a little long and the nude a little clunky, but now I love them.

I am posting some pics with skinnies and not so skinnies, just to give you an idea.

rachylou

I think the second type is more versatile. I find the first type looks best with skinnies and skirts, which is limiting, while the other has more substance. That substance means the second can serve as ballast for "lighter" items, like skinnies and skirts, and hold its own against "heavier" pieces.

Mind you, in terms of trends, I'm jonesing for the first type in a patent leather right now...

christieanne

Angie has two tone oxford in her blog post today but they are a bit more like your #1 pic. I have one pair of oxfords - a light grey suede with slight almond toe and like them better with skinny jeans even though they make my foot look longer than in ballet flats.
I think it's worse looking down on my foot than what other people perceive. My DH thought I was nuts when I asked him if they made my feet look huge.

Tanya

Thank you very much everyone for your input. It could be the case of my eyes not adjusting yet indeed. I will try to take some photos next time I am in a shoe store but that probably will not be soon.

I am also curious, what color do you think would be most versatile for the first pair? Should I go for some kind of tan/camel to bookend my dark blonde hair?

cjh

Tanya, I have the first pair, in mint green. They are very comfortable, I can wear them without socks, and I feel they are versatile, except possibly for the color I got. I would like the nude/tan version if I had to choose again. The hard-soled two-tones look less feminine to me, and certainly do not "blend in" if you need them to.

I say go with your best instinct.

I would say nude! They will go with everything.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I think you need two toned oxfords - but tan/cognac and white. Like Kari's flat oxfords from Miz Mooz. Or the metallics from Born like Diana has.

Keep them dainty looking.

Thank you very much for your input everyone! Lots of food for thought here.

So, Angie I assume you mean something like #1/2 or #3? I probably wouldn't go for the metallic Born oxfords as I already have metallic Born loafers. I have a big crush on Everybody loafers in #4 but are sadly a bit too pricey for me.

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That's exactly what I mean :). I like them all.

Meredith1953

I love that pair in the #2 pic!

Amy

Tanya, I'm following this conversation with interest. Thanks for bringing this up. Can you tell me about #2? I like the look of those!

I appreciate all the input, thank you very much!

For those who asked, # 2 is Born "Oaklyn", available at many places including Zappos.

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