Should these say good-bye? - YouLookFab Forum

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Should these say good-bye?

Dimity

I love these shoes: I think they're cute and a little bit retro. My mum thinks they're awful granny shoes. I've had them a few years but I haven't really worn them because I don't know what to wear with them so they look good.
What do you think? Should they go to another home or can you think of a way they can be worn stylishly?

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Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from Dimity

Deborah

Veteran

It's difficult to comment without knowing your style. You are a fellow Aussie yes?

I love the shoes, they are so pretty and HP's are so comfortable.

However, if you haven't worn them much in a few years, maybe there is your answer.

Sal

Veteran

I think they could look great with wide legged trousers, or even culottes and a draped top.

In winter/autumn maybe with the right midi skirt and cream patterned (herringbone) tights.

I think it would be verging on a retro classic elegant look.

But if you are not pulling them out, maybe it is time to say farewell.

Dimity

Yes, Deborah, I'm a fellow Aussie, living in Queensland. And yes, they're really comfy.

Kiwigal, yes, these are generally too hot for summer, so can only be worn autumn winter as you suggest. But cream herringbone tights with a midi would work, as would the wide legged trousers or culottes. I don't have any culottes but I wanted to get a pair, they look so feminine.

I love simple, classic clothes and need to be quite casual in my day to day life.

Thanks for your help!

Dixie

This is going to sound really mean, but ugly shoes are in! They do have a grandma vibe hence the 'ugliness', but they're cute. I don't wear a lot of pastels but I can see this working with vintage pieces, or cream/pastel clothing. And since you love them, I wouldn't get ride of them! Again, I like these type of shoes, that are not typically pretty. I would like to see you wearing them to have a more fair opinion.

Dimity

I love your answer, Dixie! I think I'll embrace the granny vibe and go for it.
I'm a bit chicken about a photo though. I might need to build up to that.

Astrid

Veteran

You can cut your head off in pics, if you're more comfortable with that... I'm not sure about the shoes, I guess it depends on your style and what you pair them with. That said, comfortable shoes are always a good thing!

Dimity

Astrid, I guess the thing that bothers me the most is the square toe. Does anyone wear square toes any more or are there no blanket rules like that? I know that I'm only seeing pointy or round toes in the shops right now, but perhaps it doesn't matter too much.

chadya

Veteran

They are very Phryne
but if you are not wearing them
let them go

Liz

Veteran

Personally, I wouldn't worry about the square toe -- the shoes kind of fall into the "outside of trends" realm where toe shape doesn't really matter that much. I think if you get the rest of the outfit right, the shoes will work just fine.

If you are going to have to buy items in order to make the shoes work, I'd just pass on the shoes.

carolbee

Veteran

I think you have great taste!! Thats cos I have the same shoe in black, have worn them heaps and had them resoled. I pretty much only wear pants, and have worn them with jeans, black trousers, gray trousers etc. Not sure what advice to give re pastel shoes, how about a whiteout with either white or cream jeans.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's true the square toe can read as "dated" but in this particular shoe I think it feels more "retro" with a feminine emphasis, and these shoes could look great with lighter outfits in the spring or early autumn.

Dimity

Liz: I like the idea of 'outside of trends'. That's a great way to look at these.

Carolbee: yay! So nice to find someone with the same shoe. They're so pretty, but I do think that black would be more wearable for me, as you've found too. I have a pair of cream bootlegs that might work. I think part of my problem was that I used to wear them to work and I just kept that mindset that they were a formal shoe, but I can totally see them with wide leg jeans now.

Suz: yes, those idea sound nice. I'm thinking cream midi with a lightweight cream cashmere sweater and maybe a chambray shirt to make it a little less girly. On someone else, I can picture them with a flowy printed dress but I'm not really a flowy printed dress kind of person.

Thanks for all your help, everyone!

Diana

Veteran

I think they look quite retro, which means that "dated" doesn't really apply in this case. So if they go with your style, by all means keep and wear them.

To me, this type of shoe, particularly in the light patent color, can skew a bit too young or sweet if not styled right. So, for example, I'd probably stay away from wearing them with colored tights and a flouncy skirt. But I think they'd be very chic with wide-legged trousers or culottes. Basically, pair them with something sophisticated and understated, feminine but not girly.

Dimity

Diana, I agree. Girly would be too much, especially now I'm in my forties. Wide legged trousers seem to be the way to go, so I'm going to have some fun experimenting.

DonnaF

Veteran

What do the heels look like? The shoes look very retro, as in 1920s Downton Abbey style.

Thistle

Veteran

I feel like these are retro feminine. They are begging for a dress, maybe a midi. BUT, you would have to embrace the retro and feminine vibes.

Not knowing your style, I can't say whether it will work or not for you. There are a few forum members I could see making this work with their style, and there are others, especially UWPs, that these would not work for.

Marley

Veteran

It all depends on your style. Do you like a retro vibe? If so, then they would probably seamlessly fit into your wardrobe.

ilzz007

I can't give a advise now, I came here just now, and it's a pity I cant't see the pictures you have posted.

Dimity

DonnaF: the heel is about one inch high and tapered, but it's not tiny at the bottom, so the shoes are more sturdy than tottery. It's not a louis heel though. Yes, they remind me of Downton Abbey style too. Damn. Where's my butler?

Marley: I like 'relaxed retro', if that's a term. As in; not tight and bombshell, more like Chanel in that photo of her with wide trousers and the striped breton shirt. That look would work with these, I think?

Hi, scarves! Welcome. I'm new too, but I'm loving the friendly environment and I'm sure you will too.

Anonymous

Oh, I love the suggestions to wear with light neutrals and midis or culottes. Your description of this outfit sounds great "I'm thinking cream midi with a lightweight cream cashmere sweater and maybe a chambray shirt to make it a little less girly". You should definitely try it.

Dimity

DianeG: Yes, I'm excited to try it. It's a bit warm at the moment, but in autumn...