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The Wardrobe Mistress Needs Assistance!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Now, some of you are aware that I'm working on shopping like a Wardrobe Mistress -- in charge of a fab production with a budget and a time crunch -- instead of an aimless mall-wanderer.

I've been looking for oxfords for over a year. I found these at Target, and they're far more comfy than the Cole Haan's I tried earlier. At 21.99, I seriously doubt that they're real suede, but they are perforated, which helps, unlined and a good fit with a pointed, but high toe box. They come only in whole sizes, so I sized up to a 10 so I can add cushioning with an insole.

Conundrum:

I adore the berry color (a wine really, not as red as it looks here), but it's less versatile, even though I could wear it with my other berry/purple, as well as grey and b/w. Also, it's higher contrast with my leg, which makes me less likely to wear with skirts/dresses.

The Wardrobe Mistress suggests the taupe. It's more leg-lengthening, less contrast, and the height of practicality, since I have a lot of color in my clothing.
She also reminds me that I just purchased the glorious NAS Munro booties in a very similar shade of wine!

Which shall I choose? Can I get away with the taupe worn bare legged with casual dresses and skirts?

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25 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

cciele

Veteran

Yes, the taupe would work great bare-legged! I have a pair of taupe-ish oxfords and wear them that way It'd be harder to pull that off with the berry color (although that is a gorgeous shade).

Deborah

Veteran

Ok totally my opinion, and as you know, I am not an expert

The Taupe looks a little 'nothing' to me, however the berry colour is amazing. I know you have the booties in berry but booties serve a different role in your wardrobe. I am thinking the berry oxfords could work as a neutral (like red can) and that they will work with more than you think. As long a you get your lengths and proportions correct I think the berry oxfords will work with your skirts and dresses. Having said that Beth Ann I have to admit I have trouble being happy with oxfords and skirts myself. I have a cream pair which in theory bookend great with my hair but I haven't worn them:( The only outfit skirt outfit that I have been really happy with wearing my black and white oxfords is below. Getting back to your shoes, I think the taupe look too sensible ! Get the Berry!!!

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lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I vote taupe as well, I think it's more versatile - and although berry is so pretty, I think it will not wear as well either (darker colours on fake suede tends to rub off).

Beth Ann

Veteran

Thank you Lyn, Deborah and Cathy (Parisian alter-ego Cicele)! You all have taken the time to vote your preference, but have also given me the "whys," which are so helpful. I'm trying to strike the balance between wardrobe building without boring with fabulous items wtihout filling a closet of fab pieces that all try to steal the show!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Tee hee, I struggle with this too - I have so many show stopping tops and skirts, you can't have them both together! HAHA. It's less fun to shop for some plainer things sometimes, but they really do perk up the show-stoppers!

ManidipaM

Veteran

You know I love red and wine shoes...and completely agree with Deborah that they are more versatile than you suspect. BUT get the taupe. I have been sorely missing a nude-ish/tan/camel set at times when I want to put the attention elsewhere and not so much on my feet. Sometimes sensible shoes are the wisest choice for fashion.

Marley

Veteran

Get the berry and wear the living daylights out of them this fall season! My goodness they're only 21.99! I would look for a more substantial ( real leather) to fill the more practical hole in your wardrobe of taupe shoes.

MovingFashionForward

I would never get a pair just because I could make a logical-sounding argument that that would be the sensible pair to buy. (Well, correction: I have done that in the past and have a lot of unworn shoes to show for it!) To me, that would tell me that that was not the right pair to buy, and that if I were to do so, I would not wear them as much as I would had I loved them. Given one OR the other, joy is more important than leg-lengthening. I would get the berry ones, because you love them (admittedly so do I, and like Deborah, I feel a bit meh about the taupe ones) -- and wait until you find a (different) nude/taupe shoe that you love as much as you love these berry ones.

Sarah

Mona

Veteran

I vote taupe. Although, the berry colour is fun and pretty, you already have Munros in that colour.

Vildy

Veteran

I'm the only person on earth, I guess, who doesn't subscribe to the whole nude shoe thing. I don't want to glimpse what seems to be a barefoot look, nor do I want anyone else to. Plus I think that worrying over the length appearance of one's calves is a pumped-up first world anxiety. Further, I personally love a little emphasis at the shoe/ankle area for the eye to bounce off and zoom back to the rest of the outfit.

Okay, now that I've completely disqualified myself from having a legitimate opinion those are not *the* nude shoes. It's only a picture but it's a dowdy looking picture. The wine color has energy and excitement. Not a thing wrong with having two styles of a such a great color for you.

Anonymous

I do like both, but I am inclined to say go for the berry ones. They are a fun shade for fall.

Susie

Veteran

I agree with Marley. Get this Oxford in berry as it is a prettier color and continue looking for a great neutral.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Must it be one or the other, not both?

If there is only room for one my thought process goes a little like this; both items will work in my wardrobe so I will allow my heart to rule my head and pick the item which brings the most joy. There is also my rebellious streak which screams the taupe is a practical shoe in a sensible colour is this what I really wish for, should I save the taupe for a more daring shape?

Vildy

Veteran

I think oxfords look better with skirts when there is something a little dressy about them - patent, spectator, rich vintage patina, slightly glossy plain leather, the rich color of your burgundy. Otherwise, they look too much like sport shoes or your feet hurt that day.

Traci

Veteran

The wine oxfords just scream Beth Ann to me. I don't think the munro booties exclude the wine oxfords, I think they're evidence that it is a great color for you. If you're like me, there aren't many instances where you would choose between a flat oxford or a heeled bootie. They're filling different needs, even if they are the same color. Maybe wine shoes can be your signature?

Diana

Veteran

I'm torn. If it was a contest between taupe and any other color, I'd say taupe for the reasons you stated. But red! A girl can never have too many red shoes, and it's still not a super easy color to find. The berry is sooooo pretty.

Anonymous

I know it's hard to see colors on a computer, but I don't think that taupe is a good "nude" for you, plus you don't love them as much as the berry. Get the berry that you know you will enjoy wearing. They will add punch to your taupe clothing as well. As Vildy said, oxfords with skirts need to be special.
I have had taupe oxfords for about 3 years. They are comfortable and fairly cute, but I don't like wearing them with skirts.

kkards

Veteran

with with roseandjoan, must it be one or the either, can it be both?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote taupe.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

A couple of questions:

How many other taupe or nude shoes do you own that could fulfil a similar function? I believe you have some dressier pumps but don't recall a more casual shoe.
How comfortable are the Munros for you? I ask this because for me, they are 8 hour (or more) city walking shoes, as comfy as slippers. And I love the flattery of a little heel and the V dip -- even if I am wearing pants I think that will work. So, in other words, if those gorgeous berry oxfords were in my own closet, I would forego them for the Munros ever single time. I just love having a little "lift" if you know what I mean.

Jules

Veteran

I was gonna say "both" till I saw the booties. The wine oxfords are looking a bit costume or juvenile to me, whereas the booties are fab. Like Suz said i can't imagine choosing the oxfords over the booties, unless going for casual denim looks, which IIRC are less your thing? The taupe will be very versatile.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Wowza! You know, most of the time, YLF threads like this begin a bit divided, and then coalesce into some sort of consensus. Not this one! And the most amazing thing is that you all have brilliant reasoning to go with your vote!

Vildy: You take the cake with the "first world problem" of leg lengthening. Oh, the irony! In my twenties, on a long mission trip deep in Mexico, I overheard the local women praising my calves in Spanish. I say "praising," although they were going on and on about how "gordo" or fat they were, but in very appreciative tones. Turns out that in that culture, I looked very well-fed and rich. They assumed that, because I wasn't speaking Spanish (blasted syntax and verb congugation) that I didn't understand it. Tee hee. It was an early lesson that rules of beauty are culturally determined!

Oh, and you're right about dressy oxfords --- perhaps I'll keep looking a bit for a nude.

Suz: I have nude patent ballet flats, that are cute, but almost too cute, IYKWIM, metallic flats, and taupe mid-rise booties -- a little RATE, with a heel.
The Munros might be a tad narrow in the base, which may make them a little less suppportive, but they are soft and comfy, although quite warm. I'm excited to get to wear them!

Traci/Joy/Diana/Susie/Marley/Deborah/MFF/Diane: All in the "kick up your heels with the berry" camp. Thanks for being so fun-affirming!

Lyn/Mona/Cathy/and our dear Angie: You are so right that taupe has a talent for leg-lengthening and providing a great base for my closet 'o color.

Angie, you are also so clear, upbeat and decisive. I need you for my shopping partner everyday! Shopping without second guessing is a gift!

RoseandJoan/KKards: I agree! So many times the answer is both!

I think what I need to do is spend some time styling each pair with some favorite fall outfits.........

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Listen to the Wardrobe Mistress

Thistle

Veteran

Taupe. The Munro booties really fill the wine color, and the nude oxfords are on the list. Yes, a bit less fun, but I think you will wear the heck out of them!

DonnaF

Veteran

I like what Marley had to say. $22 for fun shoes sounds good to me, and more $ for basics that will last longer than one season makes sense. Last April, I bought $40 pleather shiny silver oxfords that I wore, wore, wore. They were fun but started to deteriorate after three wears. Since they were rather wide, they fit me much better than pricey ones like Angie's or the Sam Edelman. I ditched them last month when my silver clogs arrived, but now I know that silver shoes give me joy. Go for the berry ones; they are at the right price point to test out.