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Upping my white sneaker game, and how to style old oxfords

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Part one of my footwear ponderings as we move towards fall:

I’m getting more into wearing my sneakers these days, and am really enjoying the new silver Stellas (in Finds below). I have a pair of white Adidas I picked up at the Rack maybe 3 years ago when I decided to dip a toe in the white sneaker trend (also pictured here in my Finds) and have since embraced it. I wear those Adidas frequently so they’re probably down to pennies per wear.

I’m considering adding another pair of white sneakers in a bit more fashion-forward style. Something I could wear with my wide leg jeans and trousers as well as other silhouettes. I love the Stella McCartney Elyse style but it’s too much platform for me — I can just envision another sprained ankle in the making.

Anyone have any recommendations?

Part 2:

I have four old pairs of oxfords that are still in great condition, are comfortable, and that I like a lot (see them in Finds below). However, I’m not sure if they’re looking terribly current at the moment, since lug soles are trending and I have generally embraced more substantial styles. I am not interesting in parting with them yet (particularly the Clergeries and the Freda Salvador green ones), but I’m wondering if anyone can help with styling ideas for making these work with my current style. We are getting into prime season for wearing these, and it’s a small window between sandal season and boot season around here.
Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

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Adidas Grand Court Sneaker

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Freda Salvador | Anthropologie Freda Salvador Oxford D'Orsay Flats

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Runcarla

Roberta

Veteran

I'm not sure my suggestions are particularly fashion forward, but they each have details that I really like.

The Campers have different colored heel backs, the Ted Bakers have a variety of lug details (two pictured below), and the Nike's (available in white) have a wee orange swoosh that I just love.

If I hadn't already bought four pairs of sneakers this year, those Nike's would be on their way to me!

Twins Mismatched Wedge Sneaker | Nordstrom

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Ted Baker London Relina Sneaker

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Court Vintage Premium Sneaker | Nordstrom

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Ted Baker Women's Roully

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Anonymous

I’m on the same train of thought vis a vis oxfords , and more white sneakers ! I wore a pair of gunmetal oxfords to work the other day with a very traditional pair of “ office pants “ ( which was likely the problem ) and the shoes felt a little off somehow . Not as fashion forward as I’d like . I was thinking they need a more up to date pant to make them work better - I guess the same would hold true for you and your oxfords too ? Thing is , I don’t really wear trendy pants .

With regards to the white sneaker issue - I ordered and received these earlier this week and they are GREAT ! Inexpensive , super comfy and really nice looking In the foot . I’m not entirely sure why I ordered them , and I’m not sure I need them ,but they sure are cute .

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Calista Metallic Wingtip Oxford

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rachylou

Veteran

All right where is Cee… because I’m seeing the oxfords with a longish, slouchy sweater with a cowl neck… something drapey…

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Modern Retro sneakers are an option:

Sporty Mix Retro Sneaker | Nordstrom

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Retro Runner Sneaker | Nordstrom

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Slim Retro Sneaker | Nordstrom

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Retro Low Top Sneaker | Nordstrom

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cat2

Veteran

Well, I think the oxfords would be great with a tromping across the moors look, but I am guessing that’s not really you, so….

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Cat2, when I tromp across the moors, it’s in hiking boots and gear, LOL! But I know the look you’re talking about.

I am wondering about wearing those oxfords with boyfriend jeans, a tee and a blazer…

Anonymous

I should really switch out what I ordered for a retro pair . Good reminder , Angie . Although they are as ubiquitous as the platform styles now ….

Sal

Veteran

I would wear the oxfords with denim - I think they are classic but agree chunkier styles are more trending. I definitely would keep though as they have longevity,

Lisa- love your new white sneakers. They are cute- I also love the pewter oxfords. I feel with shoes it’s a fine line between ubiquitous, trending and maybe being a bit thrashed. I am not an early adopter usually - I probably tend to buy when something is everywhere lol!

I am thinking of a retro pair of NB for me but am trying to decide on white or maybe navy and white - or something else.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Regarding oxfords - I love the lug and chunky sole versions but would not give up your traditional ones (especially the green ones!). As a extreme shoe fanatic I tend to keep shoes for a long time and see them go in and out of favor (with me as well as the world).
Regarding white sneakers - not my forte but am following along with interest.

CarolS

Veteran

yes in my books to pairing the oxfords with boyfriend jeans, tee, and blazer. I don't think you can go wrong there! I envy your oxford collection!

The Cat

Veteran

For a great, timeless fall look, wear oxfords with corduroys, a pullover and a tweed blazer.

N

Vejas are all the rage in Europe these days (white sneaker. You can get them in leather or vegan materials). The V on them come in all colours and I like that they have both white and cream on most of them so you can wear with both colours or do tonal dressing.

https://www.veja-store.com/

Also if you like your adidas ones, there is a Stella McCartney Stan smith version

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lozz_oz

Veteran

Sorry I can't help with specifics as our shoe market offers less choice than yours in the US, however I'm sure there will be a white or white substitute pair for you out there in shoeland with just the right height and edginess.
With regard to the oxfords, I will show my bias as an oxford/brogue lover and wearer, and say keep and wear (especially as you say they are comfortable). The classic shoe can easily be juxtaposed with your edgier pieces (eg. your new denim jacket). You know how to do these very well!

ETA I've just bought a black + white houndstooth lace up with a perforated type sole that will be a great trans-season shoe for me to pair with straight leg white, black or blue denim. these were the most reasonable looking from a fairly ugly range of shoes that will accomodate custom orthotics. Sigh.

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viva

Veteran

Hi Janet! Timely post for me.

White sneakers: I can't be much help here. I've tried this trend and I really don't like it on me. I'm not attracted to most white sneakers and the ubiquitous Stan Smith variety - which I like - do not work on my feet; too flat. I do like retro sneakers like the ones Angie posted, but I don't feel able to give any advice there.

Oxfords: I recently consigned my ancient Frye oxfords (they just seemed kind of boring, and they were quite worn) and I bought some chunky black ones which I am excited about. And then yesterday I picked up a pair of green suede oxfords from Band of Outsiders ($42, which I paid for with my store credit).

You're right that the window is very short for wearing this kind of shoe outside. But right now I am enjoying them with short sheer or sheerish socks, or barefoot (as today, see below). I love current oxfords with ankle length pants (no surprise, since I live in those). I'm not sure if these ideas help you at all.

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Vivian, those are really cute! Great with the releases hems. Yes, I think that oxfords really suit cropped pant styles, which are not my best, but I approximate the look with cuffed or rolled jeans. I think that will be my approach, and I need to actually wear the darn shoes if I’m going to keep them! The green ones are particularly tricky as they are open on the sides and suede, so not for rainy weather. The black ones are kind of basic but they are very comfortable so I’ve kept them for years. If I had to let one go, it would probably be them, or the blue Cole Haans, but I have storage space…

I spent probably far too much time poking around looking at white sneakers last night. I think a modern retro thing would work for me. N, I like the Vejas — I was looking at those.

I particularly like styles that have a bit of contrast color — just a touch or black or maybe gunmetal — not bold color blocking for this purpose.

As for fit, this is a consideration too. Many styles are too wide in the heel and my heels slip out, particularly on a stiffer footbed.

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AndiB

Veteran

I’m wearing my Oxfords again too. I like them best with an ankle denim, in the new straight cut. Timely as I’m wearing these, like this, today. I also have a pair of dove grey Docs that I’ve been pulling out. Loving both these I’m posting snd the docs all over again. Tho they both have a chunky if not lug sole

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Lozz, I like that black and white pattern a lot! It’s got to be particularly challenging to find stylish options that accommodate the orthotics, but I think you’ve found a good compromise — the pattern is great.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

AndiB, those are awesome!

viva

Veteran

AndiB, what brand are those? So cute!!!!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’ve just ordered the Rag & Bone retro pair that Angie posted. Might try some others too. Thanks for the ideas!

Joy

Veteran

How about wearing the oxfords with lace or statement socks? It would be a different look, especially with ankle pants.

Preppy Pear

Veteran

I love the chunkier look of the S.M.s you got in NYC. Hope the Rag and Bone sneakers are winners!

I really like the look of oxfords with cropped pants vs. full length. Maybe the RC ones with olive crops or similar? I think you have those…

AndiB

Veteran

Viv, these are Zara from… like 5 or so years ago. I kinda think they were before their time. I’ve always loved them but am wearing a LOT more the last year or so since the chunkier shoe has prevailed. They make me feel very current and dare a say … cool!

Runcarla

Veteran

I was looking at F/W runway shows (from last spring) and regular (not lug) oxfords did pop up. They were worn mostly with ankle revealing cropped pants or dresses/skirts. They were worn with bare legs/feet, but more often with thin socks in white or co-ordinating or contrasting colours.