I have waffled on returning the Jessica Simpson oxfords that I pooh-poohed in an earlier post, so I pulled them out of the return box for some quick attempts at styling. But, I have not officially “kept” them yet and I need YLF advice or intervention, please.

Shown with

Talbot’s tapered pant, Leith track pant, and AT trouser that is short and needs flats. Showing alongside a perforated loafer/slipper flat that I plan to wear again this year.

1--track pant with 2 different shoes 2--tapered pant, shortened a bit; 3-- tapered pant, full length 4--track pant with oxfords only 5--AT trouser 6-track pant with a scarf just because it has shoe and top colors in it.

PROs: 1--I really like how they look with 1 & 2, and it’s a way to sort of summer-ize those 2 pants. And me, I’m okay with the occasional trouser-oxford for variety. 2--They are SO comfortable—flat, soft-sole, “striding shoes” with breathable fabric body; and I have put a high priority on "active comfort", as opposed to some more trending styles that are not as comfortable 3--In reviewing my wardrobe, I really seem to have plenty of tops and bottoms, I can’t use a fashion topper much, so it’s the change of shoes that adds the fun element. So I'm kind of flipping the numbers and thinking, repeat clothing more and change shoes more. 4- the color/black combo kind of wakes up black pants, I will continue to wear black pants, and I think tops like raspberry, teal, & prints can look good, maybe with some bookending with "cognac" jewelry.

CONs: 1-They’re not pointy or some other on-trend style, but then, back to the comfort circle—I might find something pointy-er but generally is out of my comfort zone, real and style-wise. 2-Though I like cognac colors a lot, that was not where I was heading—have gone more cool versions of camel-beige. And cognac/black seems to go best with solid black, and not as well with gray, where a solid color might work. 3- I just do not like them with skirts, so they can’t be a summer skirt oxford (hint—may try the other colorway in the same shoe). So it’s pants or nothing. I’m up for finding other pants, like a check or foulard, I just don’t have any others for Wear Now. So are these very limited-outfit shoes? 4—Are they seasonally confused? These might be a fall look. That could be a PRO if they will still be in style this fall.

If you're not asleep yet, what do you think about the look and style, if I decide I have "room" for them, vs. am I in an oxford rut?