You may already realize that the old-fashioned fashion “rules” crack me up. And one that people STILL bring up (usually in a whisper, as if the fashion police might be around) is this: “Do your shoes have to match your outfit?”
Quote of the day: “The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’” Maria Montessori
This idea stems from the article we shared about how to avoid looking old-fashioned in matchy-matchy outfits. Lesley worked with the idea of do your shoes have to match your outfit and rocked the “no” concept.
In fact, matching your shoes too perfectly can sometimes make your outfit look flat, predictable, or overly “done.”
I believe that the older we get, the more we should lean into freedom, fun, and personal flair.
The four of us recently proved this point with flying colors because none of us wore shoes that matched our outfits in the traditional sense. Yet each look was cohesive, intentional, and packed with personality.
Pro tip: This is the same idea of how you can use a pop of color with your purse or use a colorful lipstick.
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You know I Love a good contrast. This thrifted tan suit is one of my favorite neutral bases because it works like a blank canvas. But instead of wearing tan heels or beige loafers, I slipped on a pair of pink sneakers.
I call that 2 parts yin/yang…
1-the pop of color and
2-casual sneakers with a professional suit
Details:
-I closed my blazer with a scarf and a safety pin, as seen in this video. Reversible skinny scarves available at Just Be Youtiful use code Jtouch15.
-The necklace is a combination of 3 different bendable necklaces wrapped together.
–Cariuma pink sneakers because I love their sustainability practices and continue to get emails for $30 off…how can I resist? The pink isn’t available at this moment, but they are always recycling colors. BTW, I would NOT recommend these for wide feet, and I size up a half size in the canvas sneakers, BUT not the leather ones.
My mom has gotten good use out of these pink gingham flats. Her outfit is what I’d consider a classic palette with navy pants, a burgundy vest, and a crisp white button-up. An outfit that could easily lean traditional.
But then?
She pulls a curveball with her shoes and makes it fun and more modern.
Details:
-Gingham shoes may not be on your list of ‘must have’, but you’d be surprised at how much she wears these.
-Even my mom got out of the matchy, matchy stage as her accessories are different shades from the clothing items.
We decided Valerie looked like a 30-year-old today. It’s the combination of the black combat boots (and for those of you who think they’d never wear them, I hope you change that mindset because they are not only comfy but take years off your look) and her baseball cap.
I know, I know, women our age weren’t brought up to wear chunky, edgy boots. But look how they change the entire vibe of Valerie’s look. (Am I gushing? …well, yes I am)
If the question is “Do your shoes have to match your outfit?” Valerie’s answer is clearly “You better not”
Details:
-Valerie was chomping at the bit to wear these new floral, black combat boots she just purchased at DSW. They aren’t just cool…they are C.O.O.L.
-Notice she’s wearing a brooch on her yarn necklace…a perfect way to add a fun surprise of color element.
-It was shocking to see Valerie in a baseball cap because she’s not usually a fan. But man, this one looks amazing.
Pro tip: Not all baseball caps are created equally…the size and shape of the hat and brim can be huge factors.
Lesley always brings the unexpected in the most joyful way. She’s wearing a light pink dress topped with a black floral duster, which I consider a combination that matches and flows.
Her surprise is the addition of her red shoes. This goes to show that red shoes are always a good idea.
Details:
-Lesley did use some red in another part of her outfit, seen as part of her bracelet. It’s a small detail, but it brings intention to the pop of color with her shoes.
-And a fabulous duster like this is superbly versatile…it could be closed with a belt and some pins to create a dress, or flipped upside down to be cropped with a cool shawl collar.
Obviously, you know our answer…but in case you missed it.
The real question should be:
And we all respond with a resounding YES.
The ‘something’ doesn’t have to be a pop of color. It could be a different texture or interesting silhouette. But I think it’s time that our footwear gets to be the center of attention.
Why?
How I see it is that matching used to be the rule when fashion was more structured, rigid, and uniform.
But today, style is a celebration of individuality. Shoes are one of the easiest places to express that.
Matching tends to feel dated because it was a rule from a different fashion era.
Pro tip: Learning to evolve our mindset makes us younger at heart. It’s no different than how the suffragettes fought for women’s voting rights. That may have been seen as radical at the time, and yet, now it’s normal.
Fashion has evolved since you learned the basics of how to get dressed, so we need to go with the flow instead of sticking with what we grew up with.
A quirky shoe changes the whole mood.
Pro tip: If you only buy shoes in the “style” you like, you will always look the same. Change it up, try new variations. I find the best shoe experiments while thrifting.
And experimentation leads to a stronger personal style.
Pro tip: Experimentation is also an easy way to build new brain pathways. Seriously. New things = new neuron pathways…even with your outfits. So get out of your ruts and be healthier.
Trust me.
Pro tip: My husband will confirm this is true.
No more “these shoes only go with one outfit.” Everything can go with everything.
Pro tip: The easiest way to do this is to grab the shoes you’d normally wear with the outfit, and then stop yourself and choose something very different.
Instead of wondering if your shoes have to match your outfit, ask yourself if your shoes match your energy.
Fashion should feel fun, expressive, and full of life.
And non-matching shoes? They’re one of the easiest ways to embrace the joy of dressing.
Other articles expounding on the virtues of shoe options:
–Comparing matching vs non-matching shoes
–Showcasing shoe personality
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The post How to Answer the Question of Do Your Shoes Have to Match Your Outfit? appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
