You know how sometimes a friend says a style “rule” and it makes you do a double-take because you don’t agree? Well, recently, a friend told Tresi, “Oh, no, you must never, ever start with the shoes. They are an accessory, and accessories come last.”
What? Those words created a challenge because if there’s one thing fashionistas know, it’s that shoes make the outfit.
Quote of the day: “The difference between who you are and who you want to be is WHAT YOU DO.” Unknown
I’m sure we all have a go-to formula for getting dressed every day. Some of us start with our pants, or maybe our favorite top, and then we figure out the rest.
Yet I believe we can draw inspiration from almost anything, including footwear or accessories, and build an outfit around them.
Besides, in all reality, I wouldn’t consider shoes an accessory only because I think of accessories as optional, and shoes are NOT really optional.
In fact, Tresi and I both agree that sometimes your outfit should start with your shoes. They’re not only functional but also playful, colorful, and full of personality.
Heck, most of us spend the day sitting or walking, so if our feet aren’t happy, the rest of us aren’t either. And beyond comfort, the right pair of shoes has the power to completely transform the vibe of what you’re wearing.
So today, Tresi and I are talking about 4 reasons to start styling your outfit with footwear, and showing how shoes make the outfit.
I’ll show both of our ideas at the same time to give you loads of inspiration.
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Making sure our feet are happy is an extremely smart reason to start styling with your footwear in mind.
For my example, I wanted to think about being a wedding guest. Sure, I could start with a dress I Love, but if I already know I’ll be on the dance floor, then the shoes need to come first.
I’ll pick a pair that’s comfortable enough for hours of standing and twirling yet still special enough to complement a dressy vibe. Once the shoes are set, I then have a bunch of options for the dress…whether I go neutral or colorful.
On the flip side, Tresi used an example with Travel. In her words: “I decided to plan for a city break in York, which is north of us. Obviously, this will involve shopping and sightseeing, so shoes must be comfortable all day. Also, in the UK, it’s possible to have four seasons in one day, so shoes have to be practical for heat, cold, and rain!
As the red trainers are new to me, I thought I’d try them out with a couple of different outfits.”
And the best part of modern living is how we can wear sneakers with every type of clothing imaginable.
See how smart that is? Instead of putting together cute outfits and then scrambling to find a pair of shoes that “works,” we’re making sure our footwear will be comfortable and functional before committing to the rest.
Insider tip: Shoes first means happy feet and fewer regrets later.
Here’s where the fun comes in. Most of us have been brainwashed to think that our footwear should be neutral to go with everything.
And while that can be true, there are reasons to have a variety of colors of shoes. Even if they are neutrals…they don’t all have to be the same neutral.
Tresi and I used 2 entirely different ideas for this concept. She wore 2 different neutral shoes and created quite a dramatic difference.
While I incorporated a color change.
Here’s Tresi’s dress outfit with tan vs black sandals.
“I wanted to include a loose, floaty dress for warmer weather on our trip. I was surprised at the effect of the nude sandals – I’d thought this would work well, but not enough balance to the outfit, it really did need black to balance the strong print.”
For my example, I wore a similar neutral print dress and compared matching shoes vs non-matching shoes.
I even chose shoes that were very similar, just different colors.
Remember when I used this same concept with colorful sneakers by comparing matching vs non-matching outfits?
Insider tip: Don’t underestimate the power of how shoes can make the outfit shine.
Shoes aren’t just about the activity or color. They also help tell the story of the season and can be perfect transitional items to make our outfits more weather-appropriate.
We all have pieces in our closet that technically work year-round, but sometimes it’s the footwear that makes them look seasonal.
For my seasonal swap, I wanted to show this summery outfit that would normally be paired with sandals, with a fall and winter twist.
Granted, I might wear a topper or tights in the winter, but in reality, it was still 100 degrees when I took these photos, so I gave myself a break.
Tresi did a similar trick with her dress that she is taking on her mini vacation. She showcased 2 different ways to “winterize” the dress with different boots and different toppers.
Insider tip: If you want to extend your wardrobe across the year, let your shoes help the process.
Another great reason the shoes make the outfit is that they can completely change the vibe of the look.
Shoes, just like your clothing, can have a “vibe”,be it sweet or salty. And that difference isn’t just about color.
Both Tresi and I are showing a comparison of footwear with unique personalities. Yet each of our comparisons is with other shoes of the same color.
My version of sweet vs salty in red. My ballet flats with a gold toe give off a sweet vibe.
Whereas my red ankle boots with a ton of metallic detail are more salty.
Tresi showed this too with her black shoes.
Her sweet example is these pair of embroidered black flats with an ankle strap vs her salty pair with a thick platform and heavy straps.
Same dress, two completely different feels.
This is why I always laugh when people say shoes are just accessories. They’re not. Shoes can make the outfit. They can make a look sweet or sassy, casual or dressy, practical or playful, all depending on the style.
It’s one reason we should incorporate a variety of shoes in our closets.
Insider tip: When you want to change the mood of your outfit, switch the shoes.
I wanted to include some editorial comments from Tresi, and I added some dialogue too (in color).
–“I was surprised at how passionate about the challenge I was – partly because I love my shoe collection, but mainly because I don’t like fashion rules, so nobody should tell me where to start inspiration for an outfit.”
Reminds me that we should be the boss of our clothes. Stop worrying about the fashion police.
–“My mother used to say ‘you wear your shoes on your face’ meaning that discomfort will show in your expression – so they have to be fixed or ditched.”
Nowadays, there are so many options for comfortable and stylish shoes. Either that or ways to add pads or insoles that I use.
–“Your practical shoes don’t have to be ‘sensible’. All my shoes these days are flat or heels under two inches, but that doesn’t mean that they are dull.
Starting with the shoes is fun! It ‘sets the scene’ for a vibe.”
–“Nude colour shoes make your feet disappear, for better or worse – I prefer a bit more colour to balance my small feet with the rest of my body.”
Why shouldn’t the focus be on our feet? Especially if you are trying to conceal a tummy or hide a bad hair day…put the focus on your feet instead.
–“Don’t settle for the first pair – there are discoveries to be made!”
Changing it up is the key to building new brain pathways.
–“Thick soles aren’t just on trend, they’re brilliant for pavement pounding.”
Let’s embrace an entirely different type of footwear once in a while…you may find they are advantageous in many ways.
As in all things fashion-related, you make the decision. Do shoes make the outfit?
I’d like to point out that this isn’t the first time I’ve discussed thinking about your footwear option FIRST. In many of my what to pack for travel articles, it’s a topic I discuss:
–The goods and bads of packing for my NYC trip
–What to pack for the holidays
–Summer road trip style-I veered a tad in this one
Tresi and I both agree that picking your shoes first isn’t a fashion faux pas.
In fact, it saves time, creates more cohesive outfits, and makes sure you’re both stylish and comfortable.
So here’s your challenge this week: pick one outfit where you start with your shoes and let them lead the way. Maybe it’s a colorful pair you’ve been saving, or maybe it’s a pair of boots that scream fall. Build the outfit around them and see how much more fun getting dressed becomes.
Because in the end, it’s not just about covering your feet. It’s about making a statement, feeling confident, and letting your personality shine. One step at a time (pun intended).
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Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
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The post Shoes Make the Outfit: Why Tresi and I Choose Them First appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
