Topshop snake booties
If you make one style resolution this year, it should be to wear good shoes. I’ve written many times before that shoes are the most important part of any outfit. It doesn’t matter what else you’re wearing. If you wear the wrong shoes, your whole outfit is ruined. Changing your shoes is the easiest and most effective way of looking more put together. So, I’ve put together a list of my “shoe rules,” in no particular order. You have the freedom to wear whatever shoes you want, but I’m sharing how your footwear choices are reflected in actuality.
You can either react to this post with anger and stubborness to make a change. Or, you can trust my good taste and thank me later.
Topshop black ankle boots
1) If you’re going to buy cheap, faux leather boots, they better be short and black. If they are anything besides short (ankle height) and black, there’s a 99% chance that they look like just what they are: cheap, faux leather boots. Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but when in doubt, buy them in black.
2) Don’t wear flip flops unless you’re at the beach.
3) Don’t wear Crocs because they’re hideous.
4) Don’t wear Uggs because they’re hideous. See this previous post for more information.
5) Don’t wear Doc Martens. Unless you’re six feet tall, they are unflattering and look like clown shoes. There are plenty of similar styles that are much more flattering, like these or these.
6) Shoes wear out. Old, dirty shoes are unattractive. If your shoes don’t look new, take them to a shoe shine or shoe repair. If they still don’t look new, get rid of them.
Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots
7) If you can’t afford a pair of nice over-the-knee boots, then over-the-knee boots is not the trend for you. By nice, I mean that you probably need to spend a minimum of $200. Cheap, faux leather versions look very tacky. Nice OTK boots look incredibly chic. However, cheap ones make you look like a prostitute. If you can’t afford them, try a different trend i.e. ankle boots.
Topshop ankle strap flats (similar)
8) Buy shoes at Topshop. Topshop is one of my favorite places to shop and their shoe section is vastly underrated. Most of their shoes are under $100 and are the rare exceptions to rule number one, above. The quality of their shoes is seriously impressive compared to the reasonable prices.
Ilse Jacobsen rubber boots
9) If you live in Chicago like me or another city where there is snow on the ground for months at a time, invest in a pair of cute waterproof boots so that you don’t ruin your other boots. I am sick of seeing women walk around in beat up, torn, and stained leather boots. When there’s snow in the weather forecast, opt for snow or rain boots. My top pick is Ilse Jacobsen’s lace-up version. They’re stylish and super warm.
10) Don’t match your shoes and your bag. With the exception of black on black, you don’t want to look too matchy-matchy. Wearing two different, but complimentary hues is way cooler. I love the combinations of black and navy, or black and tan.
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