One of the most common fashion faux pas that people notice pertains to one’s footwear. If you doubt your own shoe selections or want to impress your co-workers with an impeccably completed outfit, pay attention to this list of five shoe to-dos this spring for both trendy ladies and fashion-forward fellas.
For Women
Invest in Plain Black Heels
Similar to the little black dress, plain black heels can be a go-to and an outfit saver. Wear them to work, wear them to dinner or wear them when you’re not sure about the occasion ahead of you. This spring’s footwear fashion favors a pointier toe this year, but regardless, a pair of black heels is timeless, yet elegant.
Punch It Up with Patterns
Pair a patterned shoe with your necklace or headband, and any boring outfit can be brought to life. Stripes, chevron or even paisley can punch up khakis or a solid skirt. Spanish prints, floral and bold stripes are looking especially popular this spring. It may be difficult to dare yourself out of a safe shoe choice, but a pair of fun, showy heels will prove useful when your outfit just seems drab.
When It Comes to Boots
Warm weather approaching does not mean you need to retire your fashionable boots. There are methods to make outfits with boots more springtime appropriate so that your flair feels refreshed going from winter to spring. Wear boots with bare legs. Wear light-colored boots in shades of white, gray or light brown. Wear them in pastel or with a metallic finish. Wear perforated styles or ones with cutout details. Wear boots with white clothing, whether a top, a bottom or a full ensemble. Wear booties (shorter, ankle boots) with skirts and dresses that have shorter hemlines, or of course, with jean shorts. Wear knee-high boots and booties with pants, jeans, skirts, long shorts or dresses to keep your feet comfortable and stylish in these upcoming spring months.
Cuff with Fun Flats
The cuffed jeans style is rooted in pop culture and has magnified into a full-blown trend as people emulate the relaxed, messy boho-chic looks of celebrities spotted by paparazzi. Find your favorite pair of flats—basic or glitzy—and go for the classic cuff depending on your style of jeans: The traditional skinny jean cuff, the destroyed jean messy, half cuff and the bold, wide-leg thick cuff. This look is easy, trendy and a springtime go-to.
Make a Statement
Don’t be intimidated by statement footwear. There are easy ways to integrate some sassy shoes into your wardrobe, just start with a simple black dress or a chic pantsuit. Then, add the power pieces. An attention-grabbing shoe—one with intense color, texture or feature like a vintage disco platform—creates a different impression that’s striking and unexpected. Don’t let your shoes get lost; let them speak for you. Bright red pumps or alligator heels demand attention, and say to your co-workers, “I’m a stunning go-getter.”
For Men
Keep It Dark
A general rule that will keep you from getting eyebrow-raised stares is to always keep your footwear darker than or just as dark as your pants or suit. Khakis? Go for dark brown or black. Black pants? Go for shined, black leather. Unless you’re a country rock star, ditch the white cowboy boots. Walnut or chocolate suede loafers or dress boots go well with corduroy slacks. Yet, every rule requires breaking every now and then. Still trending this spring is a more casual look: dirty olive brogues or beige chukkas with dark jeans.
Match
Often overlooked is the importance of matching accessories to shoes. Guys, don’t fret; ladies sometimes fail to remember this one as well. What’s most essential is to match your shoes with your belt, so it’s time to mix it up more than just that single, trusty belt you wear every day. For instance, a sleek, black belt should be worn with black leather dress shoes. Camel colored boat shoes should be accompanied with at least a beige belt. Although, don’t be misguided by the sock dilemma; those should be matched to the color of your pants, not your shoes. And another note: fun patterned or colorful dress socks are in style, but if your socks are white, keep them hidden.
Don’t Save; Splurge
Tattered, old and cheap looking footwear can ruin your outfit and damage your impression. Seasoned professionals can often weed out the serious businessmen from the bums depending on the appearance of their shoes—no matter how expensive the suit. It will serve you well to splurge on not only stylish shoes, but durable and comfortable ones as well.
Vary Your Style
Revamp your wardrobe this spring by adding some fashionable footwear useful for all types of men. One of the ruts guys get into is sticking to one style and one brand. Any man of style should have a collection of proper shoes for day-to-day deeds—shoes that differ from formal to casual and come in different materials and shades. Here are five shoe variations that all men can benefit from having in their utility belt of footwear, if you will:
Oxfords
This is the first shoe any professional should start with. Wear it with business suits and any formal outfit, even a tuxedo. These are your staple, black leather dress shoes, so please don’t wear them with jeans or khakis.
Chukkas
Also called desert boots, these medium ankle boots (typically in brown or beige) are likely the most versatile, yet stylish footwear. You can wear chukkas with chinos, jeans, corduroys or alternate trousers and dress them up or down; their perfect for a comfortable, business casual look.
Vintage Dress Boots
Just don’t match them with a suit and these shoes will also prove versatile and will make an impression. Try to go with the vintage brown style, as it has more charisma than black, and these will make for great weekend footwear or stylish office apparel.
Boat Shoes
A step up from moccasins, yet just as comfortable, boat shoes are virtually timeless and always classy, but casual. Typically worn without socks, you can wear them with shorts, khakis, jeans or chinos. Chestnut brown and tan are classics, but boat shoes are one shoe style you can spice up with color and pattern!
Wing Tip Brogues
Wear a shoe with some decoration. These are an essential for any man who strives for that classic, vintage composition with a little flare. Leather wing tip brogues with their distinctive embellishment and smooth design can actually be dressed up or down (in brown) or sported for a fancy night out straight after work (in black). If you’re going to splurge on any of these essential footwear styles, these are it.
Flip-Flops or Not
Soon, spring trends and warmer weather will entice you to break out the flip-flops, but can this laidback footwear fit into all day-to-night activities this upcoming season? Your favorite flip-flops are easily appropriate at the beach, barbecue or pool party. Yet, wearing them to the office—unless you’re a lifeguard—will not work to your advantage as a man of style. Boat shoes and low-top chukkas are fashionable substitutes for casual footwear, but if you’re just sick and tired of laces, try a pair of trendy loafers.
