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I've been thinking quite a bit lately about the theories behind our fashion choices, which is incredibly fascinating to me but perhaps not so much to everyone. I've also given up shopping for this month (which is probably related to my new interest in theorizing fashion) which is also perhaps more interesting to me than to anyone else. And while I am still voraciously devouring fashion media, I was a little bit at a loss today when I sat down to write. So I did what any good fashion writer does, and I asked the people what they wanted to hear about.
Okay, I really just asked Twitter. Same difference. And I found out that Twitter wants to know about shoes for Fall 2007.
There are some great fall shoes this year; there are also some that are great but not necessarily practical. And then there are the ankle boots.
According to InStyle magazine, you can wear your ankle boots with "skinny jeans, long tunics or sweaters. An absolute no-no: ankle boots with knee-length skirts or dresses, unless you wear opaque tights to match." I was so relieved to hear that there was a NO on this list, until I read the clarification.
I'm going to say NO to ankle boots in general, EXCEPT under long trousers. Period.
A comparably questionable fashion trend for fall is the high heeled oxford. Again, InStyle is all over this trend, claiming that you can wear these with "knee-length dresses and stovepipe pants. They're a chic alternative to loafers for work; patterned socks and hosiery match well." I warn you: they are a chic alternative to loafer IF you work in a fashion-related field AND you have the legs of an Olsen twin. The rest of us should stick with a traditional loafer or Oxford, both of which are perfectly appropriate shoes.
I'm not good with shoes that appear to be designed to make your legs look heavy, and that will have no staying power beyond this season. Instead, look for shoes that will still be wearable in the spring and beyond, like the embellished ballet flat.
I am currently in love with these, from Steve Madden. Available at Zappos for $83.95.
The combination of bling and color makes them the perfect addition to your basics wardrobe. Pair with jeans and a white shirt or a black skirt and black tights. These are shoes you could honestly wear every single day.
For the office, I like the cap toe pump, which is a nice alternative to the peep toe (which just isn't practical in many climates, after all). This pair, by Anyi Liu, is available at Piperlime for $370.00, but there are a variety of less expensive options out there.
Of course, if the cap toe isn't for you, consider wearing your peep toes with tights. Yes, really! Match your tights to your skirt, and be sure to choose an opaque fabric, not a sheer stocking; you want the look to be intentional and dramatic.
Not a heels girl? Look for a cap toe flat. Etienne Aigner quilted flats, also available at Piperlime for $69.00.
Finally, if you're the type who spends most of your time in tennis shoes, get yourself some great skimmers, in a bright fun color. Keds has a terrific line; these are available at Zappos for $49.95.
This fall, the fashion trends are centered around a return to feminine clothes, even in the new emphasis on menswear. And while I am most certainly NOT an advocate of racing out to replace your wardrobe, a well-chosen pair of shoes--fancy heels or sophisticated flats--can bring your basics up to date and into the moment. Stick with styles that will work for you--don't buy heels if you only wear flats, for example--but use your shoes to challenge yourself. Think you would NEVER wear snakeskin? Try some snakeskin flats, or pumps. Shoes can be very subtle at the same time that they have
