If you're struggling to make your wardrobe contents feel remotely interesting right now, it's time to introduce the ‘Wrong Shoe Theory’ into your looks.
You know that feeling you get when you sit on the end of your bed and can't bring yourself to put on any of your recent go-to outfits? When we can't think of a single outfit we often tell ourselves we have ‘nothing to wear!’, when in reality what we lack isn't clothing but is instead any form of inspiration.
We're bored of the go-to outfits that we wheel out week after week, and we're in no place to be buying new clothes (cost of living crisis, and all that), but something needs to change.
Enter: the ‘Wrong Shoe Theory’.
Let's agree not to focus on the future bunions, okay?
A concept dubbed by stylist Allison Bornstein but adopted by almost every fashion insider – whether consciously or not – it's one of those styling tricks that once seen cannot be unseen. You'll likely have noticed fellow commuters, colleagues, friends and perhaps even yourself partaking in ‘The Wrong Shoe’ movement - and you've *definitely* seen it on your FYP - you just may not have heard the term for it yet.
So what is it?
Quite simply, it's all about wearing an unexpected shoe; a shoe that would typically be the very last one you'd pick for any particular outfit. And it was everywhere at London Fashion Week this season.
From Crocs and FitFlops with evening gowns to delicately feathered pumps with oversized outerwear and bulky sneakers with sheer lace skirts, the outfit formula was wheeled out everywhere from the runway to street style stars and celebrities over the last few days of catwalk shows – and we're entirely sold on its impact.
“In working with clients and breaking down the style of our favourite celebrities, I realised what makes a look feel interesting and personal is the addition of accessories that feel slightly ‘off’ or mismatched with the vibe of the rest of the look,” Bornstein told Vogue of the concept.
Feel like wearing your new favourite tailored suit? Swap those heels for a trainer.
Tempted to try out the super comfy pyjama trend? Stick on a heeled sandal.
Oversized cargo pants? Pair them with a skinny pointed pump.
A super light-weight, semi-sheer dress? Bulky biker boots would work perfectly.
See where we're going with this? Essentially the more ‘wrong’ it feels, the more right it probably looks…
Scroll down to take a look at some other ways the street style set have been making the most of the ‘Wrong Shoe Theory’ right now.
For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
