Truthfully, is the combination of white sandals and black jeans really all that controversial? Worthy of a “would you, could you” consideration? Whether it is or isn’t I’ll address shortly. But before I do, I want to talk about the power of influence and how easily one can succumb to it. In my case, I was lucky enough to have been influenced by a self-proclaimed worst “influencer” around.


Would You, Could you? is the theme for the second Saturday of the month. Such is the question one might ask of oneself when happening upon fashion inspirations in magazine articles, store displays, or social media. Or you might find inspiration in an unexpected place like a sunset, or a desert landscape, or a plate of food.  Sometimes it might just be the heap of cast-offs in your closet.

That “influencer” is none other than Jodie who last month published Blogger Perspective: What Kind of Influencer Are You?. In this tongue-in-cheek post, Jodie listed 5 examples of how she fails as an influencer which are, in actuality, the very reasons why she is successful. So successful is she that I bought my white sandals after seeing her wearing the same pair in a different color.

The whole “square-front puffy-strap slide” was one trend I had been willing to forgo until I saw this pair with a toe loop. You know how much I adore toe loops on sandals, right? Based on the information Jodie provided, I was able to find the sandals online here (and they come in six colors).

Back onto the inspirational origin of this ensemble, I recently saw an article on summer fashions where the model was wearing white sandals and black jeans. It definitely caught my attention. At first, though, I wasn’t sure that was such a good thing. But then I remembered how much I liked the look of white sneakers with black jeans and the popularity of white boots with dark pants. Consider me sold on the idea.

This pairing gives me an opportunity to share another recent purchase, my green flowy top. As you can see, I’m making good on one of the “desires” I included in my last 21 in ’21 post, which was more clothing in deep, rich hues of green. Wanting to keep my accessories, I opted for just a pair of black and white acrylic earrings.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week is Mireille who recently shared a lovely “olive for summer” look on her blog Chez Mireille.

Have I successfully influenced you to give a match-up of white sandals and black jeans a go? Is this a look you would or could try? What are the biggest influences on your style choices? Where do you find your fashion inspirations? Do share your thoughts in a comment.

Be well and let’s stay in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Photos: MMPerez

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38 Comments

  1. I love this look, Rena! The way the white sandals picks up the white in the print and bookends your hair is A+. I don’t wear sandals, but I would totally wear this look with a pair of white ballet flats or canvas sneakers.

    Jodie’s post was really funny, and it tickles me that she influenced you with the sandals.

    • Rena

      Sally, I’m glad that you enjoyed reading Jodie’s post and that you like the look of my outfit.

  2. I love your look, Rena. Especially your hair. I’m sure you hear this a lot, but you have the best hair on the planet. I know you think you need to lose, but I think you look awesome.

    I genuinely mean that. I think we’re so hard on ourselves especially if we have a particular “look” in mind.

    And I’m sorry I got you confused with someone. You’re not retired, right? Sorry about that.

    Wendy

    • Rena

      Wendy, you are so kind and I appreciate the compliments about my hair. My desire to get control of my weight is just as much about stopping the trend for gaining weight as it is about losing weight. And, you did get it right about me being retired. It’s been well over a year now.

  3. I adore this outfit, Rena! The top is so pretty, and the white sandals tie in beautifully with it. And yes, I would wear white shoes – sandals, sneakers, or booties – with black jeans. I totally don’t care about any fashion rules.

    I get my inspiration from fellow fashion bloggers, including you. 😄

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • Rena

      Michelle, I found it fun to put together this outfit and I’m so glad to hear that it be among some of the looks from which you would draw styling inspiration.

  4. I like the green floral top with the black jeans! I have a similar print in a kimono and I love it with the black jeans! I didn’t know it was a rule to not wear white sandals with black jeans – I think definitely wear them! The only reason I don’t wear white shoes often – and rarely wear the cute pair of flats I have – is that I worry about them getting dirty, haha!

    Thank you for the link up!

    Hope you are having a good weekend 🙂 We enjoyed the warmer weather at the park yesterday, such a nice day for winter!

    • Rena

      Not a rule per se but I find white shoes, in general, to be an unusual option for daily wear. I can remember the first time I saw the character Carrie on Sex In The City wearing white pumps and how stunned I was about that choice. And there is the whole “how do I keep them clean” dilemma.

    • Rena

      Thank you, Heather. I appreciate the compliment and I’m pleased that you like the post.

  5. Kathy Terry

    I like the balance of the white sandals with the white in your top. It is a crisp and casual look. I like it!!

    • Rena

      Thank you, Kathy. I’m so glad that you like the look.

  6. I love the look of white sandals and black jeans. And you’re right, it isn’t any different than white sneakers or boots. Your blouse is so pretty and ties the two contrasting colors together!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

    • Rena

      Jill, thank you and I’m glad that you like the look.

  7. How funny you should write about influencers! I just wrote about these pants from the NSale and how I was influenced to try them. Honestly, I just can’t wear white sandals in any iteration. The last time I wore white sandals was on June 5, 1976…my wedding day! I don’t know what possessed me to wear them…with coffee bean hose! I love this flowy top on you. It is a wonderful color for you!

    • Rena

      Marsha, I read that post and I thought you did a marvelous job on it.

    • Rena

      Claire, I’m really liking green this year and this shade is one of my favs.

  8. I am a matchy matchy girl, so I like that the white comes back on the top. Love those sandals, I wear sandals all summer. My Influencers are really the bloggers I connect with. Real women like you!

    • Rena

      I’m glad to know that you like this look, Nancy. I’ve found inspiration from your styles as well.

  9. The best thing about fashion and style is making your own rules. Love the contrast and that top looks great on you

    • Rena

      Make your own rules and break them anyway, right Linda?

  10. Amy Johnson

    That top is so cute and looks fabulous on you!

    • Rena

      Lovely, thank you. I’m delighted to know that you like this look.

  11. shelbeeontheedge1

    Rena, I love this shade of green on you! I love this shade of green on me, too! Haha. What a gorgeous outfit combination. I like the contrast of dark pants with white shoes and these sandals are really cute! I did laugh though at your fondness for toe loop sandals because as cute as they are, I have the biggest bulbous big toe that rarely can fit through toe loops! I do have a few pairs that I love, but often the loops are too small for my giant big toe!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Rena

      Shelbee, isn’t it a great shade? One of my favs. And I’ve got to chuckle about the toe loop things because I know how you feel about them just like you know how I feel about unmatched plaids. We’ve taken up residency in each other’s heads … but in a good way (if there is such a thing).

  12. mireilleftm

    What a great surprise: I was like oh, that’s me! Thanks for the feature! I love the contrast the white and black make especially with the blouse tying it together so it looks purposeful! I don’t think I have done white shoes with black yet except with black dresses and white sneakers.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    • Rena

      You’re most welcome, Mireille. And I’ve seen other bloggers featuring that look of yours too so it’s been quite popular.

  13. isn’t it funny how we are so reluctant to try something like white shoes with black jeans? I think this looks awesome, Rena! I love black and white with just about anything. Thanks so much for the link-party!

    • Rena

      Sheila, for some reason, white shoes read as an unusual color option for footwear for me when paired with something other than pastels. It seems that not all bold choices are related to bold colors.