When you’re wrong, you’re right is yet another styling theory that’s being touted as revolutionary but is it really so groundbreaking? ICYMI, I’m talking about the wrong shoe theory buzzing about on TikTok in recent months.
If you’re still racking your brain about what this theory is, I’ll explain further. The concept isn’t really a new one but when Allison Bornstein’s TikTok from this past May caught the attention of numerous digital fashion publications, it got legs much like the Coastal Grandmother phenomenon of 2022. There again, the CG trend was nothing new. The aesthetic had been around for a long time; however, it simply gained attention because of social media.
This is not to say that the wrong shoe theory doesn’t have merit. It does, especially for those who want to create unique looks that reflect who they are as opposed to what others might expect them to be. With the understanding that fashion rules are meant to be broken, personal style is best expressed with intention even if a key goal is rooted in function or comfort.
Think of the first time you saw someone wearing a pair of jeans with pointy-toed pumps or lug sole boots with a dress, what was your reaction? If you’re like me, it was a puzzled WTF. But nowadays, I’ll bet that these are among your go-to looks. The wrong shoe theory is all about putting a twist on an outfit with unexpected footwear. As I said before, nothing really new except that the trend now has a catchy name.
Whether or not you’ve been aware of it, the theory works and it extends beyond pairing a slip skirt with sneakers. It’s about choosing shoes that oppose the aesthetic of the rest of your outfit. For example, with an airy summer dress, you’d skip the strappy sandals and opt for a pair of moto boots or academic loafers instead. There’s a method to the madness of this styling hack and it’s approved by fashion’s trendiest insiders. What is shocking one day becomes the height of fashion the next.
Among the really great things about the wrong shoe theory is that it’s fully inclusive. Anyone, of any age, gender, and/or size, can apply it to their styling choices. It also costs nothing because gives you the freedom to think outside the box with the wardrobe you already own. And last but not least, your feet no longer need to suffer in order for you to be stylish. While I personally don’t think that flip-flops, crocs, or anything that looks like a slipper should be considered fashionable, those choices also fit with the wrong shoe theory premise. You do you, boo.
Before I get to the explanation behind my limited demonstration of this theory, let me offer up a few resources for you to see some other wrong shoe matchups. This article on WhoWhatWear.com shows several street-style looks as does this one on Refinery29.com. And in another, a reporter on PureWow.com shows four side-by-side compare/contrast examples that do a great job of demonstrating the power of the theory.
As for my compare/contrast examples, I’d originally started out with two but I couldn’t resist the impulse to add in a third. In line with the overall academia theme for this month, I put together the first look using top and loafers from the Style Remix: Varsity Rules collection with my denim skirt and my gray plaid blazer. Very serviceable and easy to wear even if just a tad stodgy.
To kick it up a notch and test out the wrong shoe theory, my first thought had been to switch out the loafers for a pair of new-to-me Mango combat boots that I’d recently found at a local thrift shop. Oh, but then I found the Moto-style ones at a buy/sell/trade store that I bought with credit I got from selling them some stuff and decided to go with them instead. I even added a cross-body purse for added interest.
Then I thought how much more wrong could I go and that’s when I decided to try the look with western boots. It seems that any time you add a pair of western boots to a look it’s an unexpected choice unless you’re actually out wrangling steer or riding a horse.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, PERFECT CORD SKIRT, was contributed by Gail over at Is This Mutton?. I adore her choice of light-colored boots for this quintessential Autumn look.
It’s important to remember that fashion is best when it’s not bogged down by rules. The wrong shoe theory doesn’t even have to be restricted to footwear. Why not give the ‘wrong’ jacket or ‘wrong’ handbag a whirl if you’re feeling experimental. What style decisions do you make that indicate the intentions and choices in your look that are reflective of your personality?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photo credit: MMPerez
13 Comments
The only way I even remotely embrace this idea is with wearing flip flop with my jeans and sweater on fall days that aren’t super cold… but then again I opt for my flip flops anytime I can wear them. I really don’t like any other shoes and rarely can last a day in a single pair of anything else.
haha …….. me too! I even have Ugg sandals! The traditional tan suede for the flip flop straps (with fleece underneath). I live in North Texas, so that works most of the winter ~ especially if I wear longer jeans over them
Mm, that’s quite a difficult one. I think if it feels good, it is good. To the person who is wearing it of course. Because when I wear ballerinas it looks just stupid, under whatever. But if another woman wears it I love it. So that’s what makes it difficult. But if it feels good it’s good!
Thrilled to be a featured favorite! Thank you. I’m not very adventurous when it comes to unexpected shoes with certain outfits. I like statement shoes – colorful brogues for example- but prefer to wear them with jeans or leggings rather than a dress.
I think it definitely has merit. I’m not a sneakers person but I do find myself reaching for them now with dressier outfits. It’s the juxtaposition that I like. Love those western boots with your outfit!
I like wearing a contrasting shoe like a combat boot or sneaker with a dress. The only time I am really picky with how a shoe look is with a cropped pant and midi skirt. Of course sneakers go with both but my other shoe choices or usually based on the shaft height of the shoe.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I have not heard of this theory so thanks for sharing! I like the idea and love the examples you demonstrate here. I pick shoes that make my legs look longer since I’m very short. Love this denim skirt and blazer combo!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Count on you, Rena, to bring me up to date on a new trend! I’m pretty much a high-heeled strappy sandals with skirts and dresses kinda girl, and other styles with jeans and dress pants. But I’m happy to see all the fun ways others mix it up with the “wrong” shoes! Thanks for hosting.
I had never heard of the theory, but I use it almost all the time. The only look I don’t like on me is the sneaker with a dress. I think it’s because my Adidas sneakers are still too white. When they reach the appropriate level of grunge, then I’ll attempt to wear them with dresses. Thanks for the link up!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Hi Renna what an interesting concept and I totally get it and probably use it without even realising it. I do like your loafers as I’m partial to animal print but the boots look great too! I’ve linked up for the first time with you so hopefully will join you on a regular basis.
HI Renna I haven’t heard of this theory before but totally get it and probably use it without realising it. I do like your loafers as I’m partial to animal print but the boots look great too. Fashion to me is wearing what makes you feel good. Thanks for the link up.
https://www.womenlivingwellafter50.com.au/
Living in North Texas, you can wear cowboy boots whenever you want, with whatever you want! They look really cute with shorter, fit & flare dresses ~ or tight jeans tucked into them. I have about 6-7 different mid-calf & a mid-thigh pair ~ plus some slip-on Western booties. But, those pointy toe shoes could be the only thing left in my size in a shoe store, and I still won’t buy them! U*G*L*Y besides being terrible for your feet. It’s either boots or flip flops for me.
Love, love, love this and how you showed it with different options. Totally sharing in my email,
XOOX
Jodie