It is what it sounds like. Coined by stylist Allison Bornstein, the "wrong shoe theory" presents a simple yet ingenious idea: to create a head-turning look by deliberately teaming your outfit with a seemingly wrong pair of shoes.
Basically, to make your look instantly more interesting, the formula is to go for the unpredictable. Your choice of footwear should defy expectations. Still confused? Read on below.
How to Pull Off the "Wrong Shoe Theory"
Imagine wearing sneakers with a tailored uniform, or choosing combat lace-up boots to pair with a dainty summer dress. The magic lies in the clever juxtaposition, where the goal is not to find a perfect match but to revel in the art of opposites attract. By embracing the mismatched look, the end-result unexpectedly disrupts styling norms.
Of course, with Tiktok doing its job, it didn't take long for celebrities and style stars to quickly adapt to the trend, making their street style moments more impactful with an unconventional shoe choice. Fashion content creators have evidently caught on. Venetia Alia wore a pristine white tailored ensemble with Adidas Sambas, even injecting an extra sporty twist to it with a baseball cap to boot. Parisian stylista Wendy Swan went for an oversized blazer worn over a body-hugging maxi dress, albeit her otherwise all-black 'fit was punctuated with a pair of white flat sandals reminiscent of—pardon my French—fancy bathroom slippers.
The Wrong Shoe Theory, As Seen on Filipina Celebs
Ready to test out the wrong shoe theory for yourself? Glean some style tips from how our local style stars are doing it! Check their looks below.
1. Kelsey Merritt
How to spruce up the plain white tee and denim jeans combo? Take cues from Kelsey Merritt and team the otherwise too-casual look with a pair of loafers—typically worn with a tailored ensemble—to create an instantly polished vibe.
2. Liz Uy
For a weekend in Nagoya, one of Liz Uy's double tap-worthy OOTDs was a cobalt blue cami-style jumpsuit that looks like a sultry slip dress at first glance. But to keep things comfy for a day at the amusement park with the kids, the stylist to the stars cleverly paired it with her black and white Samba sneakers.
3. Julia Barretto
Always the chicest gal, Julia Barretto clearly enjoyed her first Paris Fashion Week experience. One of her best 'fits during the trip was a meanswear-inspired look featuring a boxy oversized pinstripe blazer paired with dark gray baggy trousers, which she finished off with Golden Goose sneakers for that laid-back twist.
4. Pia Wurtzbach
Speaking of Paris Fashion Week, Pia Wurtzbach didn't miss the chance to visit the Dior exhibit during her recent jaunt to the City of Lights. The 2023 Preview Best Dressed honoree was the epitome of a lady clad in a dainty beige-on-beige ensemble comprised of a cable knit sweater and a pleated skirt, but she managed to surprise us as she injected an edgy flavor to her look with her chocolate brown pointy-toed boots.
5. Bianca Umali
Bianca Umali has been stepping up her style game, and there's no better way to go out of your sartorial comfort zone than to test out the "wrong shoe theory." Here, she puts on a menswear-inspired 'fit comprised of a boxy brown blazer over a shirt and tie combo, then she ups the ante with a sexy pair of pumps. Sleek and chic!
The allure of wearing the "wrong" shoes lies in its potential to create an unexpected visual impact. By going for a pair of footwear that don't traditionally match the rest of your outfit, you can instantly create a unique and unexpectedly cool OOTD. This simple styling trick is a foolproof way to make your look stand out!
So, are you ready to test out the wrong shoe theory?
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