Q. Jordan,
I own these colored jeans [both from the Gap’s 1969 line]:
What shoes do I wear with them? I feel like little black flats are too cutesy for such a trendy item. What do you think?
Thanks!
Shawn
A. The best thing about colored jeans is that they do the work of making an outfit awesome for you – you can get away with the simplest-ever top and shoes, and still look cute and pulled-together. But that said, I hear ya: while I don’t necessarily agree that black flats have to be cutesy (the Sigerson Morrison for Madewell style pictured above, for example, is sleek and gorgeous), they’re sorta…obvious. And yeah, a little boring.
So here are some more fun shoe styles to throw into the mix:
1. Dressed-up loafers
This fall, slip-on loafer-style shoes are everywhere (I wrote about the House of Harlow driving shoes already, but you can find great options at pretty much any price). I’m partial to black with tassels or studs, and think the pair pictured above is pretty much perfection…but they’re also a fortune. The Steve Madden Madee is a fabulous alternative, and comes in almost any color or pattern you can think of (just make sure to keep your top on the simpler side if you go for, say, leopard).
2. Ankle boots
I recently wore a pair of bright-blue skinny jeans with a pair of thick stacked-heel ankle boots, and loved the look – in fact, I like this heel style generally for fall (here’s another example with sandals and black skinny jeans). It’s OK to let the bottom of the jeans bunch a bit around the boots, but if that bugs you just give them a little roll so you show a touch of skin.
3. Mid-heeled pumps
For a more ladylike, dressed-up option, try a nude mid-heel pump with no platform (like the Steve Madden Unityy). On top, try a cardigan layered over a vintage blouse and secured with a skinny belt around the waist – so cute, and so perfect for transitional weather.
4. Knee-high boots
This is my go-to look for fall days when I want to run around stylishly but comfortably: skinny, stretchy jeans and Steve Madden Roady boots (the brown color would look great with your olive jeans; try the black ones with your cobalt pair).
5. Metallic ballerina flats
Easy, polished, and comfortable, and a nice alternative to black flats (these New York & Company gold ballerina slippers also come in gunmetal and black).
