The line between style revelation and fashion faux pas has become so blurred these days as to make it difficult to see any real distinction. Think about all of the so-called rules pertaining to what one can/can’t or should/shouldn’t wear that so many have declared as rubbish.
For those who have been following my blog for a bit, you may recall that until about a year ago, there was a rotating set of themes for the Fine-Whatever weekly link-up. One of the themes was “Would You, Could You?” where I would share a fashion inspiration that I’d found in a magazine article or a store display or perhaps on 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.
I’m forever on the lookout for these types of inspirations. When this headline, Sarah Jessica Parker Proved This Major Fashion Faux Pas Is Totally Worth Breaking, popped up in a news feed that I follow, I took the bait and click to get the deets. The fashion faux pas, as you can see in the photo, is that SJP is wearing mismatched shoes. Though, not truly two completely different shoes, her mismatched pair are simply two different colors of the same style.
In passing her on the street, one might wonder if her faux pas was intentional or if she simply got dressed in the dark that morning. Knowing her penchant for setting her own fashion standards as well as having an eponymous line of footwear, it’s understood that SJP’s appearance in mismatched shoes is deliberate. And like the author of the article, I couldn’t stop thinking about this look. “because honestly, wearing the same two shoes is boring, and sometimes, breaking a fashion rule can be so exhilarating”
Even though SJP lives a very different life than I do and her outfit isn’t one I would likely ever have occasion to wear, that doesn’t mean that the innovation I admire in her style can’t be translated into my own style choices. When seeing a style inspiration, some might choose to emulate it as close as possible to the original. Others might instead opt to reinterpret the ideas and then use them in a way that is authentic to their own style.
For me, it wasn’t too hard to do due to my penchant for buying items that I like in more than one color. This is especially true with my footwear which considering how many I have (see Footwear Review: What’s Out, What’s In) is likely all too evident. Besides the sneakers in these photos, I have the same style of tall boots in both black and in brown, one style of sandals in four colors and another in two colors, and I recently bought new sneakers for walking in two different colors. I’m sure there are a few other duplicates that escape my thinking at this moment.
The Husband had all sorts of comments about this look when he first saw it. Besides being at a loss for understanding the leopard print and stripe combo, he was a bit amused by the letterman’s style jacket (and offered that I should wear his high school one instead). When I asked him if he had noticed the shoes, he said “how could I not” but declined any further comment.
As to the specifics of my outfit, my jacket was a recent thrift store find. The brand is Mossimo (former Target line) and the date on the label is Q2/17 which means that it was first sold in stores about 6 years ago. It was in such remarkably good condition that it seems to have been never worn. My leopard print sweatpants were an impulse purchase made during a recent shopping excursion and they are so ridiculously comfortable that I’ve practically been wearing them nonstop. I would have bought them in another color if I’d had the option to. The striped tee is by Madewell and I got it at Nordstrom Rack. It shouldn’t surprise you when I say that I have this tee in several colors because it fits so well. And lastly, both pairs of sneakers were purchased about two years ago and the white pair was a part of another inspired look I shared in Potpourri: Winter White.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, What Would Winter Be Without Plaid?, was added by Di over at I Wish I Was Back In Style. There are so many great details in each of her looks that can provide inspiration on ways to reimagine your own wardrobe.
Are you adventuresome enough to give the mismatched shoe idea a try? You can try with totally different shoes, but it seems that the key to making this look really work is sticking with the same style, with the only difference being the color or pattern of said shoes. While one person’s style revelation may be another’s fashion faux pas, who’s bothering to follow those outdated rules anymore? I, for one, am not.
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
32 Comments
Just like when they said matching completely is so out of style. Now monochromatic is back and here to stay as a classic style for dressing. Personally, I love the monochromatic look and this style with the same shoe and different colours is just fun and unique. Thanks for sharing and I love your interpretation of this fashion faux pas. https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2023/02/inside-latest-heart-shaped-handbag-trend.html?spref=pi&m=1
Trends seem to come and go so fast these days. I’m glad to hear that you liked my spin on the mismatched shoes faux pas.
I think more and more people are going to embrace the mismatched shoe trend. It adds a fun element to your outfit!
Jill – Doused in Pink
It certainly is one way to call attention to an outfit.
Loving the mismatched shoes! I am a huge admirer of SJP. Those joggers really caught my eye on your Insta. So fun and chic! Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I’m glad you like the look, Kathrine. If you’re not having a little bit of fun with your style, why even try, right?
I kind of love this! It’s out of the norm but so fun at the same time! And your casual interpretation of it is so cute!
Thanks, Laura. I’m glad you like the idea and how I spun it.
I would definitely climb on board that fashion train, and I just happen to have a few pairs of the same sandals and shoes! But, will I remember? I’m going to really try! I love this because it’s sure to start some conversations, right? I wish I could walk in SJP’s shoes…no more heels for this girl! Thanks for the link party! I hope you’ll come visit on Thursday for Ageless Style!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Marsha, I’m almost a bit embarrassed to share how many style dups in footwear I actually have. Maybe I’ll include that bit of fact in my next shoe wardrobe switchover.
Haha, that’s fun! Would I wear it, probably not though. But it is fun to try.
It can’t hurt to have a little fun.
Ooh I like the mismatched look. I have some brogues in different colours which might work.
DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!
A fantastic trend for the mono look! To be honest if I wore odd shoes I’m at the age where they’d just think I’m a dotty old lady!!
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
Ya, I was a bit worried that someone might question my sanity or at least my cognitive state. It’s one thing to wear mismatched shoes for a photo shoot but am I brave enough to wear them out and about? Well, I went out shopping later that day and threw caution to the wind. No one said any thing about my shoes nor did I notice any unusual stares or snickers.
I once mistakenly wore different shoes to work – at a very conservative hospital! Luckily they were the same shoe, one navy and one black so it wasn’t too obvious. I think you pull this off well Rena, the whole look is edgy and the shoes are so cool!
xo,
Kellyann
The only time I mistakenly wore mismatched shoes was for walking in my neighborhood. I thought something was wrong with one of my ankles because of the differences in fit between the two shoes. It was only once I got home I realized what had happened and was relieved that my ankle was fine.
The mismatched shoe look is fun, and works so well with your casual monochrome outfit! Made you look, right? I remember how quirky the mismatched earring look seemed at first. Now, you can buy mismatched pairs. Also, thanks so much for the favorite shout out, I really appreciate it!
You’re welcome for the shout out and I’m glad that you like the mismatched shoes idea.
Ha! I’m not sure how I feel about this idea. Like many new things, this may take a bit for me to get used to it. But I’m intrigued enough that I may need to try this myself. Oh and I love the striped top with the leopard joggers.
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
Depending on the shoes and the outfit, I might give this idea another go. It certainly is one way to add some interest to an outfit.
Rena, I’m glad you’re having fun with this, But SJP is not the first to rock the unpaired shoe look—I did this long long lonnnng ago when I was in the 7th grade! I have always shared your penchant for buying items in more than one color and had the same tennis shoe in both black and red, so when I put on a black, red, and white plaid garment, I decided to grab one each of the two pairs of tennies. Next day several girls jumped on my trend! Thank you for the fun post and party. My link is #39.
Oh, you are an OG trendsetter. Isn’t it the greatest compliment when you see others following your lead?
This is really appealing to me! It’s not what you’d expect, but it’s so much fun at the same time!
melodyjacob.com
Melody, I’m glad you like this idea and how I wore it.
WOW! You look great! Good idea with shoes.
Take a look at my new painting if you want. Kisses :*
I love that you did this- and why not?! I have done this as well with two different colors of the same booties (I loved the black so much I also bought it in red!).
Well, I really like the mismatched style.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/02/sugary-drinks-may-increase-unhealthy-blood-fat-levels.html
It’s a really fun idea but I am not sure I could do it since I have memories of going to school with 2 different shoes (not on purpose) in middle school!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Ha! I never would have thought of mismatching my shoes, but you totally rocked this look. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 53.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
I did this once – I did get dressed in the dark, haha! I didn’t notice until lunch time surprisingly, and I was mortified! I had a trio of shoes in different neutrals for work and I’d grabbed a dark brown one and a black one not noticing they were different colours, oops! Definitely will be g9iving this trend a miss, haha!