Tuesday, July 24, 2007

The tyranny of black shoes

It may be my imagination, but people seem to be dressing better these days. That may not necessarily be a good thing as it may be a sign of rabid consumerism, our increasingly disposable society, putting style before substance, signally the end of society as we know it. But putting aside any serious debate for now, one element of this better dressing that stands out as that we seem to be ridding ourselves of what I’ve termed ‘the tyranny of black shoes’.

In the past I’ve seen many a lovely outfit ruined by an inappropriate black shoe or two. A few years ago I remember going to an engagement party where the girl of the moment was wearing a summery pink and white outfit, finished off with a clumping great pair of black high heels. It quite ruined her look and the image stuck with me (I wouldn’t make such unkind comments really but she was merely an acquaintance and I was there as the plus one of someone else, and it was an awful do anyway).

These days I doubt that would happen as the shops are awash with shoes of every hue, and so much the better for it. Black shoes are a wardrobe staple, yes, but they are not the best choice in every case. If you have to just buy one pair of shoes (the average number of pairs owned by women in the UK is 16, so some people must only have one pair because I know plenty with more than 16), I may even be so bold as to venture that tan might be a better choice – it really does go with pretty much everything (as my frequently reheeled tan boots will testify)

Whilst you still have to tread carefully in white heels to avoid the WAG-look (I’m assuming you do want to avoid the WAG look?), other coloured shoes are now perfectly acceptable. I remember feeling slight risqué buying a pair of red shoes a few years back, but now everyone wears them. Walking around at lunchtime today, I spotted pink ballet shoes, blue heels, green sandals, gold flip flips A VIP visiting our office last week was wearing yellow shoes. Black no longer reigns supreme.

12 comments:

Miss Forthright said...

I'm wearing black pointy flats today- does that mean I'm unhip?! Lol. No, I know exactly what you mean, black shoes definitely seem to be 'out' these days generally. Good job too, seeing as they're often clumpy and nasty.

SandDancer said...

I wouldn't say they are out or unhip but they definitely aren't the default choice they once were.

M said...

Black shoes can be pretty boring. But I hate it when a look really screams for a black shoe and someone (usually a Hollywood harlet) tosses in a bright red shoe out of left field that goes with nothing. I think it's tacky.

SandDancer said...

Yes, that is just as bad and some of the cheaper coloured shoes here do look tackier than a black shoe of similar quality would (anything in Barbie pink especially).

And I should have added that on men, I think black is pretty much always the best choice.

Miss Forthright said...

Did you see Katie Holmes photographed with Posh and Becks and Will Smith and his wife? Katie Holmes was wearing a fab red dress and stuck clashing purple shoes with it. Very poor.

SandDancer said...

I didn't spot the shoes - my only thought was how much better she looked than VB with her strange spherical breasts.

Miss Forthright said...

Urgh, Posh's breasts are foul. They're like footballs stuck onto an alien.

M said...

Posh is known as 'the bobblehead with neck tits' at our house. At least if the jet goes down, she has her own flotation devices on board.

Katie Holmes: the haircut is a definite improvement, but she towered over tiny Tom in those heels...the honeymoon's definitely over.

Roses said...

At the moment I'm resisting the lure of some amazing shoes in Dune. They are high, high heels, red, white and green floral pattern with sparkely bits. Unfortunately, thanks to 3 dress crises I'm flat broke and I don't have anything to wear them with...sigh.

Anonymous said...

You're so right! I'm only a diddy size 2 so I am limited somewhat to shoes that fit but now Barratts & Duo boots have cottoned on I have shoes in the good old staple black right through to pink, red, petrol blue, blue patent leather ballet pumps, purple suede, tan, maroon & silver, gold etc. I think I show my personality in my shoes! Lol. I got some fabulous shoes & a pair of boots the other day so I may blog about them :)

Anonymous said...

& I've finally got round to linking you after being a reader for a while now :)

thoughts running through my head.... said...

I like clashing shoes,especially with girly dresses-not that I ever really wear girly dresses but if I did!