On Giving White Shoes a Chance

Alexander Wang S/S 2012

Boat loads of color exploded everywhere during the last runway season so it was refreshing to see some designers take a different approach south of the ankle. Rather than integrate the footwear into what could have been an easy package of human rainbow, folks like Alexander Wang and Celine's Phoebe Philo experimented with wearable shoe silhouettes in hues of white. There's a stigma attached to embracing the white shoe: labor day woes, the wedding day pigeon hole, general discomfort about the notion of looking down and recognizing either a. an 80s flick prom scene, b. your uncanny ability to dirty something in just a few strides and c. the white shoe on your foot. Just take a moment though to examine the trickling from runway to real life.

images via Stockholm Streetstyle

Maybe not real life per se, but most certainly off a runway. To the left, enjoy Caroline Sieber in Hocus Pocus inspired Chanel snap booties and to the right, knee high flat white boots that don't suffer the plague of the aforementioned 80s prom flick kickback or too deep a reflection on when mod style ruled. Though it did you know, rule. Below now, find a few outfits built on the incorporation of white footwear into yo'wardrobe. Love it, live it, learn it, be it. Extra repeller points should the shoes match your skin tone.

Left: Pair a plaid blouse with a striped peplum jacket and high waist denim cut offs to contrast your white open sandals. These are Chloe from The Outnet. Remember the note about pretentious headwear and engage in acting a fool. The Asos scallops are a darling old touch. A tribal necklace a la DANNIJO to add a small hint of new theme. Center: Behold, Margiela ankle boots. Give them a metallic pencil skirt with cool graphic tee, in this case, Batman overcomes all. Two bold gold cuffs, via Charm and Chain and Pamela Love to make partying arms an easy process. And finally, vive le 90s. A floral print playsuit from Topshop to compliment some sneaker flatform hybrids. Add a colored leather jacket in Spring's favorite orange, earrings and sunglasses if you want to. So, will you be giving the trend a try or what?