The ‘Wrong Shoe Theory’ is the hottest styling trick – here’s why you should be wearing heels with your activewear
FROM joggers with heels, to slinky skirts with loafers, Wrong Shoe Theory is about picking footwear that shouldn’t go with your outfit.
Here, Deputy Fashion editor Abby McHale reveals how to dip your toe into Tiktok’s styling trick.
Tailoring and chunky sandals
- Blazer, £69.99, H&M;
- top, £9.50, M&S;
- trousers, £35, John Lewis;
- sandals, £40, Schuh;
- necklace, £14, Next
SHARP tailoring used to require a smart shoe – not any more.
This season, mix yours with chunky sandals for a relaxed feel.
This trend first emerged in 2013, when Birkenstocks hit the Celine catwalk, and they’ve made a big resurgence for this year.
It’s the perfect combo for autumn, when you want your legs covered but it’s not quite cold enough for boots.
Sports luxe and heels
FANS of sports luxe rejoice – the effortlessly comfortable-and-cool look is going nowhere.
The autumn/winter catwalks were full of joggers, but for a designer-approved look, you need to team yours with heels as opposed to trainers.
Admittedly, they’re not as comfy, but this will instantly elevate your humble joggers to something much smarter.
Flares and wedges
- Blouse, £45, River Island;
- jeans, £28, wedges, £42, both Next;
- bag, £29.99, Reserved
BACK from the ’70s with a bang, flares are everywhere.
But if you’re not sure what footwear to team them with, you are not alone – it’s a common fashion conundrum.
But rather than reaching for ankle boots, try wedges.
We know you normally wear them with a summer dress, but this pair from Next will seriously elongate your legs.
Katie Holmes is a fan, so who are we to argue?
Boiler suit and kitten heels
- Jumpsuit, £35, F&F at Tesco;
- heels, £30, Next
ONE of the hardest-working items ever, the boiler suit is perfect for dressing up or down, so resist the urge to team yours with trainers or boots and go glam instead.
This pointed-toe kitten heel from Next not only adds length to your outfit, but also injects a splash of colour.
This instantly transforms the look into something you can wear for vinos with the girls. Boilersuit queen Gigi Hadid would be proud.
Midi dress and chunky trainers
- Dress, £45, M&S;
- trainers, £70, Schuh;
- necklace, £9, River Island;
- bag, £17.99, New Look
BELOVED of off-duty celebs and school-run mums, the trainers-with-dress combo might not be a new phenomenon.
But it’s a good starting point if you want an accessible way to try out Wrong Shoe Theory.
Forget dainty, thin-soled plimsolls, though – toughen it up with a pair of chunky trainers for an edgier, more modern vibe.
Slip skirt and loafers
- Jacket, £52, Next;
- skirt, £32, Asos;
- T-shirt, £3, Primark;
- bag, £21.99, New Look;
- socks, £9.99 pack of 3, Sockshop
ANOTHER ’90s fave, the slinky, sexy slip skirt is fab for a special occasion, but it can just as easily be dressed down with the “wrong” shoes – and loafers are perfect.
Seen down the recent catwalks of Miu Miu and Saint Laurent, preppy slip-ons are bigger than ever, and this chunky version from Reserved will also add a bit of height to your look – bonus.