Avoiding Frumpy Footwear

For those who are minimalist about wardrobe, dressing tends to be formulaic where clothing stays pared down and accessories get amp’d up. This includes footwear, which is perhaps the funnest place to flaunt personal flair. From pops of color to statement hardware to daring designs, shoes channel our personal style with a punch of panache minimalist outfits often need. As an outfits’ focal point, shoes must be smart, sharp and chic, and not so sensible that they’re frumpy. Above all, avoid these styles that risk dating you, your outfit and your personal style:

1. Keds
   Keds Champion Originals are the quintessential grandma sneaker. Despite the simple and clean design, they’ve never been adopted by younger generations or had a comeback moment, which keeps them dated and cliché. Since a simple white tennis shoe is always a great wardrobe staple, try Superga®’s COTU Classic Sneaker instead for an updated version of the classic Keds that’s more fresh and fun.

2. Mule sneakers
   Open back mule-style sneakers take effortless-casual to the extreme, and not in a good way. Plus, they’re just not a great look altogether. A little effort goes a long way when it comes to polishing appearance, so if shoelaces are too much at least commit to velcro. Veja does a great classic sneaker with velcro fasteners, which is a cool, clean and effortless look that doesn’t scream “lazy”.

3. Clogs with heel straps
   Orthopedic looking mule clogs with (or without!) heel straps read “elderly”. If function over form is essential, there are plenty of cozy, comfy, fashion-forward alternatives out there. To start, consider Birkenstock’s Boston Clog in shearling for a wide box, contoured supportive footbed, statement buckle and oh-so-cozy shearling touches inside and out.

4. Wedge flats
   There’s something matronly about wedge flats with their low heel and rounded toe. The silhouette tends to skew frumpy, so look for sleeker design details like a slanted or contoured wedge, pointed or almond-toe shapes, high-vamp or low-cut styles and flirty, youthful embellishments for a more contemporary look that won’t date you. French Soles is a reliable, never-fail resource for the best flats around.

5. Technical sneakers
   Despite sneakers becoming acceptable footwear for mainstream fashion, the look needs careful curation and skilled execution to look fashionable. Technical, all-terrain sneakers with heavy treads and supersized, shock-absorbing soles are not a chic fashion statement, so save them for a weekend hike. Instead, shop stylish lifestyle sneakers like The 327 by New Balance that combine tough and chic into a single fashion statement. Color is important, so choose a hue that either anchors your outfit with your best light or dark neutral, or accessorizes it with your best accent color. Now that’s a good look!

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