Styling Your Shoes Wrong Has An Unexpected Benefit

Regardless of what look you're going for, it's always important to maintain flow in your styling. The rule of looking "put together" or "intentional" applies to every fashion sense, whether you're a maximalist who loves edgy trends and bold colors or a minimalist opting for a neutral, quiet aesthetic. But while the rule stands, there is one exception: the "wrong-shoe theory," a term coined by stylist Allison Bornstein on social media. In an exclusive conversation with Glam, Peter Martinez, fashion stylist, co-founder, and designer at the Leather Skin Shop, explains that it is possible to go rogue with your footwear, as long as you stay within some boundaries.

"The concept, better known as the 'wrong-shoe theory' aims to create a striking visual contrast and improve your style overall," Martinez explains. "Similar to the 'color-blocking extravaganza' or the famous 'unexpected accessories,' wearing wrong shoes with an outfit reflects a person's personal style and creativity. The self expression portrayed as a result of these style moves is a great way to break the conventional fashion norms."

Wearing unexpected footwear certainly brings an aspect of uniqueness to an outfit, but Martinez stresses that there are still guidelines if you want to do the "wrong-shoe theory" justice. Namely, there still has to be some thought behind your shoe choice no matter how out of place it seems so that the overall ensemble remains "cohesive and intentional," according to Martinez.

According to Peter Martinez, keeping your look cohesive — even if it contains surprising footwear — is crucial. " ... [I]f the shoes are so different that they dominate the outfit or confuse the overall message, it may stop 'clicking,'" he tells Glam exclusively. Above all, Martinez tells us it's important to feel "confident and authentic" in your footwear, and this comes down to three simple criteria: color coordination, style compatibility, and balance. "The extent to which you can diverge from traditional matching norms when pairing shoes with outfits depends on the color, style, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve," the stylist adds. 

When it comes to color, Martinez says that your shoes should match the wider palette you're wearing, even if there's some contrast. Formality also plays a role. "For casual wear, a stark contrast might work, but for formal contexts, it can feel jarring," Martinez notes. "For instance, pairing bright-red sneakers with a muted outfit can create a bold statement, but if the colors clash too much, it may detract from the overall look." Considering the formality is also important for style compatibility. "For example, wearing casual sneakers with a tailored suit might seem disjointed unless done intentionally with a clear fashion statement in mind," Martinez says, warning that it's easy to cross the boundary from cool to clashing.

Finally, the style expert shares that "incorporating elements that echo" the details of your footwear in the rest of your outfit will help to strike that balance. If you're going for patent pumps, you might want to go for a patent handbag, too. Or if your loafers have metallic detail, you could play that up with gun-metal jewelry or a Barbiecore metallic manicure.

The "wrong-shoe theory" can be effective when done properly, but it's by no means the only way to leave a mark with your footwear. If you want to go for shoes that are more aligned with the rest of your outfit, Peter Martinez says that they'll still land perfectly if you follow a few tips. The main point to be aware of is that your footwear choice should always serve as one piece of a larger puzzle, which is your whole outfit. You can achieve this harmony either by matching or contrasting, as long as the elements flow well together.

"Combining different materials can elevate your look," Martinez advises in our exclusive conversation, adding that wearing "suede ankle boots with a lustrous leather or rugged denim outfit" always works wonders. It's also important to note that some shoes simply stand out more than others, and you should allow them to shine — especially if they're going to make a neutral outfit more interesting. "If you have a pair of eye-catching shoes, let them be the focal point of your outfit," Martinez suggests. "For instance, a pair of heels with large frilly bows instantly brings up the style meter reading of a plain dress. The key is to choose simpler clothing that complements but doesn't compete with your footwear."

In terms of color, Martinez believes that you can't go wrong with neutrals. "Footwear in black, brown, nude, or navy colors are incredibly versatile, which is why you should have a pair of each in your footwear closet," he says. "If your outfit is patterned or colorful, consider selecting one color from the pattern for your shoes to maintain harmony." By introducing the same tone in your footwear and other areas of your outfit, you'll avoid it coming off as totally random and end up with a perfectly balanced 'fit.