It’s time to experiment with your style, and join the latest trend sweeping TikTok: the “wrong shoe theory.” There’s nothing erroneous about this innovative approach. In fact, if anything, this out-of-the-box trend encourages you to pair mismatched shoes with your outfit, adding a unique flair to your fashion choices. The concept may sound counter-intuitive, perhaps even absurd, but give this craze a chance as we dive into the depths of this exciting sartorial trend.
Understanding the Wrong Shoe Theory
The “wrong shoe theory” made its dazzling debut on TikTok a few months ago, with stylist Allison Bornstein leading the charge. Bornstein crafted this intriguing style hack to inspire fashion enthusiasts to feel more confident and experiment, to sport dope, fresh looks that rebel against conventional fashion norms.
The principle of the “wrong shoe theory” is simple yet impactful: pair shoes with your outfit that starkly contrast the overall aesthetic.
You could rock sneakers with sophisticated trousers, shifting from their typical athletic context, and changing them into a unique fashion statement. Sounds fascinating, right? And there’s so much more to this trend than just sneakers.
Various Styles Under the Wrong Shoe Theory
Embracing the “wrong shoe theory” is all about making unexpected shoe choices that boost your outfit’s personality.
Picture yourself in a delicate summer dress. Now, instead of reaching for the usual strappy sandals, sporty trainers and crew socks would complement a light, delicate dress. The contrast adds an element of surprise, making your outfit more interesting and eye-catching.
Leggings and an enormous jacket scream Sunday morning coffee run, so you’d expect to see it with shoes or slides, but wearing it with stiletto boots is a more quirky option.
Instead of overdoing the academic look by combining loafers with a pleated skirt, technical trainers like this pair from Salomon make the outfit appear intentionally conflicting.
Take your laid-back track pants to the next level with crystal-embellished slingbacks.
Don’t get stuck up on items, pay attention to silhouettes as well. Pair boxy silhouettes with sleek shoes!
A pair of Mary-Jane flats, the shoe du jour, with a maxi dress or skirt demonstrates how the wrong-shoe theory works in practice.
Yes, these combinations might feel somewhat off at first, but they infuse your look with an element of interest and individuality.
Celebrities Loving the Mismatched Shoe Trend
Hollywood is no stranger to the “wrong shoe theory”. Elle Fanning was recently spotted pairing flip-flops with tailored trousers, while Katie Holmes was on the red carpet in a long crochet gown and Miu Miu ballet slippers. No strangers to distinct fashion choices, the Olsen twins are known to experiment with the theory, often pairing sandals, sneakers, or slippers with their chic outfits. Their approach lends a unique, lived-in aesthetic to traditionally formal looks.
Revamp Your Wardrobe with the Wrong Shoe Theory
If your summer wardrobe is starting to feel a little uninspired, the “wrong shoe theory” could be the perfect therapy. It’s a simple and effective way to reinvent your look.
Not sure where to start? Try pairing your outfit with the shoe that seems least likely to match. If it feels right, you’ve successfully incorporated the theory. If not, it’s an exciting opportunity to experiment further and discover a combination that feels uniquely you. After all, bold fashion choices might just lead you to discover your next signature look.
The “wrong shoe theory” is a fun, quirky way to mix things up, creating outfits that are truly personal and expressive. As Bornstein wisely quips, “This just forces you to mix it up and try something that might totally blow your mind and change the entire look.”
What’s the greatest part about the wrong-shoe theory? “It doesn’t require you to buy anything – it’s about repurposing what you already have in your closet,” says Bornstein and we agree! A very sustainability-focused fashion trend, finally!
Give it a try!
images ©marianne_theodorsen ©theimpression
