‘Wrong shoe theory’ is latest viral styling hack: ‘Dynamic and interesting’
Start your outfit on the right foot — with the “wrong shoe.”
In a seemingly counterintuitive move, pairing beachy sandals with slacks or chunky New Balances with a gingham gown is the latest viral trend for looking effortlessly cool.
Aptly dubbed the “wrong shoe theory,” the styling hack declares that such fashion-forward oxymorons are oh-so-right.
Hinging on the old adage that “opposites attract,” outfits are paired with starkly contrasting footwear that emulates a different vibe from the rest of the look.
For example, a more feminine, floral skirt could be paired with clunky, masculine boots.
Or a polished pantsuit or gown can be dressed down with chunky sneakers.
“When you’re creating an outfit there’s always a shoe that feels like the ‘right’ choice — a sundress would go with a sandal, dress pants would go with a heel or loafer type shoe,” Toiby Hayes, a content creator with nearly 60,000 followers on TikTok, told The Post.
But picking the “unexpected” shoe choice, the 26-year-old said, adds versatility and visual variety to any outfit — and it even expands your wardrobe’s possibilities.
“My favorite way to style the wrong shoe is to pair an occasion dress with sneakers to make it wearable on a day to day, instead of letting it sit in my closet waiting for an event,” said the Brooklyn resident, who is notorious for mixing and matching colors and patterns, reveling in the asymmetry.
“I have numerous puffy midi dresses that I throw on with a pair of dad sneakers and get to wear so much more often than if I wore it only as it was intended.”
While the concept is not new, its popularity has skyrocketed online in recent weeks; on TikTok, the topic has garnered more than 27 million views.
Stylist Allison Bornstein instructs her clients to style sneakers, for example, “as an intentional choice instead of a functional choice.”
That is to say, she explained in a TikTok clip, that instead of styling an outfit around a traditionally “sporty shoe,” people should incorporate their go-to kicks with clothes that may not match the shoe’s athletic vibe.
On Instagram, Bornstein touts examples of the so-called “wrong shoe” choice, such as strappy sandals with trousers or loafers with mini skirts.
“This is why I think the wrong shoe theory is so important,” she said on TikTok. “It sort of signals that there is some intention and choice, and therefore it gives your look personality.”
In fact, it’s why kitten heels and mom jeans look effortlessly elevated, or why Nike Air Force 1s make floral frocks appear flirty yet casual.
And, if TikTok stylists aren’t convincing enough, Kylie Jenner sported white sneakers with a floral sundress just last week.
If two wrongs make a right, then two wrong shoes make the perfect ‘fit.
“By doing that your outfit feels more dynamic and interesting, and it allows the pieces to stand out and make a statement rather than blending in the way they would if it were the ‘correct choice,'” said Hayes.
