ARE WE ALL "WALKING" CLICHES? - PART I

 

Play pretend we're assistants at a typical shoe shop. What customers could be encountered daily? 

Perhaps, die-hard sneaker-heads, maybe, 4-foot pump shoe girlies, how about stripper heeled 'stumpers', classic two-tone Chanel, ballet flats quiet luxury SAHMs or just sensitive quirkies (be prepared, you'll be stumbling over a lot of made-up words in this post).

We can't omit shoeistas who like to be different and make it their mission to own the most unusual, weird-heeled pairs that will have you scouring the internet looking for the designer.

What if we possessed identity cards but for our shoes? A simple card that sums up who we are based on our footwear preferences, a card to hold that influences what shoes we are gifted or tend to shop for. 

Style is an expression of who we are as individuals and it is embedded in our comportment, dress sense, and navigation through life generally. First impressions are a sum total of our outward physical appearance, demeanour, speech, carriage and even our scents.

 Shoes play a major role in one's outlook and this week, I'll explore that aspect through a hypothetical shoe identity card.

But first, let's review 12 major style types, their typical characteristics, suggested style influencers and accompanying footwear groups. This article enumerates 5 of the major styles.

CLASSIC 

(close similarities to the Minimalist  and Modest styles)

The classic woman is elegant in carriage, possesses a timeless appeal, is ladylike and usually opts for quality natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk. Attention is paid to how clothes are made as opposed to innovative design. They tend to stick to the basic silhouettes in monochromes and may shop at the Row, Chanel, Toteme, Khaite, Chloe etc.

Preferred footwear groups include stilettos, ballet flats, Mary Janes etc.

Associated brands; Manolos, Jimmy Choos, Christian Louboutins, Chanel etc.

Suggested style influencer; Solange Knowles indubitably is an elevated minimalist style icon. She wears edgy brands that successfully blend classic silhouettes with newer interesting lines and interpretations. She is my kind of "quiet luxury".

BOHEMIAN 

(also bears similarities to the Western, Cowboy/Girl chic persona)

It embraces creativity in all its forms and expressions, she is a daydreamer, and rarely does she work at a 9-5. She is unrestrained, could be a vegan and an advocate for PETA ( for sustainably sourced leather or leather alternatives). Typical clothing choices tend to be breathable, flowy, and unconstrained. Maxi-dresses, layered with fringed jackets, gilets, and patterns in chiffon, cotton and suede. 

Preferred footwear groups; moccasins, laced-up gladiator sandals, fringed/flat/ankle cowboy boots, wedges, mules.

Associated brands; Isabel Marant, Missoni

Suggested style influencer; Vic Montanari is so boho-chic, I looked no farther.

CHIC

The chic lady strikes a balance between trendy and classic pieces. Mostly body-conscious, they project a covertly sexy but sophisticated outlook and are fans of pencil, column skirts, silk blouses, cashmere sweaters and a go-to shoe staple; high-heels. They usually abhor prints or patterns in favour of solid, monochromatic colour combinations.

Preferred footwear; would be slick pumps in varying heights, materials (patent, matte, textured) and muted colours. For night outings, they'll usually opt for strappy sandals, mules or slippers.

Associated brands; Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, Maison Alaia

Suggested style influencer; Ryan Destiny epitomizes this aesthetic.

 

STREETWEAR

(could be likened, somewhat to the Biker style)

It originates from urban and pop-culture influences like hip-hop music, rap artists, New York City and the use of street walkways as modern-day runways. The streetwear style is equal parts comfort, an emphasis on personal style expression and the confidence to pull the looks off. It preaches attention to detail in tailoring, advocates for a thrifting culture, and employs contemporary sewing techniques like deconstruction, upcycling and recycling, layering and shedding (if need be) to reproduce unique, thought-provoking garments. Silhouettes are usually oversized or exaggerated.

Bomber jackets, Denim, Utilitarian clothing like jumpsuits, cargo and camouflage clothing, graffiti, logos, hoodies and a mix of high-low, luxury-affordable fashion are typical fabrications and fabric types.

Preferred footwear groups include sneakers, boots, plastic shoes and platforms.

Associated brands; Nike, Adidas, Timberlands, Doctor (Doc) Martens

Suggested style Influencer; The Rihanna. A lot has been said and written about her style, at this point, she deserves her very own  ABGAHS article.

CASUAL 

(may or may not be synonymous with Loungewear style)

embraces comfort, layering, and easy fashion that can have multiple functions and does not require a high level of maintenance in terms of iron pressing, dry cleaning etc. The clothes usually have no structure or form to them as per silhouettes. Think T-shirts, sweatshirts, tracksuits, flannel two-pieces, cardigans,jumpers etc.

Preferred footwear groups; Ballet flats, wedges, Uggs and Crocs.

Suggested style influencer; I admit I'm clueless about influencers in this genre. I welcome suggestions in the comments.

Thank you for reading, stay tuned for the second part of this article.

Nago.