22 outfits that prove why ‘The Wrong Shoe’ theory is every fashion girlie’s best kept secret

You know that feeling you get when you sit on the end of your bed and can’t bring yourself to put on any of your recent go-to outfits? When we quite literally cannot think of a single look we often tell ourselves we have ‘nothing to wear!’, when in reality what we lack isn’t clothing but is instead any form of inspiration.

We’re bored of the go-to outfits that we wheel out week after week, and we’re in no place to be buying new clothes (cost of living crisis, and all that), but something needs to change.

Enter: ‘The Wrong Shoe’ theory.

A concept dubbed by stylist Allison Bornstein but adopted by almost every fashion insider – whether consciously or not – it’s one of those styling tricks that once seen cannot be unseen. You’ll likely have noticed fellow commuters, colleagues, friends and perhaps even yourself partaking in ‘The Wrong Shoe’ movement – and you’ve *definitely* seen it on your FYP – you just may not have heard the term for it yet.

So what is it?

Quite simply, it’s all about wearing an unexpected shoe; a shoe that would typically be the very last one you’d pick for any particular outfit.

“In working with clients and breaking down the style of our favourite celebrities, I realised what makes a look feel interesting and personal is the addition of accessories that feel slightly ‘off’ or mismatched with the vibe of the rest of the look,” Bornstein told Vogue of the concept.

Wearing your new favourite tailored suit? Swap those heels for a trainer.

Tempted to try out the super comfy pyjama trend? Stick on a heeled sandal.

Oversized cargo pants? Pair them with a skinny pointed pump.

A super light-weight, semi-sheer dress? Bulky biker boots would work perfectly.

See where we’re going with this? Essentially the more ‘wrong’ it feels, the more right it probably looks…

Scroll down to take a look at some of the very best street style outfits making the most of ‘The Wrong Shoe’ theory right now.

COMFY CASUALS & FANCY HEELS

TAILORING & TRAINERS

OVERSIZED SILHOUETTES & DELICATE PUMPS

ANGELIC DRESSES & BULKY BOOTS

CLASHING PRINTS/COLOURS

BOYFRIEND DENIM & BALLET PUMPS

CARGO TROUSERS & POINTED PUMPS

‘FEMININE’ DRESSES & ‘UGLY’ SHOES

For more from Glamour UK’s Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.