I'm Convinced That the Best Outfits Rely On TikTok's "Wrong-Shoe Theory"

TikTok has become a haven for fashion people. Whether it's spotting a new viral item or discovering breakthrough small businesses, there's a lot to glean from this particular app. But what I'm most fascinated by is how TikTok puts names to ideas I've never been able to find the words for (like the 2x2 outfit formula), and right now, I'm here to share the recently coined "wrong-shoe theory." 

The premise is simple and certainly effective. Once you've built your outfit, you finish it with what would historically be considered the "wrong" shoe style. The idea of the wrong shoes normally comes from them being a different style to the rest of the outfit, but therein lies the beauty of it. It's that mix of hard and soft, tailored and relaxed, cutesy and edgy, structured and loose that adds depth and individuality to set these looks apart. You've probably spotted the format before but maybe not known the name for it—tailored trousers paired with sunny-day sandals, a floaty skirt and chunky boots or baggy jeans and delicate ballet flats. Now that it has a name, the whole idea becomes easier to spot and, in turn, replicate in our own wardrobes. The best thing about mixing styles through shoes is that they don't take away from the actual outfit. If you add a leather jacket to a floaty summer dress, you'll definitely add intrigue, but it also covers up the dress where shoes won't. 

I've added six outfit ideas to show the power of the wrong-shoe theory and exactly how to implement it to add an edge and re-enthuse your wardrobe simply with shoes. 

1. FLOATY SKIRT + SPORTY SNEAKERS

Style Notes: For many of us, embracing floaty styles can feel a bit too twee. Thankfully, the right shoes, like sporty trainers, can ground this style. 

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2. SMART TAILORING + RELAXED SANDALS

Style Notes: When it comes to tailoring, we often turn to structured shoes like loafers to complete the smart ensemble. But to add a point of difference, chic sandals can be just as effective, especially when you're looking to style your tailoring more casually. 

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3. PRETTY DRESS + CHUNKY LOAFERS

Style Notes: Remember those loafers we passed over when styling tailoring? Now is their time to shine. For a dainty day dress that needs a little grounding, add your loafers. 

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4. BAGGY JEANS + BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: With loose and baggy styles trending right now, it can be easy to constantly pair these with predictable trainers or boots. To switch things up, why not try adding delicate ballet flats to contrast the loose denim silhouette? 

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5. SLINKY DRESS + RETRO SNEAKERS

Style Notes: Not only does the wrong-shoe theory add intrigue, but it also allows you to style certain pieces for new occasions. Take this silky slip dress that is generally reserved for special occasions, for example. With retro sneakers, it's a fitting daytime look. 

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6. LACE SKIRT + CHUNKY BOOTS

Style Notes: By now, you've got the gist. It's all about mixing styles to balance out the soft and hard. Here, the intricate lace details are hardened with chunky boots. 

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