“I really like your shoes. And you. I admire people who can wear red shoes I think they are very difficult to carry off“
My colleagues comment left me speechless. A little flattered, but surprised as well. You see, shoes are the one thing that really don’t need confidence. They are just…worn.
Porphyra - A Beautiful Red Algea
I love the colour red, like almost all Indians. However, though keep few reds in my cupboard, I wear them with caution, and not usually to work. With shoes, it is a different matter altogether.
I have always had a pair of red shoes in my cupboard. Ever since I can remember, I have liked to pick up red shoes. Its a pity I did not take photographs of my shoes before this, else I could have given a nice series of photographs – vintage, really – of my ‘Red Shoes Through the Ages’ or some such thing.
They started off more as fun in college, and now I have these that I wear to office.
At the moment though, I have two pairs, one rather dull red, and the other a shiny patent red. I am a little particular about the shade of red when I choose the shoes. I sincerely believe that red is a beautiful colour. However, it can look so very awful if the shade of red selected is
a) not suitable to the skin (warm shades and cool shades) or
b) not suitable to the occasion
Once I had red flats, with red sequins holding down the toes. They added zing to my dull blue jeans for a casual evening out with friends. I however, could not imagine wearing them to office.
Red Leather Peep Toes
To start with, are my red leather peep-toes. The design of these shoes are not exactly subtle, but the colour and the overall make of them, thanks to the leather, the stitching, etc., makes them my favorite for office wear.
They are not exactly from a fancy shop, but something I saw and was love at first sight. The toes are covered quite well, and the ‘peep’ is just enough to show a hint of nailpolish. And it covers the feet quite well from all angles. The leather scrunches up as it ends near the foot, to give a nice feminine ruffled look.
The heels are around 2 inches, comfortable and of dark wood-like substance.
I wear this pair pretty often with either dull coloured skirts, or with a black and white outfit.
It brings in a splash of coliur to the black and white, without drawing attention to itself.
The leather itself is patchy in shades, and that brings its own angle into the shoes.
Red Shoes in Office
They go pretty well with jeans as well. The heel height helps in cigarette leg jeans, and the red colour adds to the glam look of the outfit.
However, I still like to reserve it for office wear. It is the bit of daring in formal wear which can make a day brighter.
The next pair of red shoes – and I must confess, I recently got them from Singapore – are anything but subtle. In design they are as formal as can be, but they are a bright red, made of patent leather-like material, shining and definitely drawing attention to themselves.
Shiny Red Shoes
I got these shoes from a URS & Inc shop, and they fit like a dream – and I simply could not resist the sassy red.
The design, as you can see, is a very staid moccasin look-alike, with a bit of steel buckle for show. But the red is tomato, yet in certain light looks maroonish.
From Office in Patent Red Shoes
The heel is pure wood, and gives a nice hollow ring when walking on solid stone floors (marble or granite), which is nice to hear in its own way.
The sole is well cushioned, and in short, wearing this pair is a joy unto itself – and most of it is due to the colour!
So I pair this with my dullest trousers (photo above: shirt: Fab India, Trousers: G2000, Dirty room with tangled computer wires: mine!) The design of this pair of shoes is good for trousers, I dont think I will wear this with skirts, or even Salwar Kameezes.
In trousers as well, because of its shiny nature, it does not go very well with pure black, and thus I reserve it for camel, beige and brown trousers. It then adds an interesting aspect to the complete look, especially when sitting down – as then the shoes become really visible.
My suggestion – on a Monday, when you have the Blues, there is nothing likea pair of Red Shoes to chase them away.
Try it, the next time in office. But do take care that the shade suits your feet, and complements your clothes. Red shoes need to be worn with care, and you dont want people pointing at your feet because the colour is so garish and bright, it robs the shoe and the wearer from any style quotient!
The colour red is known for its energy, its sanctity (in India and China) and its power. Feel free to dip into this reservoir and make a bleak work day some fun!
(Photograph courtesy Flickr)
I would like to state that unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page, i.e. me and do not represent any other person or group. It is not intended to constitute a promise or contract of any kind; or mockery or undue praise, or incite purchase of, any person, group, product or brand (respectively) as the case may be. If you would like to act upon the advice/ views given in this blog, please do so at your own discretion. Having said that, enjoy your shoes!
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