The Season of Ugly Shoes

Is it me, or are fall 2014 shoes really ugly?

Ugly Shoes?

Seriously. Look around! Flatforms, loafers, combat boots and moccasins. It’s like the shoe gods aren’t happy with the girly girls; therefore, Manolos, kitten heels, wedges and sexy boots were banished. What’s next? Clogs and boat shoes? Be still my heart!

I’m the first one to enjoy the new comfy-swank athletic trend, or even embrace the more shabby side of shabby-chic every now and again. But when it comes to shoes, is ugly and clunky really the statement we want to make? Having fall without brown or orange leaves is pretty much the fashion equivalent of having the season with only ugly shoes to choose from.

People want to be comfortable in their fashion. I’m on board with that. As a designer/personal stylist, I’ve always kept comfort in mind. When did the goal change to “looking” comfortable? Is that what we want? I don’t know about you, but I tell clients every day that being comfortable in your fashion is important. It helps boost confidence. However, the goal is to look put together and be comfortable without looking like a slouch. By the way, believe it or not, you would be hard pressed to find a pair of shoes for under $2,000 in the photo above. Ugly shoes aren’t cheap. Shocking! I know!

I scoped out shoe styles for fall, and here’s what I saw…

Uncircumcised Boot

Eek! Orthopedic shoes your grandpa would wear, Laura Ingalls leftovers, round toe revivals, Frankenstein steppers and the dreaded, uncircumcised boots (or at least that’s what I like to call them). Is this really what the fall 2014 shoe gods have laid before me?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m down with a little lace up boot, or even a chunky shoe or two in my collection. But for heaven’s sake, where are the soft, pretty options for fall? Not every outfit can be rounded off with a masculine shoe.

I vow to stay true to the more masculine mod and athletic trends this season. I’ll even break up my pastels with a chunky shoe. But please, please shoe designers and retailers…don’t take away my option to buy pretty shoes.