A Little Color Goes a Long Way (or, How to Wear Red Shoes and Not Look Like a Hooker)

In the comments on this post, Catherine asked a good question: "Are red shoes and clown-attire synonymous? Can one wear red patent leather in the daytime to a job that doesn't include a pole?"


Mossimo Darby Mid-Heel Peep-Toe Pumps, Target, $24.99

Red patent leather can be tricky, for the reasons Catherine points to, but it can also be sexy and classic all at once. Red shoes can work like a great bag or a dramatic piece of jewelry to personalize an otherwise basic suit or pair of jeans. Let your shoes be the focal point of your outfit; don't overwhelm them with too many other bright pieces. The pumps pictured here (thank you for the link, Catherine!) would be fantastic with a pair of tailored neutral trousers or a neutral skirt. Keep the rest of your outfit fairly simple, though--a crisp white shirt and a navy skirt, for example--and err on the side of a more conservative line. Pairing red shoes with a plunging neckline or skin-tight jeans or a short short skirt is a big no for daytime. Or, really, for ANY time.

For colder weather, wear your bright shoes (yes, even peep toes) with black tights and a black skirt. The pop of color at the end of a long, dark line of legs is fun and surprising but not over the top, and tights with peep toes is a little bit funky (but wear actual TIGHTS, not panty hose; the look should be deliberately off beat).

If you're still nervous about looking clown-like in red shoes, opt for red suede instead of patent, or a ballet flat or loafer instead of a pump. Or look for a black shoe with red detailing, for just a dash of color. Small details like the peep toe or a bow or buckle will also make your red shoes look professional (and not in a pole dancer kind of way).