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The older I get, the more my personal style has relaxed. It’s honestly so freeing to be comfortable in my own skin and make less of a statement. Where was this Virginia in her 20s?! That said, I still want to look elevated, it is one of my three style words after all (along with comfortable and classic), and the “casual chic” dress code has been getting some decent play in my outfits of late. My secret to jazzing up my otherwise simple outfits? Shoes. It always comes down to the shoes, folks.
Net-A-Porter has been my go-to haven for the many pairs of shoes in my wardrobe that fit in this “casual chic” category. As you can probably guess, this blog post is dedicated to those styles. Keep scrolling to see the 5 easy-to-style shoes that have made my list!
#1 – Loafers
Gucci loafers styled with my Power of My People shirt* (sz M – review here), Toteme jeans (sz 27 – no hemming required on my 5’2 frame btw), Celine bag (now a few years old – similar here from Loewe) and Status Anxiety sunglasses*
I bought these Gucci loafers from Net-A-Porter a few years ago and they have been one of my best purchases ever. I appreciate they’re an investment, but every time I pop them on, they magically lift the most basic of outfits and make me feel a million bucks (which is practically a 1,000 x ROI in “girl math,” right?!). Given how long I contemplated these before I finally buying them, my only regret is that I should have done it sooner. I wear them to work, I wear them when I want to spruce up my off-duty outfits, I wear them on date nights – they’re comfortable, classic and timeless. The loafers are offered in different colours and as well as in the canvas material, but if you’ve had your eye on these and contemplated getting a pair for yourself, I would recommend that you stick with the classic black. They’ve nailed the leather, style and fit – these loafers are ageing like a fine wine.
#2 – Black mules
Manolo Blahnik mules styled with Henne asymmetric knit (sz 8), Frankie Shop trousers (sz S), Gucci bag and Status Anxiety sunglasses*
Another pair of shoes that I invested in from Net-A-Porter are my Manolo Blahnik mules, one of the most beautiful pairs in my wardrobe. I opted for the 50mm height in black suede (you can watch my unboxing from a few years ago here – spoiler alert: I keep them 😜) and they go with anything and everything. For an iconic pair of shoes, they’re on the younger side having been designed in the 90s (compared with my Gucci loafers anyway), but I honestly don’t see these shoes going anywhere. As for comfort? They’re not going to aid you in hitting your daily 10K steps. The Maysli style might be a more practical option, as well as the classic pump style.
#3 – Chunky clogs
Birkenstocks styled with Sezane trench coat (sz US 4, FR 36), Toteme jeans (sz 27 – no hemming required on my 5’2 frame btw), Celine bag (now a few years old – similar here from Loewe) and Status Anxiety sunglasses*
Now for a shoe that has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the last few years – the Birkenstock Bostons, in particular, the taupe suede Bostons. I like the leather ones, but I feel like they’re a bit too ‘clog’ for my liking. The suede ones on the other hand? A much slouchier option and the taupe colour goes with everything. Now I fully appreciate this is a style that people either love, or love to hate. And to those of you questioning my taste, it’s hard to resist the pull of a proper comfy outdoor slipper with an endearing ‘dad’ vibe quality!
I remember scrambling to get my pair of taupe Bostons a couple of years ago when they were a rare commodity and I’m delighted to report they have been a mainstay in my wardrobe. They may not be the most glamorous shoes but they work wonders for casual outfits if you want to channel that “laidback and cool” vibe that most definitely does not match my personality but I’m happy to fool anyone in thinking that’s the case.
#4 – Elevated sandals
A. Emery sandals styled with Henne asymmetric knit (sz 8), Frankie Shop trousers (sz S), Gucci bag and Status Anxiety sunglasses*
I bought these A. Emery sandals recently and they’re a huge step up from my Birkenstock Arizonas. They feel very similar to my Arizona sandals when worn – ie. comfortable with supportive straps, but these do not channel ‘dad’ vibes in the slightest. While I initially had my heart set on the black leather version, I also bought the tan suede version in my order to try (that old chestnut of buying two colours and returning one) and went with those instead. As a petite with dark hair, I felt like the black leather version was a little intense on me, but the tan suede offers an overall softer look.
#5 – Statement sneakers
adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers styled with Sezane shirt (sz US 4 / AU 8), Frankie Shop trousers (sz S), Celine bag (now a few years old – similar here from Loewe) and Status Anxiety sunglasses*
Finally, we’ve got a pair of coloured adidas sneakers, because, that’s kinda my vibe at the moment! I bought my brown & yellow sambas from Net-A-Porter a few months ago and I wear them so often. I came across these adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers in my recent Net-A-Porter travels and I just knew I’d love them. They’re made with suede and mesh and contrast trim and inject the perfect amount of retro into my outfits. If you want help on sizing when it comes to adidas sneakers, I’ve prepared this blog post to assist, because… I’m such a nice person.
As always, thanks so much for stopping by!
P.S. Shop all of my outfits on LTK!
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