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. 

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