These Shoes Are FRUMPY! | Fall Styles to Skip

It’s a scary world out there.

I talk about bad shoes a lot and when I share a picture of a frumpy shoe, I often get feedback like this:

1. That’s my go-to style.
2. The frumpy style fits my foot better.
3. I don’t like the modern shoes.

If you love the “frumpy” styles on this list, then wear them with confidence. But I’m here to show you why I don’t think they work, and what to wear instead. There’s a more flattering and modern option that fits every foot and every style.

One of the key takeaways from these videos: Just because it’s trendy, doesn’t mean that it’s cute or flattering. Some of the trends we have seen for the past few seasons are intentionally matronly, and designed to be worn in an ironic way by the very young, but they don’t bring out their best and they definitely don’t bring out our best.

So here, 5 shoe trends to skip this fall, and what to wear instead.

Everything in this post and video can be found in this catalog.

The Croc

I can’t believe Crocs made it into my video, but they are definitely a trend this season, and not just among teenagers. (The teen boys around here seem obsessed with white Crocs). Needless to say, except for puttering around the yard, these are not your friend and there are far more stylish options.

Instead of the Croc, try one of the new clogs. They are cute, comfortable, and work with a variety of outfits.

You can find all of these styles here.

The Frumpy Cap Toe

I ADORE the classic style of a cap-toe. After all, Chanel-inspired looks never truly go out of style and these are always favorites. But even with the high-end Chanel versions, we want to be careful to keep the look modern or it can appear matronly, Stick with a sleek style (no 3D details on the toe) in a modern shape (pointy, almond or square) for the most flattery.

You can find all of these styles here.

The Wedge Boot

I was so surprised to see these come back, but I am warming up to some of the styles. The very boxy styles do nothing to contribute to an outfit, so look for a more modern version.

Skip the clunky rubber wedges (top row) and look for a leather or stacked heel wedge instead (bottom row).

You can find all of these styles here.

The Frumpy Loafer

Loafers are already menswear-inspired, and there’s no reason to add to the unflattering look with the addition of overly masculine details. This season’s loafer style is more of a classic penny loafer – not super chunky but not super sleek either. The only really simple and classic loafer that works, in my opinion, is the high end Gucci style, and only because it’s so iconic. Otherwise, look for one modern and elevating detail, from a metallic finish to a cool heel.

You can find all of these styles here.

The Low Pump

I still don’t know whether I love these or hate them. The low block heeled pump is possibly one of the hardest styles to wear in a flattering and modern way, and can instantly age us over 40. If you want to pull off this trend, look for a modern toe box, sleek or suede finish, and other contemporary details. Or skip the block heel and go for a slightly easier-to-style kitten heel.

You can find all of these styles here.

What do you think of these frumpy shoe trends? And what’s your biggest challenge when it comes to finding modern shoes? Let me know in the comments!