Middle Aged Mama

Blogging about my Midlife Adventures

Red Shoe Shuffle

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Red shoes

If you are on a tight budget, coloured shoes are something you probably only dream about. Most likely your shoes are black or some other neutral, so that they go with nearly everything.

I’ve never really been able to afford the luxury of unusual or colourful shoes either, so you’re not alone. But when possible, I *do* like to include a pair of red shoes in my wardrobe.

That’s because I’ve found that red is probably the easiest colour to work into everyday wear. Red – more than any other colour (black isn’t a colour silly, it’s a shade!) – will come up trumps when it comes to the old cost per wear ratio.

A couple of months ago I needed a pair of black ballet flats and it just so happened that Williams the Shoemen had a great special – buy one pair, get the second half price. I liked these shoes by Instep so much I came home with a patent black pair AND a patent red pair for $60 (originally $40, second pair $20 – that works out to $30 each). Although it felt a bit extravagant at the time, I haven’t regretted it for a moment. In fact, I would almost go so far as to say that I am getting more wear out of the RED shoes than the black!

How to Wear Red Shoes

I am just loving the pop of colour that red brings, especially at this time of year when we are wearing black, grey and darker colours. It really isn’t hard to incorporate into your daily style. My hot tip: A red scarf and / or necklace definitely helps to bring about a coordinated look. See pictures below: I already had a red cardigan (although I don’t like it with this dress, makes me look shapeless!); the scarf is from Miss 16’s wardrobe; and I’m still looking for a budget necklace to add to my look (any recommendations?).

How to wear red shoes

Red shoes bring a touch of magic to your everyday wardrobe. Just think of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz! 😉

Would a pair of red shoes make you want to dance, or is it just me?!

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Comments

  1. This post really caught my eye because I LOVE LOVE LOVE red shoes! I’ve done the same thing – bought two pairs, one red, one black and the red pair has always had more wear – glad I’m not the only one!

  3. They look fabulous. I don’t wear enough colour. I admire colour on others and always think they look great but I always feel like I look like a clown when I try to wear coloured shoes. The same when I try on bright lipsticks. It always looks so great on others, but I don’t feel like I can pull it off. And great bargain shopping by the way 🙂

    • I’m not sure I can pull off a bright lipstick either but these shoes are great – and very comfy too!

  4. Swap Red for Yellow, in my life
    I have yellow shoes. They do exactly the same for me. I love them to death – unfortunately they only cost $5 from Best N Less (that’s not the unfortunate part) and the quality was about what you’d expect. But we soldier on. I also have a pair of yellow wedge espadrilles, but they’re not as comfy.
    My best accessory match is with a yellow beaded necklace, and I also have a yellow handbag, but not all at once – that’s a bit too matchy matchy for me.

    • I’m not a yellow girl myself. I did toy with the idea of purple for a while but keep coming back to good ol’ RED.

  5. I just LOVE those red shoes. I have a fave pair of patent red strappy sandles that I wear every day in summer … and really haven’t got my brain clicked into gear to replace them with something for winter. They are going on my shopping list! Cheers, Alison #IBOT

  6. Damnit Janet, now I want a pair of red shoes!!!!! They look fantastic, and you look fantastic IN them! I have black, grey and beige shoes. I’m not kidding, NO colour at all, except the purple on my Asics! x Aroha

  8. I love coloured shoes and wear them a lot, red it one of my go to colours for sure. I also have a pair of multicoloured ones which I love because they pretty much go with everything.

    • I haven’t been brave enough to try multicoloured ones, but I will have to try them one of these days!

  9. Love red shoes. I find they go with a lot of outfits too and look great with jeans. I love good deals and there see,s to be good sales at the moment for shoes.
    I found your blog via IBOT too.

  10. I love the red shoes, I have a pair of hot pink patent leather doc martins that I love!

    • Ooo hot pink is another great choice :-). Miss 16 has red patent Docs and just ADORES them.

    • I hope they still have some Sam – I checked last night and could only see black ones online but it might be different instore.

    • I’m only just discovering the joy of red accessories now – must be a slow learner 😉

  14. well for me red something as well! I have a red bag, red pair of high heel sandal shoes and red earrings. There must be something about red. It goes well with black and white!

  15. Oh I LOVE a red shoe! I wish I could post a shot here but I did take a picture of a red shoe jumble of mine and instagrammed it a few months ago. Go you- throw that nasty old caution to the wind 😉 #teamIBOT

  16. What a great way to add some colour to an outfit. I tend to do the scarf thing and stick with my black shoes !!!! I would say I have about maybe 10 pairs of flats, boots, work shoes etc – ALL black ! A wants to know how many pairs of black shoes one person needs !!!!!
    Have a great day !
    Me