Why Wrong Shoe Theory is So Right
How to dress classic with a twist.
What’s Up With All These Internet Theories?
Scroll TikTok for ten seconds and you’ll no doubt hear about the latest “theory” designed to help you understand or adapt to the world around you. Scroll Reels and you’ll hear about it two months later.
There’s Let Them Theory (mindset where you reduce stress by not trying to control others’ actions). Bird Theory (partners that respond to bids for attention like “look, a bird!” are more connected). Shopping Cart Theory (morality test for if you return your shopping cart or not). Red Nail Theory (makes you more attractive to men apparently). Hair Theory (changing your hair?? Makes you look different???)
Usually I’m more in the camp of Natural Selection Theory where people who look to a 10-second clip from a random on the internet for life advice are not suited to success or survival.
However.
I’ve come to believe the Wrong Shoe Theory is very real. And I can prove it to you.
Wrong Shoe Theory
The Wrong Shoe Theory has been perpetuated by TikTok and fashion articles across the internet (coming to Reels soon), but was originally coined by stylist Allison Bornstein, who styles Katie Holmes.
“In working with clients and breaking down the style of our favorite celebrities, I realized what makes a look feel interesting and personal is the addition of accessories that feel slightly ‘off’ or mismatched with the vibe of the rest of the look,” said Bornstein (Vogue).
Wrong Shoe Theory works because it creates a juxtaposition. A contrast. A tension. This is a tried and true method for creating visual interest in paintings, interior design, poetry, styling, and even branding.
Classic with a Twist
This is the creative platform for Betts (the unifying creative idea and bouncing off point for all branded material).
Classic with a twist is paying homage to heritage, yet cleverly contemporary. And it’s also totally Wrong Shoe Theory.
Classic nods to the legacy (did you know Betts is a family-owned Australian brand that’s been around since 1892?). And the twist is a bit of creativity. A bit of playfulness. Taking a more intriguing approach to campaigns, content creation, designs and styling. Whether it’s a pose or a styling decision or a location or a phrase.
Tbh, this substack is classic with a twist. Some traditional fashion and styling advice and opinions, with some personality thrown in.
Shoe Change Everything
This is another one of my favourite sayings (and also the Betts tagline). Because shoes really do change everything. How you step into a room. How tall you are. How smug you’re feeling today. And, of course, your outfit.
Did Forrest Gump say it best? “My mama always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. Where they going, where they been.”
When you check out someone top to bottom, getting to the shoes should be like opening a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.
How about I just show you what I mean.
A button-up and trouser in a super relaxed but tailored fit. The last place you’d think Elle is heading is to the beach. And yet on her feet? A pair of thongs.
Ayo stepping out in basketball shorts. Perhaps a pair of Air Force 1s? Perhaps not. We’ll take a sleek, black pump.
Want to make it even better? Add some pony hair.
A short, summery floral dress in pastels and mustard yellow. You’d expect a sandal, right? Wrong. We’re going for brogues with a long white sock. A good pair of loafers will do the same trick. Preppy and ready.
Socks and shoes have a symbiotic relationship. A lace-up ballet flat is already kind of diabolical, but then you add a sock over a stocking to an otherwise unassuming ensemble, and suddenly you’ve got a fit. Bonus points for matching with your dog.
A sturdy sandal… with a sock… Fashion girlies all over need to send apology letters to their grandpas for when they mocked his choices then stole his style. Grandpa’s culture is a costume. And we’re happy to don it.
A wide, femme skirt with the Dad Shoe 3000. Somehow, it just works.
But if chunky runners are feeling a bit too last-season (or the season before), might I suggest a flat sneaker in an unexpected colourway?
Bonus points for customising with charms. Labubus are quaking in their boots.
Two Left Feet Do Make a Right
Once unseen, this theory cannot be unseen. And it’s worth incorporating into your own life.
A little advice?
Think of the top and bottom half of your outfit as having distinct personalities, and purposely juxtapose them.
Romantic with masculine. Elegant with sporty. Boyish with ultra-femme.
Once you’ve got your outfit sorted, look at your shoe-drobe and pick out your natural instinct and what your last pick would be. Try on both. Which is more elevated? More unexpected? More chic?
It’s a little wrong but oh so right.
One foot in tradition. One foot in trouble. That’s my kind of style.
From your shoe tragic,
Betty xx
Shoes change everything.