I will admit, it took some time for oxfords to grow on me. I still haven’t bought a pair and I’m not sure if I will. But I do like the look of them a lot more than when they first popped back on the scene a few years ago. My reluctance has more to do with the fact that once the weather gets cold I usually just wear boots. I can’t even remember the last time I owned a pair of shoes with laces. Hopefully shoe tying is like riding a bike, you never forget how to do it. Yet I do like the way people have been wearing oxfords, particularly with tights and ankle length pants. I just wonder how my large ankles and super tiny feet will look in them. I guess there is only one way to find out.
Oxfords have a very masculine or androgynous look about them, which can be cute or can fail miserably. It all depends on how they are styled. When I think about oxfords worn in a bad way, I can’t help but think of Selma Green, from Big Love, who wore suits and ties and dressed like a guy. If this is what you want to avoid, in today’s wear-to-work post I am going to give you some tips. Check out the outfits and advice below.
How to wear oxfords
Outfit #1
Choose heeled oxfords
There are so many oxfords styles to choose from, including heeled ones, like this pair from Dr. Scholl’s, that I am sort of coveting. I think if I were to pick up a pair of oxfords this is the route I would take. Having heavier legs and larger ankles, a higher heel would probably work better for me.
I also like the way heeled oxfords look with skirts, like in this outfit. Here I styled this pair of oxfords with a printed Boden skirt and cropped ivory sweater from J. Crew. To add a little pop, I chose this Bauble Bar necklace and burgundy tights.
Feminize your oxfords
Because oxfords can look very masculine, if this is something you are trying to avoid, look to balancing the masculinity by adding some femininity to your outfit. My first step in adding some feminine touches to this look was to choose this pair of Enzo Angiolini oxfords in pink. But you can take it even further.
With these plaid cropped trousers from J. Crew and basic tunic blouse from the Gap, I added more feminine touches by adding some rose gold jewelry, a spangly bracelet from Stella & Dot and earrings from Eddie Borgo. Lastly, I added this pink printed scarf from Lord & Taylor that not only brings color up towards the face, but further feminizes this look.
Outfit #3
Choose more feminine styles
Classic oxfords can be clunky looking. However, with all the different styles out there, you can find pairs that look like modified ballerina flats and loafers, or that have a more streamlined design, like this pair from Stuart Weitzman do. Despite the fact that they have a menswear pattern to them, they still look feminine because of their less clunky appearance. If you are looking to wear oxfords with dresses and skirts, you may find shapes like this more appealing.
Here I am styling these shoes with a green shift dress from Modcloth. With this dress silhouette being so popular, oxfords can make a great companion to them. Shift dresses are typically on the shorter side, so you will probably want to wear a flatter pair of shoes. Finishing this outfit, I added a black necklace from Max & Chloe, bangles from Ann Taylor and black tights.
Shop for oxfords
Does this post have you inspired to shop for oxfords? Check out these styles
I know oxfords are modern, but they are not for me- they look like part of a cross-dressing costume. However, some of the shoes you showed I never would identify as oxfords, like the high-heeled ones or the Modcloth tied flats. Those were cute.
I don’t disagree with you. With the exception on wearing a heeled pair with a dress or skirt and tights, I just don’t think there is a place for them in my life. But other people do look great!
I am excited about this comeback of an old staple. I still have a pair of black oxfords from about 10 years ago that I neglected wearing for a while, and I’m happy to give them second life. They’ve been worn so much the leather has become buttery soft and I expect my big toe to poke through at any time, so I’ll try to make the most of them while they are fashionable 😉 I’m all over the menswear trend, so I’m wearing them with jeans in the weekends and trousers at work. This post is a useful reminder to inject some femininity in my outfits via accessories and have fun with color ^_^
I am so glad this helped!!! Yes, I think these shoes need some femininity to cut all the masculinity. But as you saw in the outfits above, it doesn’t take much. @Jp commented above on wearing them with jeans. Would you mind sharing how you do it?
Of course! I only have one pair of blue jeans and they are bootleg. My oxfords have a rounded almond shape, so they look good with a wider hem (but would not work with flares). For hosiery, I tend to wear men’s knee socks in a fine gauge and blend them to my jeans. Or I can match them to my top: for example I like to pair my black oxfords with argyle or striped socks in colors that work with my outfit. The hosiery doesn’t show when I’m standing, but will peek when I’m seated. This is how I wear my oxfords casually with blue jeans, I hope that helps! 🙂
Thank yo SO much for that extensive comment! I am sure it will help others!!
Hi Bridgette–I have a pair ofgray oxfords by Born that I love and are so comfortable. I am a stay at home and mostly wear jeans. I always question how to style my oxfords with jeans. What cut of jeans and how to wear socks ( or no socks– even in ohio winter?). Black socks look mannish, but colorful look ridiculous. Straight leg jeans make my size 9 1/2 feet look huge, but flare see to be off style to me. In fact, none of your outfits above show long pants at all. Can you give any suggestions? Thanks. Love your blog.
Hi Jp! Yes, I didn’t use jeans because this post was focused around what to wear to work. I think oxfords can be SO tricky, especially when it gets colder and colder. I do like them with ankle length skinny jeans and boyfriend jeans, but only without socks. Unfortunately when the weather gets colder that is just not an option. I agree, I don’t think a flare works and even straight legs jeans are questionable. My guess, once it gets super cold you are going to choose boots over oxfords. I think the time span of oxfords can be very limited when worn casually, unfortunately. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful but, like you, I think these shoes have great limitations in reality.
Jp, I just got a response from another commenter with her tips on how she wears hers if you want to check out! It’s in the comment thread! I hope it helps!
What I like about them is that you can tie them on tight so they STAY ON, unlike slip-on flats or slip-on loafers. My problem with slip-ons is that they just tend to slip OFF while I’m walking!! Easy-on, means too easy to lose them while you’re walking!!