Menswear-inspired footwear has been the newest shoe epidemic since the gladiator sandal a couple years back. One quick browse through shoe departments across the country shows that oxfords and brogues, which until recently were worn only by a handful of fashionistas around the globe, are now almost as ubiquitous as ballet flats. Yet fashion doesn’t stop for the masses, and menswear will not lose its favored spot among the well-dressed of the world. So they’ve already moved on to the next thing—desert boots.
Desert boots, long favored by men as a casual yet put-together shoe, are a more rugged alternative to the jazz shoe or even the brogue. I personally love their versatility, as they could balance out an airy sundress or girly ruffles and also act as a finishing touch to a more tailored outfit, like Carly W’s. In short, it goes perfectly with any of this spring’s major trends, and the style is simple enough to become a classic. While Clarks Originals’ Wallabees have always been around, the desert boot’s recent surge in popularity meant the arrival of many more alternatives. My personal favorite among them is J. Crew’s MacAlister boot. The suede is thick enough to keep its shape, and the rubber sole adds just the right amount of ruggedness. And at $135, it costs just a little bit more than their ballet flats. What I’m most surprised about is that they haven’t sold out yet, so if you love your oxfords but want to stay ahead of the fashion curve, give them a try.
– Catherine Ning
1 comment
Alexandra says:
Apr 9, 2010
I love desert boots! J.Crew will be releasing a heeled version this fall.