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Style Challenge | Brogues

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last time on style challenge, our illustrious leader, brenda, posed a style question: would brogans be appropriate footwear for a speaking engagement?  a few thoughts… for those not familiar with a brogan, they are traditional work boots used by the irish and scots in the wet and boggy countryside.

today this footwear has transitioned to what are now called ‘brogues,’ which themselves may or may not have an ankle top. second, while this type of shoe is gaining popularity— especially with younger women—it is typically reserved for a more casual look. i personally own a pair of cole haan brogues. i love to wear them when i have a lot of ground to cover. they’re chic, stylish, and easy on the foot. i also favor pointy-toed loafers or flats that can easily pair with a dress.

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that said, i think brogues could be tres chic if several things are kept in mind. fabric is of utmost importance: patent leather is a possibility, as is velvet. both are on-trend at the moment and will give instant glamor to your lbd. also, the cut of the shoe will make or break your outfit. a round toe looks more casual than its sophisticated sister – the pointy-toe. keep that in mind when shoe shopping. last but not least, the sole of the shoe is key. brogues in general, tend to be a sporty shoe so avoid a platform or lug sole.

if it is at all possible, consider a kitten-heel. they are a nice alternative to high heels. and are easy on the feet just like a brogue.

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this past week i’ve scoured the web for shoe possibilities. brogues, kitten-heels, and booties all landed on my radar screen. let’s take a look:

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20 Comments

  • Renee November 7, 2016 at 8:19 am

    I used to wear 4 inch heels every day…no more! Its boots or flats now and I love them both…

    • Beth Djalali November 8, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      hi renee!

      isn’t it great that there are so many options available these days? i’m so happy to hear you’ve found several styles that fit your needs.
      xoxo

  • GLenda November 7, 2016 at 8:30 am

    Brogues are great fun to wear. There are so many options available. They’ve definitely moved away from their original intent to being very stylish.

    • Beth Djalali November 8, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      hi glenda!

      isn’t it fun to dig a little deeper into the history behind the styles? i’m a history buff so any fun fact is of great interest to me. but brogues have certainly come a long way. and there are so many choices offered these days.
      xoxo

  • Diane November 7, 2016 at 9:28 am

    Is this where I admit that I am a fashion ignoramus? Seriously. My daughters dress me. I have brogues. I think. I also have many other shoes my daughters think are appropriate and stylish.
    Thank heaven for daughters!
    P.S. I love the above shoes. I think I have several! 🙂

    • Beth Djalali November 8, 2016 at 1:47 pm

      diane you are a hoot! thank goodness your daughters are there to steer you in the right direction. i have three sons that have no idea what an lbd is so i’m on my own… thankfully, good taste isn’t dependent on proper nouns. or our memory!
      xoxo

  • Rena McDaniel November 7, 2016 at 10:19 am

    I am in the same shape as Diane. I try to dress up and look nice at times, but it never comes out as planned. I can’t wear high heels because of my disability…and clumsiness. I love a good low cut boot.

    • Beth Djalali November 8, 2016 at 1:51 pm

      hi rena!
      the good news is there are all sorts of styles available these days. high heels aren’t for everyone, and there are some darn good-looking boots, booties, and flats out there. i’m certain you’ve seen one or two that’s caught your eye.
      xoxo

  • 1010ParkPlace.com November 7, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    I can barely walk in regular shoes, thanks to the cowboy boots from hell and subsequent foot surgery. It poses a real problem when I want to wear something nice, like the cocktail party I’m going to this evening. Pointy-toed, black suede ankle booties are all I have that look even halfway dressy, and that’s debatable. Thanks for the tutorial, Beth. I needed this. Think I must find some velvet flats that fit… The other problem in the width. 99% of the shoes aren’t narrow enough for me. xoxox, Brenda

    • Beth Djalali November 8, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      is there room in your budget for a trip to italy? there are some mighty fine cobbler’s over there that can whip up a custom-made order in no time!
      xoxo

  • liz November 8, 2016 at 8:23 am

    Love them all!

    • Beth Djalali November 8, 2016 at 1:55 pm

      i just never have a problem looking for shoes! now if my budget would only cooperate.
      xoxo

  • Doreen McGettigan November 8, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    These are all so cute! I love boots or booties all winter long. I think once we are over 50 cute flats are always acceptable and so comfortable!

    • Beth Djalali November 8, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      boots and booties are perfect especially if you reside in the northern hemisphere and have to contend with snow!
      xoxo

  • Donna November 9, 2016 at 7:57 am

    Excellent choice of flat shoes! Lots of gals are adding flats for comfort (and safety)… xoxo

    • Beth Djalali November 11, 2016 at 10:09 am

      it’s good to mix it up with all sorts of heel heights! after all, variety is the spice of life.
      xoxo

  • Joanna November 9, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    What’s the difference between brogues and oxfords?

    • Beth Djalali November 11, 2016 at 10:11 am

      good question! the detail is very subtle but an oxford has a straight or plain toe cap. a brogue has a ‘w’ that’s commonly referred to as a wingtip.
      xoxo

  • Char November 10, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    Love this collection of flats!

    • Beth Djalali November 11, 2016 at 10:12 am

      so many shoes. so little time…
      xoxo

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