Several of these succinct style practices have been picked up by publications (including this one) as well as other stylists and influencers on social media. As of press time, #WrongShoeTheory has 3.4 million views on TikTok, and Bornstein still regularly receives requests to break down celebrities’ three words, from Tracee Ellis Ross (bold, colorful, exaggerated) to Zoë Kravitz (sexy, effortless, edgy) to Amal Clooney (sophisticated, bold, soft). She’s since demystified the personal style of dozens of style icons.
“It’s just putting language to something that we already understand subconsciously or intuitively,” she says. “Or maybe we see a look on somebody and are like, ‘What is making that look so cool? I can’t tell.’” By learning to think like a stylist, Bornstein posits, we’ll be able to translate trends from the runway (or a celebrity or an influencer) into the style language we—and our closets— already speak.
Below, Bornstein shares her beginner’s guide to putting the wrong-shoe theory into practice. You can also preorder her book here.
Kitten Heel + Something Sexy
“The first instinct of a kitten heel would be like to wear it with a more formal look or a work look,” says Bornstein. “But adding it with a little something sexy is really nice.”
She points to a look from Prada’s fall-winter 2023 runway, below, as an example of unexpected proportions working in harmony with the more delicate shoe for an end result that’s playfully sexy. With mini hemlines, the shoe creates a long line from thigh to ankle that’s unobstructed by unwieldy straps. Needless to say, this isn’t your grandma’s kitten heel.
Get the look:
Tall Boots + Maxi Skirt or Dress
If you’ve just brought your tall boots out of storage in anticipation of those cooler fall days ahead, resist the temptation to reach for your trusty skinny jeans or tweed miniskirt. Try instead the maxi.
“I like a tall boot with a maxiskirt because even though you’re not necessarily seeing the whole boot, there’s a really nice proportion that happens,” says Bornstein. “It looks nice when you walk, and [people may think,] Oh, where does that boot end? There’s something kind of sexy about that.”
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Sneakers + Trousers or Formalwear
Lucky for us, there’s hardly any occasion in 2023 for which sneakers are considered inappropriate. Not even the Cannes red carpet is safe. But it can still be difficult to shake loose the mindset that sneakers are for casual outings only, and that’s where the wrong-shoe theory comes into play.
“I love a sneaker with a trouser,” says Bornstein. “I think that’s always a good combination, and it’s nice when the trouser is a little bit long and you just see a peek of a sneaker.” Office dwellers, take note!
Get the look:
Ballet Flats + Relaxed Bottoms
Ballet flats are making a major comeback in 2023, but for some millennials it’s hard to envision them as anything other than an office-appropriate work shoe. Or the shoes your mom made you wear to middle school dances because you weren’t yet allowed to wear heels. (Hi, mom!)
