A to Z: Oxfords

If you have been following 85Dresses for a while now, you've realized that we're kind of obsessed over here about the oxford loafer. Everything from traditional brown menswear style to glitter and candy colored, we've covered just about every style--don't think we're done, though--. However, this Monday's A to Z post on oxfords isn't about these greatly adored shoes, but their under appreciated same-named relative, the classic oxford button-down. 

When word associating with an oxford button down, a first word may near towards either uniform or conservative. While oxfords are a main make-up of private school uniforms, we wore them at my high school, as well, in wearing them sleeves rolled up, disheveled with a fur vest, pattern pants, and the right accessories, this classic oxford instantly goes from a conservative piece, to the perfect base of a pairing to the rest of the outfit. 

To add to the school-girl look if you please, by layering a sweater over your oxford with simply the collar and cuffs peeking out from underneath, your already instant polish is polished even more. Here, in pairing her more traditional sweater and oxford pairing with a leather mini skirt, burgundy blazer, and menswear oxfords--the shoe kind--, she compliments the appropriateness of the oxford with a little bit of edge. 

And, for those who need a basic to work with their most extravagant piece in the hopes of making it "day-time appropriate", The oxford in this image above brings an almost boyish approach to a skirt that is about as feminine and sequined as you can get. In choosing a light blue instead of a crisp white, the contrast between the brightness of the skirt and the solid of the oxford work together better than a stark white might have. 

Although oxfords and button-downs are probably the most common article of clothing for working women (and men) to have in their wardrobes, they can also easily be styled stylishly for work, or quickly and easily changed and altered around for another occasion.

What is your favorite way to wear the classic oxford?

Tuesday Shoesday

Though my love for loafers has since taken over, for a while I was oxford obsessed. I paired the Madewell ones that my sister passed down to me with everything from casual shorts to more formal dresses and always felt that they provided the perfect dose of menswear quality to balance off my typically feminine outfits. Until this pair by Deena & Ozzy, I thought that I was surely done with oxfords. They sort of remind me of glass slippers in the sense that they are iridescent, which I clearly have been drawn to lately. Completely opposite of my Madewell pair, instead of providing a menswear addition to a feminine outfit, this pair appears feminine due to their less clunky shape and size and their shiny exterior.

Do you prefer more feminine or traditional style oxfords?

A to Z: Menswear Inspired

As much as I have a soft spot for extremely feminine and delicate designs, menswear inspired pieces, or incorporating components of menswear into otherwise lady-like looks, is a style that I have been gaining interest in over time. Starting with my love of a pair of Madewell oxfords, menswear inspired pieces focus mostly around fit and quality. Currently, I am really loving a more modern take on menswear with a well tailored short suit that is both polished and whimsical at the same time. 

Below are some of my favorite menswear-inspired pieces. 

Have you ever styled your outfit around menswear? What's your favorite part of it?

1 2 3 4 

Tuesday Shoesday

{Tuesday Pick}

When I think of pieces of clothing and shoes that I particularly like to wear for school (and everyday, too), oxfords and loafers are definitely some of the favorites. Shoes like oxfords have that classic "schoolboy" style to them, and manage to make even the most feminine of outfits have an added bit of charm that makes the whole look perfectly unexpected. This pair from Solestruck, an amazing shoe website, is great in that it's tan and black sections make it neutral, while the cobalt sole stands out in a way that is not overwhelming and can add interest to an outfit in the simplest of ways.

What are some of your favorite shoe styles for school?

Texas Ballerina

{Zara top, Forever 21 belt, GAP skirt, Steve Madden oxfords, and Michael Kors watch}

This past week I spent a solid few days cleaning out my mess of a closet. Tucked behind old uniform skirts and pieces that haven't fit since middle school, I found this skirt. When I bought this years ago, it was about mid-calf length. However, now that I have grown, I love how it is sort of like the length and style of a tutu, but with a more prairie feel. And, when paired with a denim button down and pink oxfords, has the perfect mix of feminine frills and a little bit of Texas.