The ‘wrong shoe theory’, a fashion trend that involves pairing seemingly ordinary outfits with unconventional and often ‘ugly’ footwear, has taken the fashion world by storm. Last year, it was practically impossible to scroll through any fashion magazine’s website without encountering the term, coined by stylist Allison Bornstein. Now, over a year later, celebrity trendsetter Emily Ratajkowski is championing the trend, embracing the ‘wrong shoe’ aesthetic with her own unique flair.
Ratajkowski, known for her bold and experimental style, is among a growing number of fashion enthusiasts who are adding a touch of unexpectedness to their looks by pairing everyday outfits with unconventional footwear. She joins the ranks of fellow fashion icons like Jennifer Lawrence, Katie Holmes, Ashley Olsen, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kylie Jenner, all of whom have embraced this playful styling trick.
Recently, Ratajkowski was spotted rocking a perfectly inoffensive dog-walking ensemble: a body-hugging aubergine-hued spaghetti-strap tank top paired with sporty olive-green drawstring pants. To elevate the look, she added a touch of femininity with gold jewelry and black cat-eye sunglasses. However, instead of opting for classic ballet flats or a pair of trusty Sambas, Ratajkowski decided to zig where others zag. She chose a pair of Brain Dead X Oakley slip-ons patterned with imitation python and pockets of purple-blue gel, known as the ‘Team Flesh’ silhouette. These shoes are undeniably bold and definitely not for the faint of heart, designed for those who aren’t afraid to push the boundaries of fashion.
While Ratajkowski is a longtime fan of sporty shoes, from Adidas Sambas to Vans checkerboard slip-ons, she’s taking her love for unconventional footwear to a whole new level this summer by wholeheartedly committing to the ‘wrong shoe’ trend. She’s been spotted wearing her Brain Dead X Oakley slip-ons with a variety of outfits, from an asymmetrical black off-the-shoulder tee and a slate grey miniskirt to a simple tank and shorts, and even a sexy, sheer white pointelle skirt set.
The ‘wrong shoe’ theory, with Ratajkowski leading the charge, has proven that the world of fashion is all about breaking the rules and having fun with your style. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected combinations can be the most exciting and ultimately, the most stylish. Where this trend will go next, and what other unconventional footwear choices Ratajkowski will embrace, remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, the ‘wrong shoe’ theory isn’t going away anytime soon.
