Time To Kick Your Kicks
The best indoor-friendly shoe styles for when you really miss wearing shoes
What even is a shoe anymore? Does anyone remember? Jokes on me for foolishly wishing I could just go barefoot the many times that I couldn’t find the right shoes in my closet to match my outfit. Hear that? It’s the universe shouting “WHAT NOW, BITCH?”.
I’m still stuck in winter boot mode, which means my heels and flats are getting an extra long hibernation while I trudge un-glamourously to the grocery store and back, with my feet locked firmly into my black ankle boots as though it were still January. Hey remember January? Only a pandemic could make me think fondly of the bleakest month of the year as though it were summer vacation…
Even though I’d like to think that when this is all over, there’s going to be a surge in high concept formal wear, I’m more confident in the idea that the extended staycation we’re on is only going to further blur the gap between loungewear and daywear. Though at first, this conjures up horrifying images of tourist families in tracksuits and sandals with dirty socks at the airport, I’m sure we can have a little more fun with the modern “at home at the office” look.
I have a vision of drapey satin pajama-suit sets with non elastic waists. Of printed scarves tied up as hair accessories, and of silk slip dresses. And slipper shoes– I can't forget slipper shoes. Which is what brings us to now.
What happens when you combine a slipper and a shoe? At worst: Ugg boots. At best? Elegant loungewear that can take you from home, out to errands, and even to those seemingly distant social gatherings we’ll all return to one day soon. Use the guide below to find the right style of slipper shoes for you.
The Puffy Slide
What I love about these very trendy Zara slides is not only are they metallic silver, but they’re real leather, elevating them from “around the house”, to infinity and beyond. I think I’d rock these with solid color trousers and a very bright pedicure, and spend half my workday glancing fondly at them from over my laptop, just to see them shine.
The Fuzzy Thong
Category is: I can’t believe they’re NOT slippers. Seriously, these TIBI flip flops are the muppet of the shoe world and I’m not mad. They actually look insanely comfortable– like walking on tiny wigs. I think I could only wear these with an equally fuzzy outfit, or some kind of skirt and off the shoulder top with a large ruffle around it, the goal being to look like one of those crazy tiki drinks that come with at least tiny 3 umbrellas.
The Modern Mule
I’m a sucker for this style because it’s so dang versatile. These shoes were completely made to show off crazy socks, which means you can create endless color combos and have a look for any occasion. Keep the socks ankle height and pair with a cropped pant or a mini skirt if you’re nasty. These light purple beauties are by Intentionally Blank.
The Minimalist Slide
I used to visit a semi-private salon inside Bumble and Bumble founder Michael Gordon’s home in downtown NYC, which was always a little surreal and felt like entering into some kind of hair speakeasy. Anyway, one of the rules was you had to take off your shoes and wear a pair of assorted leather slippers that looked exactly like this pair by Aldo, and I would pad around in these for the next several hours while my hair processed and I grazed on salad in a kitchen the size of my whole apartment. Why not have the same experience in your decidedly less glamorous home today? Pair with especially chunky wool socks, and something shapeless made out of undyed linen.
The Fancy Sandal
Marabou slippers are nothing new, but marabou shoes have been all over the streets the past few years. I used to use marabou in my designs but I started feeling guilty about it and I still have an entire bag of purple feathers that I may or may not have tentative plans for. Brother Vellies sources their animal materials as ethically as possible using small community-based manufacturing in Africa, plus bi-product materials (the skins and feathers of animals hunted for their meat) making these worth the price if you’re after that boudoir-in-the-afternoon look. These should be worn with only the drapiest of satin garments of course.
What’s been on your feet and around your living room this season? Drop a link to your favorite indoor outdoor shoe below and share the love.
