How to style red shoes as a grown woman in honor of Red Shoe Day
There seems to be a holiday for everything under the sun, and I heard that today is International Red Shoe Day? While I am not one to support these silly capitalistic holidays… I am a fan of red shoes, and I think a red shoe is not only a classic pop of color for a wardrobe, but it is also a hot trend this summer and into fall and winter. So why not embrace this silly holiday and share how to style red shoes featuring classic styles that transcend trends and are great choices for grown women?
How to Style Red Shoes as a Grown Woman
All these looks showing how to style red shoes can be worn now in summer, but I'm incorporating pieces that can be worn in most parts of the country well into October or later. While the shoes may scream summer, these concepts can be “autumnized” with more solid of shoes, jackets and cardigans, and switching out one piece for something more substantial.
Red Espadrilles are a Classic
A pair of flat canvas espadrilles is a summer classic and a great choice if you're weaning yourself from heels but don't want to lose style. Red espadrilles are especially classic, as it is the color from the Basque flag, where the original rope shoe was created. Buy now, wear for years to come.
hat | sunglasses | cropped jeans (24-35 w/ Petite & Tall) | shirt (XXS-XXL) | bag | necklace | earrings | ring (sizes 4.5-9) | espadrilles
Espadrille flats look great with above-knee to midi-length sundresses, and wide-leg pants from gaucho to full length. Here I styled classic flat red espadrilles with some other classics that will look on-trend for many summers to come – cropped wide-leg lightweight jeans and a sailor-inspired poplin shirt. Continuing the red color with a rope knot bag and multicolored beaded necklace, the finishing details of a straw hat, gold hoops, and metal sunglasses are both timeless and of the moment.
Come fall, wear the top with full-length jeans and Birkenstock Bostons, the cropped jeans with a fisherman sweater and tall-shaft booties, and until the end of September or so, pair the espadrilles with dark-colored denim flares or sailor jeans to have them look more seasonally appropriate.
Red Sneakers Are a 2025 Style Must
If you're looking to update your sneaker game for 2025 and beyond, you can't go wrong with a pair of red sneakers. Sleek styles are what are in now, so go low profile, soft leather, and a bit of a retro vibe. The Adidas Samba sneaker is still stylish here and abroad, and switching to a longer tongue and a cherry red color feels both classic and modern.
shirt (XS-XL) | skirt (2-18) | sunglasses | earrings | lipcolor | bag | sneakers
An easy way to style red sneakers as a grown woman is to pair them with a very classic and feminine look. A poplin midi skirt (this one has a subtle bubble silhouette), a crisp shirt tied at the waist, a sheer and shiny red lip that looks great with a summer glow and bare skin, and a pair of sleek Sambas (either with no-show socks or if you're down, some white crews) won't look try-hard but will look cool-girl of any age chic.
I own this skirt (if in doubt, size down) and can totally see me wearing it this fall with a denim bomber (digging this one) and sneakers. Yes, you cam wear white after Labor Day! And if not this shirt, any button-front shirt is a piece that can be rocked all year long.
Rock Red Ballet Flats From Spring to Fall
Red ballet flats have been a red-hot trend for many years now. Mesh, woven leather, Mary Jane, sling back, square toe, or a classic ballet-inspired number like the ones below are a safe addition to most wardrobes and a great way to add a pop of classic color.
linen shell (XS-XL; same in plus size though not in red) | linen skirt (00-18 & petite) | denim bomber (XXS-XXL & petite) | bag | glasses | double ring | earrings | ballet flats
In 2025, the most chic style hack is to break an archaic style rule. If you feel that you need a heel with a slim skirt, consider trying a ballet flat for a change of pace. Tying the color together with something on your top half and choosing a structured style makes the choice purposeful, and not as though you're just trying to soothe tired feet.
While I made this look appropriate for the workplace, removing the jacket can take this look from brunch to an outdoor cocktail party. Replace the shell with a striped or graphic t-shirt for a casual effect, or gussy up for date night with an off-the-shoulder fitted knit top or sweater (I own and like this striped one).
And BTW, if you're looking for the It Bag for Fall 2025, I think this Ganni bag is a safe bet, and leopard a safe and versatile color choice beyond 2025 (though it also comes in a ton of solids, ombres, and prints).
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Thank you Alison,
What a pretty Staud Blouse! Different yet inviting…(price point gives me pause.)
I have some red shoes and may put on a pair today…just for fun.
My shoe (maybe obsession) is blue suede sandals and I’m also fair to other fabrications. Let’s simply say that I have choices. So many shades and styles. Black sandals don’t count do they? I have lots of styles of those too. surely more than blue sandals.
Have you explored under eye concealers for over 40? I have been target marketed lately and am trying a couple. What works for you?
Love me some red shoes. Today’s choices are my Ecco Hibiscus sandals (a Nordstrom exclusive color a few years back) or my Vionic Uptown loafers in red suede. Red shoes forever.
As a kid, I used to be get a new pair of Keds every summer. The year I got red Keds was the best year, ever. I share your love of red shoes and esp like the espadrilles you’ve shown — they remind me of my Keds, lol.