Red Shoes, Dorothy Style
In last week’s “Hot for Teacher” wardrobe builder, I included red shoes not only because I love them, but because they’re so versatile. Wear them with black, brown, gray, blue…the possibilities are nearly endless, depending on the shade of red you choose.
Nearly every time I wear mine, someone will crack a joke about whether I’m planning to click my heels and head home because the iconic red shoes are, of course, Dorothy’s. In the novel, The Wizard of Oz, her shoes are actually silver. Her ruby shoes came about in the 1939 classic movie draw attention to the new color film technology. The filmmakers made the right decision: everyone (well, all self-respecting, shoe-loving women) associate red shoes with the movie to this day.
This unique pair of ruby slippers was used during the movie’s test and wardrobe shots.
theinsider.com
This is the version that we all know and love:
harpersbazaar.com
What makes Dorothy’s shoes special is not only the attention-grabbing color, but the details: cutesy ribbon and sparkling sequins. If the heel were any higher, Dorothy would have looked very immodest for the times.
If you dare to add some red to your feet (in addition to your prettily-painted toes), here are some options to kick it up a notch.
Don’t want to go too crazy? These modern maryjanes from Marc by Marc Jacobs add interest because of the unique spacing of the straps.
Marc by Marc Jacobs, $345 - piperlime.com
Don’t these roses make you feel like taking tango lessons?
Nanette Lepore, $350 - piperlime.com
This pair scares me a little bit, but someone with the right outfit and right attitude could pull them off. Glinda the Good Witch would approve.
Lovely People, $140 - piperlime.com
Mad about plaid, and cheap, too. These would rock with a sleek black cocktail dress:
Mossimo for Target, $26.99 - target.com
Swap Dorothy’s cute bow for a sexy little buckle:
Mossimo for Target, $26.99 - target.com
Here’s a little sequin detailing for ya. Leave it to Betsey Johnson to do something over-the-top:
Betsey Johnson, $149.95 - nordstrom.com
Sweet little bow? Check. Modest heel? Check. This pair is totally wearable:
VANELi, $114.95 - nordstrom.com
Have any red shoes in your wardrobe? Are they fun or practical (or both)?
O sorry…I was just drooling when I saw all those increibly wonderful high heels…
I love some of those shoes. I have a pair of red ballet flats that are quilted. They’re perfect for my casual stay at home mom look without being frumpy.
I have a pair of red heels that i LOVE. need to pull them out more often actually. Have to love the Wizard of Oz. Who knew shoes would be such a topic for a movie???
I think red shoes are classics! The flowered ones are my favorite.
I love them all but the last ones- too much bow, not enough shoe
I have a pair of red peep toe wedge heels. Love them. I might just have to get the plaid ones you showed from Target. Great price!
I always wanted a pair of red sequined shoes as a little girl…so fun. And those Nanette Lepore shoes are pretty great, too!
I just bought my first pair of red shoes over the weekend! I did a quick little post about them yesterday. I absolutely love them and can not understand how I have gone my whole life without owning a pair!
Ohhhhhhhh Bestey…you know what I like!!!