Even Shoes Have the Denim Blues: Denim Shoes

If I had to name the top fashion trend for 2012, my vote would be denim. Denim has come long way from strictly being worn for work and play to being worn everywhere. There are still some workplaces that have denim on the Don’t list, but for some lucky folks, it’s now a Do, at least on casual Fridays. I know I sound like a broken record, but denim is one of my favorite fabrics; it’s sturdy, but soft and comfortable, and a major plus is it’s pretty low maintenance. We started the season with denim jeans taking the lead, and one by one, practically every garment and accessory is taking its turn into a shade of denim blue. The latest trend for fashion items getting the denim blues is shoes.

I do have a pair of denim wedge sneakers, and although I love denim, this is where I draw the line. I do think there are some very clever shoes coming down the runway in denim. From flat oxfords to denim dyed leopard mules, you name the shoe, it comes in a denim color or fabric. One drawback for this trend that stops me from making it part of my closet is the fact that you have commit to one shade of denim. With a pair of denim shoes, you miss out on breaking them in and watching them fade like a favorite pair of denim jeans. I can toss my sneakers in the wash, but it’s just not the same. Call me crazy, but I want my denim sneakers to stay dark. Guess you can’t have it all.

But if you opt for this trend, you have endless choices. The denim shoe styles coming down the catwalk range from high fashion to ultra-casual. A word to the wise: be careful about denim overload. Denim on denim is also a hot trend, but be careful not to overdo it and commit denim on denim fashion crime. My suggestion is that you stick to no more than three denim items at a time, and you may want to skip wearing embellished denim items together. For example, pair of denim espadrilles or wedges look darling with a denim skirt or jeans, but if you go with a denim top, leave the denim purse, belt, and fedora at home. You have all of the same embellishment options for denim shoes as you do for denim handbags and other accessories. There is fringe and fraying for embellishment, but I suggest you consider a bit of contrast like leather with the metal hardware to give your shoes a finished and higher-end look.