In a September interview for T Magazine, Paul Andrew, the Creative Director at Salvatore Ferragamo, said he begins every new collection by designing the shoes. In his words, shoes “dictate everything else on top.”

This idea, that shoes set the tone for a whole outfit, blew my mind. In last week’s blog post, I relayed that I’ve always started every outfit from the middle. Shoes, often, are an afterthought. So, after further research into the history of Salvatore Ferragamo, I crafted a challenge: I’d build three outfits feet-first. I was curious if starting from the bottom would change my sartorial outlook, or if, perhaps, it was just more fun.

Let’s get into it.

OUTFIT ONE

THE SHOES: White Keds Sneakers

THE EVENT: Traveling day! We drove over some snowy mountain passes to get to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving.

THE OUTFIT: Planning this first outfit, I got a bit method. I sat on the floor with the Keds out in front of me. Staring at them, I attempted to listen to what they might dictate for the rest of the outfit.

They didn’t speak, but after sitting there for a minute, I had an idea. The (mostly) white Keds would be a perfect canvas for some fun socks. I placed my favorite striped socks next to the sneakers. Working up from there, I figured I shouldn’t hide the socks with long pants, so I grabbed brown, wide-leg crops. Then, I remembered an outfit I pinned with brown pants and an oversize blazer, and the rest fell into place.

This outfit made me feel like a history professor in the ‘80’s, convinced they’re the coolest in their department. I was also very comfortable for our long-ish drive.

OUTFIT TWO

THE SHOES: Light green, lace-up, granny boots

THE EVENT: Thanksgiving day!

THE OUTFIT: On holidays, I love to dress up just enough that I’m fancier than normal, but not uncomfortable. These boots, with their moderate, wide heel, fit the nice-ish bill.

I held them up to a variety of items in my closet, and loved how the sage green complimented the wine shade of this silk dress.

(I got this dress in my very favorite Stitch Fix box. Revisit that post, here.)

I added a cozy maroon sweater to mimic the current big sweater, silky skirt trend, and tights for warmth.

I liked this outfit! I doubt I would have worn it without starting with those granny boots, so that’s a shoes-first success!

outfit three

THE SHOES: Tobacco-brown high-tops from Bangs

THE EVENT: The day after Thanksgiving, attending a hockey game.

THE OUTFIT: Ever since adopting Joan of Arc inspired fire colors, I’ve fallen in love with rusty brown. (I’m surprised, too.)

For this outfit, I went all in. After the brown sneakers, I added a chunky brown and orange knit cardigan, that checked scarf from the first outfit, orange-y socks, then jeans and a white T to balance it all out.

I was comfy and cozy, a day-after-Thanksgiving requirement.

THE CONCLUSION: In last week’s post, I wondered if shoes-first dressing would shake up how I saw my wardrobe. In a way, it did. It wasn’t a monumental, earthshaking, change of perspective, but it was fun!

Are you a shoes-first dresser? Did you attempt to the challenge? I’d love to hear about your experience, below!

I’ll be back on Friday, announcing the monthly theme. See you then!