The funniest thing about fashion is how one mere piece of clothing or acessory can spark so many conversations, debates whether positive or negative.
I'm a discreet, no-nonsense person, not into theatrics and my style is accordingly rather tame. That's why I'm always bemused by the reactions provoked when I wear certain items: the extra attention I suddenly get in stores, the unexpected consideration of drivers letting me cross the streets instead of running me over, the looks of appraisal and approval, the simple fact that you're seen can be weirdly addictive especially in a French society where Black women are so purposely invisible.
I've had these red high heeled boots for years now (see here and here). They're quite classic - except for their eye popping color- with a chunky and walkable mid-heel height and I make sure when wearing them to keep the rest of my outfit understated, neutral, no battle royale of colors or prints (not that I own that much colorful items come to think of it!). Like last Friday, when I decided to put them on: Just wore my black and white tweed coat, grey merino sweater, cigarette cropped blue jeans, a lightweight grey scarf and black tote.
Still these boots are people magnets, drawing eyes, freeing the speech of strangers, embolding even some guys to chat me up - some men are so basic it's hilarious!- and that always baffle me since I'm so not used to it! They're not that hot and kinky right??! Haha!
coat + jeans: Zara / sweater: H&M / scarf: Isabel Marant / boots: C. Petula / bag: Céline
You look great.
RépondreSupprimerRed will do that -- as Louboutin once said, "Red gives men the green light." That's why -- even though it's a color I love and look great in -- I stick to small doses of it, like a red lip, a red scarf, or a red bag. I do own a Carven red dress that has long sleeves and a simple, non-sexy fabric, and I try to tone it down with brown accessories, but even so it gets so much attention that I don't wear it often. Sigh. What can we do? It's such a wonderful color yet it makes it hard for others to control themselves, lol.
That's a great quote, sums up how silly men can be! Haha! I get what you mean about toning it down to (try to) escape the unwanted attention, sticking like you to accessories and the occasionnal red lip/nails.
SupprimerI agree with the previous commenter. In my experience, the color red produces a base, visceral reaction from men. I, too, only wear it in small doses, in a slightly subdued tomato red hue. The only red clothing I own is a blouson style maxi dress that I happen to also own in a baby blue colorway. The blue version produces no commentary when I wear it, but the red dress - good grief! It elicits comments both innocent and lascivious. I only wear it once a summer because the attention make me overly self-conscious.
RépondreSupprimerOh dear! You almost achieved a conclusive scientific lab test with the red vs blue dress! lol! It'd be so funny if it didn't make us uncomfortable and made us think twice before chosing what to wear.
SupprimerI never was a big one for red but I've found it sneaking in to my wardrobe in the last few years - a pair of shoes here, a jumper and a sweatshirt there. Nothing too in your face and all items which can be dressed down so not to seem too overt. And on those days when I wear them, those are the days where I elicit the most comments - they seem to be conversation starters. I actually think your red boots totally make your outfit. You had a great outfit on already but the boots were a real finishing touch.
RépondreSupprimerI had a red hooded coat once which felt too "little red riding hood" in it, not to mention very loud for my personality and after that I just gave up totally on red for awhile. It's such a great color I think especially in winter, it makes me want to go past accessories and include a sweater in the mix!
SupprimerFantastic outfit! I think the red is perfect here - just a touch, as it would be with a red bag in an otherwise monochrome outfit. I think if the boots were shiny patent leather, then they'd be kinkier!
RépondreSupprimerThanks! :)) Yes, never say never when it comes to fashion but I'm pretty sure shiny red boots fall in that never ever category! Or if I do, you'll know that I'm possessed by someone or something!
SupprimerBecause the rest of your outfit is neutral I think the red becomes even more sneaky. Perhaps people are reacting to that? Also, men = red = !!! is a thing. Apparently I've been hiding in blacks and blues this whole time.
RépondreSupprimerAnd here I am, always complaining that I'm single when wearing red is just the first step to meet cute (and sadly creepy usually)! Haha! I'm going back to hiding too!
SupprimerSingle af here as well. come on Aissa, we can't hide this weekend--time to tart it up! T_T
SupprimerHa, coincidence or conspiracy?? It's V-day week-end!! Time to strut those boots again, a last minute valentine will do! :))
SupprimerLove the outfit as usual. Yes, red shoes tend to get reactions from people. I have a pair of red patent leather pumps that I don't wear very often but whenever I do I get the most comments. Since they're so attention getting, like you, I try to keep the outfit as basic as possible like jeans & a breton.
RépondreSupprimerThanks a lot! :) At least we know what to wear to start up conversations! Like no need to invest in a pet or "borrow" my niece and nephew, red shoes will do the trick!
SupprimerInteresting experience - the red is a colour men love to see on women - it makes you more desirable (studies have shown) .... you have the power on your feet!
RépondreSupprimerAnd now I have to embrace that power... which comes with great responsibility as the saying goes! :))
Supprimer