The Lost Art of the Saddle Shoe

For inspiration I go to many outlets. I have to admit I have found my best outfits hunting down dance pictures. Right now I am following a Collegiate Shag trend (check out Collegiate Shag for more information) After wading through many photos I noticed saddle shoes aka Saddle Oxford were extremely popular. Pretty much the Saddle Shoe was invented in the early 1900s as an athletic shoe. It hit its high of fashion popularity during the fifties and sixities. Though they can really make a vintage outfit pop, I just do not see them worn that often. Unless you seek out  vintage festivals and events.  

Saddle shoes always follow a wave of reappearing and disappearing. I remember a time, when I saw them all over the place and then I could not find them at all. I believe they are back. Here is a short list of shops that carry them:  Remix Vintage Shoes - a bit pricey but they last a long time and they look real vintage   Bass - I found my first pair here and adored them. I wear the same pair to this day. Dance Store - They just came out with some new colors. (Pictured to the right)  Etsy - good place to look for the vintage kind and Payless Shoes (online) - here you can get them really cheap! 

Ok so I have my cool saddle shoes what do I wear with them??? Just my personal option but I love anything plaid. Plaid pants, plaid skirts.. What I really love is when you pair them with a plaid wiggle skirt and tight sweater. (The guys like that one as well ;). )  Though I caution you if you have the crazy patterned ones like pictured above. You don't want too many busy patterns competing for attention. So go solid. Also, you need stripey socks. Not always but they can a certain je na sais quoi. I find all of mine in the Target ladies sock department and etsy.  

 

Pictured is me wearing the same
Saddle Oxfords since 2001.



There are no set-in-stone rules. Go crazy. I know a woman who buys a pair of cheap ones and spray paints them crazy colors. I have also seen girls buy the duct tape with the crazy patterns and tape them to the white parts. Make your own fashion statement!