The Best Summer Shoes to Wear With Denim Flares #iwillwearwhatilike

Pattern mixing: Black and white window pane jacket abstract print pyjama shirt denim flares wedge espadrilles | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Okay I think I’ve cracked it: The best shoes to wear with denim flares. Not only the best shoes, but the best SUMMER shoes.

Now I love the fact that full-on flared jeans came back in. Not just the awkward bootcut shape of the 90s, but proper flared 70s-style jeans. The problem they pose? What shoes to wear with them. They are a NIGHTMARE to get right (or rather, they’re so easy to get wrong).

I usually wear them with sneakers (Stan Smiths or Adidas Originals), platform heeled boots or ankle boots, but it’s the summer that poses a problem. Flat sandals are okay (you end up with a bit of a boho vibe) but sometimes you want more of a shoe than a boot or a sandal.

Here’s my theory: ALWAYS wear them with a round-toe shoe. As soon as you put on a pointed-toe shoe with a flared jean, it starts giving you that early Noughties feel which is a bit dated now (think Charlie’s Angels movie). So in my quest to find a suitable summery shoe with a round toe, I found these fabulous espadrille wedges. They’ve got that slight 70s feel to them so are perfect for a flared hem.

Pattern mixing: Black and white window pane jacket abstract print pyjama shirt denim flares wedge espadrilles | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

My F&F espadrilles were bought in store – the wedge and the low ankle strap actually elongates your legs rather than chops them off so they’re so flattering with skirts as well. I probably thought of trying them because I featured a selection of espadrilles in last week’s newsletter – click here if you’d like to read it (and subscribe top left if you’re not already receiving it to get more exclusive content like this) – they’re THE summer shoe of 2017 and come in so many variations, the choice is endless.

Shoes and flares aside, I patterned mixed my patterned pyjama shirt and favourite window pane duster jacket… Not sure why I’ve not thought of wearing these two together before! I think it was the last time (for a little while at least) that I’ll need to wear a jacket of any kind: The weather is predicted to get hot (yes, hot!!) in the UK over the next week or two – hot in May is almost unheard of so it’s kind of a big deal. I’m off to London for a few days for a crazy-exciting event on Friday (check my Instagram Stories for details) and gloriously sunny weather is going to be the best thing EVER EVER EVER for it.

More about that later in the week… Meantime Happy Monday lovelies, and don’t forgot to link up below (links are random so you’ve every chance of being seen at the top no matter when you link up)!

HAVE YOU FOUND GETTING THE RIGHT FOOTWEAR TO GO WITH DENIM FLARES HARD AS WELL? COMMENT BELOW!

Pattern mixing: Black and white window pane jacket abstract print pyjama shirt denim flares wedge espadrilles | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Pattern mixing: Black and white window pane jacket abstract print pyjama shirt denim flares wedge espadrilles | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Pattern mixing: Black and white window pane jacket abstract print pyjama shirt denim flares wedge espadrilles | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Pattern mixing: Black and white window pane jacket abstract print pyjama shirt denim flares wedge espadrilles | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Pattern mixing: Black and white window pane jacket abstract print pyjama shirt denim flares wedge espadrilles | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Pattern mixing: Black and white window pane jacket abstract print pyjama shirt denim flares wedge espadrilles | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Pattern mixing: Black and white window pane jacket abstract print pyjama shirt denim flares wedge espadrilles | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Jacket: George at Asda c/o
Pyjama shirt: ASOS
Jeans: Marks & Spencer
Shoes: F&F Clothing
Bag: Accessorize
Sunglasses: Lulus c/o

A SELECTION OF PYJAMA SHIRTS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

 

RELATED  7 Great Reasons to Buy Secondhand and Preloved Clothes

 

AND ESPADRILLES:

 

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The #iwillwearwhatilike link up with Not Dressed As Lamb
Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!

The link up goes live every Monday at 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!

An InLinkz Link-up


Linking up etiquette…

CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!

Featured favourites

Fashion bloggers who believe in #iwillwearwhatilike: Funky Jungle | Fake Fabulous | Fashion Fairy Dust

My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:

(L-R) Funky Jungle | Fake Fabulous | Fashion Fairy Dust

To get yourself featured next week, make sure you’ve included a link back to Not Dressed As Lamb or my button in your post/sidebar!

DO SHARE THE LOVE AND VISIT AS MANY LINKS AS YOU CAN (YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT OTHER LOVELY LIKE-MINDED LADIES YOU MIGHT MEET) – THE ORIGINAL INSTAGRAM CAMPAIGN FORGED SOME WONDERFUL NEW FRIENDSHIPS SO DON’T MISS OUT!

34 Comments

  1. 27 May 2017 / 8:59 pm

    Spot on wearing the round toe with 70's flare. 70's jeans came high, you tucked your shirt in, and your "legs went on forever" to quote Ian Anderson(Jethro Tull)
    Or, flares were hip huggers worn with a bare midriff. No jackets unless they were leather with LOTS of fringe. Of course, I'm in San Francisco, wore that stuff the first time 'round, and we have (almost) jacketless weather.

  2. 25 May 2017 / 7:08 pm

    This is such a gorgeous look, I really adore that blazer! And a wedge is definitely a perfect choice for flares, just flashing a small bit of a beautiful shoe!

    Eppie | eppie.me.uk

  3. 24 May 2017 / 10:29 pm

    I would totally buy that blazer! Seems like a versatile piece and oh so chic!

    xoxo from Napa Valley!

    Paulina | Shenska

  4. 24 May 2017 / 3:21 am

    Thanks for hosting!

    Jonathan

    The Hosiery Spot

  5. 23 May 2017 / 5:52 pm

    This post makes me miss my old wedge espadrilles Catherine!
    They were from Russell and Bromley and I had to sell them when I hit a financial crisis and my son needed school shoes.
    A good 12+ years ago now but they were timeless and beautifully made….sigh….
    I must have a look for something similar.
    I totally agree about the pointed toe giving off a dated feel and a round toe being a more modern touch.
    Flares can be tricky to "shoe"…. skinnies go with everything but flares need a little more thought.
    XXX
    Samantha.
    Fake Fabulous | Fashion & Style, over 40

    P.S. Thank you SO much for the mention with your favourites!

  6. 23 May 2017 / 2:14 pm

    Oooh…I LOVE your brand new espadrilles, dearest Catherine!! I totally agree that a round-toe (versus pointed-toe) shoe looks best peeking out from the hem of flare jeans…but you get bonus points for showing off a bit of flashy wedge detail, too!! ;D And I think you already know that I'm the biggest fan of this window-pane patterned jacket; I salivate every time I see it!! Last but not least?? The über-cute fringy bag – and that handsome pup by your side! – make the very best finishing touches!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

  7. 23 May 2017 / 12:14 pm

    It is frustrating picking a shoe to wear with flares, mostly because they tend to be very long so I need to wear something with a heel. LOVE your jacket! And your dog is just beautiful!

  8. 22 May 2017 / 10:26 pm

    I love the espadrilles, I've got a few pairs stashed away somewhere that I need to dig out. I don't wear flared jeans very often but when I do I usually pair them with wedges. Love the pattern mixing!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  9. 22 May 2017 / 7:32 pm

    I've had a pair of red espadrilles stashed away since last summer and now you've given me the perfect inspiration for how to wear them. Your pattern clashing is adorable too Catherine. Thanks for the link up party x

    Anna
    http://www.annasislandstyle.com

  10. 22 May 2017 / 7:07 pm

    Yep you've cracked it alright. Of course the only style of shoe that I don't own! Grr damn it woman I really want a pair of espadrilles now xx

  11. 22 May 2017 / 6:15 pm

    I will have to agree. I have a pair of camel sandals with a peep toe and I love them with flare jeans. As always, you look superb!

  12. 22 May 2017 / 6:07 pm

    I've always been a HUGE fan of flares! You look fabulous. And you're absolutely right about the round toe shoes.
    Suzy xxx
    http://www.suzyturber.com

  13. 22 May 2017 / 5:15 pm

    I'm glad proper flared jeans are back. These sandals are perfect with them. I'm waiting for elephant legs to come back now too. Heh. Often I wear my Converse runners with any flared trousers I have. I'm happy to hear you have warm weather coming your way. Thanks for the link-up.

  14. 22 May 2017 / 5:02 pm

    I love how you layered this look, and you look fabulous! The sunnies are great too!

  15. 22 May 2017 / 3:52 pm

    So I LOVE flare jeans and crop flare jeans, they are my favorite jean silhouette…and yes both pose huge shoe challenges – the wrong shoe with flares can wreck an entire well planned outfit.
    For evening, I wear a block heel sandal with my dark wash pair, no platform, hemmed right above the floor, not on the floor or it ruins the clean line of the jean. Being a Californian, I have another pair that I had hemmed to wear with flat thong sandals, flips flops or birkenstocks – but that look is super casual and pretty bohemian/beachy style. My other everyday pair is a lighter wash which I wear with a platform or wedge nude sandal. In the winter I wear an almond toe bootie – you are right on the pointed toe, its a bit "costume/retro not in a stylish way look. I also like mine with a animal print pump – with the toe just peeking out the bottom. All this said, I have never tried mine with an espadrille, and I think I need to – especially for summer day time. It looks great on you and I can see here how well it works. I am loving reading all the comments, well needed post.
    Great post!
    XOXO
    Suzanne
    http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com

  16. 22 May 2017 / 3:37 pm

    I totally agree with your statement that flare jeans with the "wrong" shoes let us 40+ look dated.

  17. 22 May 2017 / 3:04 pm

    Yuo, good shoe choice there! I tend to stick to a '70s style shoe with those flared legs, either wedges or a clog. Worked then, works now! X

    • 22 May 2017 / 3:23 pm

      Yep Porcelina, while I normally mix up the decades I definitely think flared jeans need a 70s shoe… and pointed toe shoes ain't it!!

  18. 22 May 2017 / 2:34 pm

    Flares are really challenging, and I very much like how you paired them with espandrille wedges.

    Thanks for the link up & have a wonderful week!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

    • 22 May 2017 / 3:22 pm

      They ARE challenging, Andrea!! I've been wondering what to wear in the warmer weather with the, I'm so glad I sorted it!

    • 22 May 2017 / 3:11 pm

      Depends where in the world you are…! I wore this Sunday morning and I was only *just* warm enough. Not everywhere has Californian or Texan temperatures in May, least of all the UK!

  19. 22 May 2017 / 2:16 pm

    I still remember how much I loved bell bottoms in the 70s! I've never really quit wearing them but now I am more than ever. I always wear wedges with them in the summer. I love the look and they are comfortable. I love your pajama top and pattern mixing. I am going to look at my pjs to see what I can repurpose! Peace!
    Cheryl Tucker
    http:www.northwestmountainliving.com

    • 22 May 2017 / 3:21 pm

      Flares + wedges = perfect combo, Cheryl!! 😉 thanks hon, and yes did your PJs, it's funny how they've become a daywear piece isn't it…?!!

  20. 22 May 2017 / 2:13 pm

    I think you look good in everything, dear Catherine.
    So glad to see the sun is shining on you.
    Much love

    • 22 May 2017 / 3:20 pm

      Aww Sacramento that's so sweet of you, thank you!! x

  21. 22 May 2017 / 2:06 pm

    I'm so glad you covered this Catherine! And just to show you how much I appreciate this, I'm going to pull out my flares and wear them with my espadrilles this week!!
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 22 May 2017 / 3:12 pm

      ooh fab, Jodie – look forward to seeing them! x

  22. 22 May 2017 / 2:06 pm

    Oooh, I love espadrilles Catherine and agree that they are THE best ever shoe. I got some leopard ones recently and other than a pair of flip-flops, I honestly think they'll be all I need to take on holiday with me. I love this outfit. The colour and pattern mixes are, of course, glorious and Riley is an absolute babe! Thank you for hosting xxxx Love Liz xxx http://www.whatlizzyloves.com

    • 22 May 2017 / 3:11 pm

      thank you Liz – and yes he is isn't he… he cooperated this time!! 😉

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