The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Fall Fashion: Heeled Oxfords

Old-school Oxfords can be any low shoe that is laced or tied over the instep. But this fall (as in seasons past) the classic Oxford is being reinvented with a high heel and feminine details that take this menswear-inspired shoe to a whole new, ladylike level. Wear heeled Oxfords with anything from suits and pencil skirts, to wide-leg trousers and fall frocks, or even tights and tailored shorts in a cold-weather fabric such as wool or tweed. Keep reading for our budget-friendly finds...



Delia's Maggie shoe is a sort of spectator/Oxford hybrid; $34. Looks a lot like Betsey Johnson's "Walsh" shoe but at a fraction of the cost.


Top Shop's lace-up trouser shoe in magenta will have them talking. Also available in black or silver. £65.00


Naturalizer has really stepped up their game lately, and that means fashionistas who value comfort will benefit. These "Retrolook" heeled Oxfords look so comfortable, you might actually wear them every day. Also available in black or dark brown leather. $83.95


Gorgeous black patent leather makes these Alfani "Bess" heeled Oxfords perfect for day or night. Also comes in brown at Macy's, $79.00


Trust a label called "Made By Elves" to really nail the heeled Oxford look. Also available in black, $88 at Urban Outfitters.


Ann Taylor Loft's "Sabrina" is a standout heeled Oxford that will still be stylish for years to come. $79


The Steve Madden's "Reilly" heeled Oxford is a good pick for those who love plaid. $89.95 at Nordstrom.


The shape of the Nine West "Naso" heeled Oxford is reminiscent of some of the high-end designers who set the trend in the first place. Get yours in wine, black (or gray at Macy's), $109.99 $79.99.

Comments
oxfords are not something that make your legs look great, no matter how high the heel, so i'd prefer a lower heel personally, for the comfort of it. can't see how those shoes would be comfortable or good for your feet with such high heels. it's a personal thing - i think stilettos and very high heels are right up there with binding feet when it comes to limiting a woman's freedom. being from a big city, versatility and mobility are key in shoe shopping.
:-)
#1 maggie z on 2007-10-30 10:28 (Reply)
I think they look great, but are definitely not for walking I agree. Which is kinda funny since the style is one that makes it look like you should be doing something and now just sitting or standing, but hey, thats fashion for you right? I think this new trend is really fun, I'm a big fan- I saw the Betsey Johnson's in person and was drooling all over them like a fool- the delia's ones are a good budget version!
#2 Peaches (Homepage) on 2007-10-30 10:52 (Reply)
i do they make ur legs look cute. I think they draw attention tothem so for skinny legs they emphasize them and the look of chunkier legs seems cute and sassy.. legs are a part of ur body that can look good if they are bigger OR smaller.

Newho. though id show you $10.50 cardigans @ forever21

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=sweaters&product%5Fid=2043704952&Page=1

and 25% off Famous Footwear from Nov.1-Nov.3 if you use the code 1107401 at checkout. If you want the coupon emailed to you. just ask bc it does work in store.

Awesome blog!
#3 Ana on 2007-10-30 12:48 (Reply)
We think heeled oxfords elongate the leg and make you stand up straighter--it's a win, win! And because you lace 'em up, they provide excellent support and are easy to walk in.

YES we spotted those cardigans and have been meaning to feature them, so thanks for the tip !! If you buy one, let us know if they're warm at all.

Coupon codes are always welcome, too--rock on :-)
#3.1 The Budget Babe on 2007-10-30 13:55 (Reply)
the alfani ones remind me of nuns' shoes, which (ok, hope this doesn't make me weird) i always liked. any other catholic girls' school grads out there who noticed the similarity?
:-)
#4 maggie z on 2007-11-01 13:09 (Reply)
The look of the oxford is both classic, but more importantly, timeless -- a 'classic' to me is a fashionable yet classy look from the past that resurfaces out of nowhere, and progressively over time, is improved upon and copied by an array of designers, ultimately ending up at Forever 21. This shoe to me, is cute, and if I slipped into a pair of these, tied them up, and stepped into a time machine zapping me into the 30's, I would walk out doing the Charleston... comfortably! That's right, to me the oxford is practical, which makes it more timeless. Its laces enable it to remain on your foot, and walk (or dance) around in confidence. What ever happened to the "good old days?" Models nowadays are falling all over the runway, slipping around in their stilettos. Go to YouTube, search for "Charleston dance," and check out some old footage of women dancing around in these shoes! Even after all that bathtub gin, it's their oxfords that kept them up. We wonder why our grandparents tell us to buy "more practical" shoes. They know what they're talking about.
#5 Liz on 2007-11-05 02:27 (Reply)
Well said! You could also extend the life of an oxford almost indefinitely by getting them resoled, keeping them polished and buffed and replacing old laces. How many of us treat our shoes with such TLC today?
#5.1 The Budget Babe on 2007-11-05 10:01 (Reply)
the nice thing about the 9 west suede ones is that the platform is hidden inside the shoe so the heel looks taller than it actually is! clever?
i think so.
:-)
#6 maggie z on 2007-11-15 18:34 (Reply)
VERY clever. I have a pair of Aerosoles like that, everyone asks "How can you walk in those?!" and it's my little secret ;-)
#6.1 The Budget Babe on 2007-11-16 12:11 (Reply)
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