We have all seen those girls on campus that decided they were going to wear their heels to class. We’ve seen those who’ve decided that the $1 flip flops at Old Navy were a good deal – and then their shoes break on campus. We’ve seen those hideous plastic shoes with the holes in them, otherwise known as Crocs. We have even seen people not wear shoes at all. Ladies, please save yourselves from embarrassment. Wear a shoe that is comfortable, cute, and appropriate to be walking around campus in. You don’t want to be that girl who, by the end of the day, is so tired she is wobbling in her heels, or that girl who had to tape her flip flops together just so she could walk in them. So the next time you’re about to buy those shoes that might not be cute but are super comfortable and convenient, don’t. Save us from having to take time out of our busy schedules to make fun of you, and save yourselves from the embarrassment of wearing a ridiculous shoe.
While I don’t expect any of you to be wearing ten inch heels on campus like Lady Gaga, you still don’t want to look like a baby giraffe walking around campus. In my eighteen years of existence, I have never seen my mother once wear a flip flop or a pair of flats. Every day she puts on her heels, but they are never more than four inches high. Take a tip from Traci and try these stiletto alternatives.
This Desert Boot from American Eagle ($59.50) is perfect for fall and a great alternative to your favorite pumps. Not too high, and not too short, these would look great with your favorite denim.
Much easier to walk in than your stilettos, these Deena & Ozzy Colorblock Wedges from Urban Outfitters ($49.00) come in two easy-to-wear colors, black (above) and yellow. These are perfect for campus but can be easily transitioned from day to night.
I LOVE oxfords, and these Mondella oxfords from Aldo are no exception. Wear with shorts or a skirt for a vintage prep feel and look amazing while still being able to walk around comfortably.
DO NOT WEAR THE SHOES THAT YOU SEE ABOVE. Not only are you risking your health by even buying a pair of these (since the stores that sell them often smell like burning plastic and hair) but they also look absolutely ridiculous. Maybe you wore them in high school, or they are just so comfortable you have to wear them. But don’t. Can’t you just put on a pair of flats??
A much better alternative to a lime green pair of rubber shoes, these Derhammer snakeskin flats from Aldo ($70.00) are definitely worth the steep price tag. Not only are they great for the fall season, but they also look great dressed up or dressed down.
Not only are these so much cuter than Crocs, but every single one of you should have a nude shoe in your closet. This BDG Woven Tassel Loafer ($39.00) from Urban Outfitters has great details like woven texture and the bit of fringe at the toe. If nude isn’t really your thing (even though it should be), this pair also comes in a checkered pattern and white.
I have an unhealthy obsession with moccasins. I have a great pair from Urban Outfitters in a salmon color, but this Minnetonka Kilty Suede Moccasin ($44.50) in dark brown goes great with almost anything. Available on American Eagle’s website, this pair comes in three colors including brown, grey, and black.
If this hasn’t happened to you, it will. Cheap flip flops are exactly that – cheap. They don’t last very long, and in the long run you end up spending more money buying them over and over again than you would if you would have invested in a nice pair. So I suggest you just go ahead and buy a nice pair of sandals (not flip flops) that you’re not going to have to worry about breaking.
Rainbows. Rainbowsrainbowsrainbowsrainbows. These are a perfect alternative to your cheap rubber flip flops. They last forever and can withstand a lot of damage. And unlike your cheap $1 flip flops, these have arch support, which is a great thing to have when walking around campus all day. Rainbow Sandals can run from anywhere between $30 and $50, so shop around for the perfect price and pair.
If you want something a little dressier than Rainbows, and you want a fun Native American vibe, try this Ecote Beaded Sandal from Urban Outfitters ($39.00). A perfect alternative to your rubber flip flop, and they probably aren’t going to break, either.
The Nipps sandal from Aldo ($30.00) is so cute and comes in this classic black color, bronze, and silver. It can be worn all day on campus with your favorite denim, then add a blazer or cardigan to wear out to dinner with friends. These sandals are simple, perfect for any occasion, and you don’t have to worry about them ripping apart.
So please ladies, throw away (or recycle) those old rubber flip flops. Get rid of the huge rubber shoes. Stop wearing your most uncomfortable pair of heels to campus. Wear these comfortable alternatives that are way more appropriate than your six-inch heels or your four-year-old flip flops. People are going to take you way more seriously if you have on a cute pair of shoes that you can actually walk in.
Peace and Love