I need per-sueding one way or the other here...
September 8, 2015 5:56 PM   Subscribe

Can I wear these? (If ONLY this was simply a white-after-Labor-Day question!)

I have a pair of unworn black suede closed-toe wedges with a 3" heel (Via Spiga "Darby," pics here). I bought them in late (wintery) 2014, but I don't know how long they'd been on offer at that point.

I know I like how they feel and look in general, but my understanding of what's on-trend (and general current style etiquette) is scant at best, so I need some blunt advice. For this particular outing, I don't just want to look okay ("wear what makes you feel comfortable!") -- if at all possible, I really want to get closer to what would make legitimately stylish people at least nod to themselves in approval about my taste level.

The temperatures here are still in the mid-70s up to high 80s F, despite it being nominally Fall, and I honestly have no idea whether wearing suede heels at ALL is weird in this weather. (Would patent be weird too?) And have wedges gone kind of passe? Will these shoes look to a expert-eye's-first-impression as more clunky/dowdy... or more classic/understated-sexy/tasteful/modern-ish/"cool?"

I'm in my late 30s but look a bit younger. The accompanying outfit will probably be a slim black pant with some kind of solid tunic or wrap top (or something like that) -- neutral, not too flashy, and not fast-fashion... but ideally not OLD-fashioned either. I'll be going to a weekday happy hour at around 4pm, where most people will have been coming from work (though I won't be), and that will likely morph into dinner -- but not anything clubby (or pubby) or especially formal.

There's a very good chance I'm channeling plenty of other anxiety about this outing into The Shoe Question, but I'm honestly clueless and would be so grateful for any yeas/nays or other relevant recommendations or perspective. It'd be a real confidence-booster to know that I'm on an okay (or better??) track -- OR that I've safely avoided what might've been an eyebrow-raising choice.

Thank you!!
posted by argonauta to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (9 answers total)
 
Those are cute. Wear and enjoy (as long as it isn't raining). It's after Labor Day and most seasonal rules are dying out anyway.
posted by notquitemaryann at 6:03 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


They're still on Nordstroms.com! Of course they're great. Classic and appropriate for a multitude of occasions. Wear away.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:06 PM on September 8, 2015 [2 favorites]


Those shoes are great (I own similar!) and your outfit sounds perfect for the look you're going after. Have fun and don't worry - you look great!
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 6:18 PM on September 8, 2015


I see literally no issues with these shoes. I wear suede shoes year round. Hell, I've worn boots in summer with a cute dress.
posted by Crystalinne at 6:33 PM on September 8, 2015


I don't like dark suede in warm weather, but if you are wearing pants and a long-sleeve top, it is not sufficiently warm weather for my personal suede-season issues to be triggered.

Stylistically they are totally fine. Quite nice, really.

"Legitimately stylish" people will recognize them as a nicely done version of a timeless style. If there is actually anybody around who thinks they are passé, they would be the sort to throw out the entirety of their $20-per-piece loud, abysmal quality, fast fashion wardrobe at the end of every season, and thus not "legitimately stylish."
posted by kmennie at 6:49 PM on September 8, 2015 [3 favorites]


They are fine. I'd worry more about the cut and fabric of your top as giving a signal about your stylishness, given that those shoes and (the sound of) your pants are very relatively timeless.
posted by amaire at 7:28 PM on September 8, 2015


I worked at Nordstrom in LA at Christmas and these were sold as a work shoe. Sounds perfect for your occasion. Wear them around the house first before wearing them out. No shoe looks great if you're in pain. If I remember right these were a bit narrow and the back hit in a funny way on the heels of some customers. Just wear on carpet and return if they aren't comfortable. Keep a suede eraser around to clean up any dirt, spills, or marks the day they happen. In general, Via Spiga designs shoes that are in the moment but with less trendiness. Which is a great thing. You can wear them for years to come. A staple.
posted by Lil Bit of Pepper at 12:07 AM on September 9, 2015


I wore an almost-identical pair of suede heels to a wedding a few weeks ago. As long as your top is light and summery, I don't think it would look weird.
posted by neushoorn at 12:25 AM on September 9, 2015


I think they're fine for that event, but I wouldn't wear a pastel summery top with black pants and black shoes. YMMV.
posted by Ideefixe at 9:36 AM on September 6, 2016


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