Style Report: Oxford Saddle Shoes
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, January 23rd, 2012
This recycled style trend has been in and out of the fashion spotlight, time and time again. Historically, it is most commonly known to be paired with school uniforms as a mandatory staple in children’s wardrobes. But today the saddle shoe is back, and fans young and old are opting for the classic look. Some designers are taking the trend and transforming it to create a more contemporary piece. In the past year and a half oxford saddle shoes have slowly but surely made a comeback.
October 1943. Medium-format nitrate negative by Esther Bubley for the Office of War Information. (Courtesy of shorpy.com)
"Seinfeld" cast photo in 1989, sitcom's first season. (Courtesy of tvblanket.com)
Brought to the mainstream media in 1989 with the debut of “Seinfeld,” Elaine Benes (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is confident and secure in her demeanor portraying a less shapely, more playfully functional style. She exemplifies how the saddle shoe is sturdy enough to keep up with the boys while still remaining stylishly feminine.
Today, the style of Janelle Monáe, as Teen Vogue illustrates, is a beautiful example of the naturally classic elegance offered by the oxford saddle shoe. Her boyish style does not mask her chic, clean-cut femininity. She perfectly represents the saddle shoe as the playful, yet professional piece it has proved to be over the past decades.
So ladies, if you’re searching for an alternative to the standard pump, look no further. This is a trend that only expires when your confidence does. Like many looks, the classic oxford saddle shoe will forever recycle in and out of the fashion hot list. So keep your oxfords in your closet because once this revival is exhausted, the trend is sure to reprise itself for the next generation.
Cole Hann hand-painted saddle oxford shoes released in 2011. (Courtesy of teenvogue.com)
And for those of you who are looking for a challenge, many desginers are adding some flair to the classic look. Cole Haan adds a lift and some vibrant colors to the oxford. Bass, a brand reknowned for their saddle shoes, is collaborating with designer Rachel Antonoff to bring the shoe fashion forward by adding some personality to the brand’s classic. The spring/summer 2012 collection, Bass Loves Rachael Antonoff, displays Rachel’s love for vintage fashions and contemporary colors.
- Bass Loves Rachel Antonoff patent leather oxfordf flat. (Courtesy of becomegorgeous.com)
Happy Shopping!
-Hilary Adleberg
Tags: fashion trend, Hilary Adleberg, janelle monae, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Northern Virginia Magazine, nova mag, oxford saddle shoe, saddle shoe, seinfeld, shorpy, Style Report, teen vogue