BREAKING THE RULES WEEK: TIGHTS + SANDALS

Hello all to the final day of Breaking the Rules Week. It's been a blast, and I definitely will be doing another feature that you guys can participate in again soon (once I think of a brand spanking new theme)!

Let's dive right in to our final rule: Never wear tights with sandals. So without further ado, here's my brazen sin against today's sartorial commandment:

Now, I definitely don't advocate donning tights with flip-flops or anything (because really, how is that even possible?) (toe tights?) (eww), but tights with a nice substantial "sandal" can definitely work. I got these wedge sandals from Macy's a while back during one of their insane sales. I've unfortunately worn them only twice before the weather turned cold, so imagine how surprised I was when I ended up loving the way they look with tights!

The key to making sandals work with tights is to make sure that you choose a sandal with some weight to it. These have thick straps and a solid construction, which lends itself to looking appropriately cold-weather when paired with tights. Flimsier, more whimsical sandals may look too summery to work. Since mine are clearly sandals too, I paired them with matching black tights to downplay the sandal-ness. I can see the same method working on espadrilles, too!

And now, your wonderful outfits --

First up, we have Lisa's (Confessions of a Call Center Gal) rebellion against the rule. Before I even get to the sandals, I just want to tell Lisa that I pretty much want to swipe that skirt from her. Subtly shimmery and such a pretty silver color! I absolutely love it with the lilac-y cardigan, too. Lisa's sporting a nice sandal-style pump here, which has that necessary weight and heft we mentioned earlier in the thick straps, suede material, and square heel. It's definitely a chic look that proves open-toed (and open-sided) sandals can come out to play even when it's gray outside!


Next up, we have Felicity's (oh my my, oh) fashionable shunning of fashion rules. Her sandal is essentially a classic peep-toe black pump, which I absolutely believe can be worn with tights in every which manner and still look amazing. Felicity's blue tights work well to heighten the quirky factor of wearing open-toed shoes in the winter, and it brings a level of edge to an otherwise already sleek and elegant outfit. I adore the look of the belted cardigan!


Finally, we have Jen (Vintageglammz) rocking an awesome sandals with tights outfit. I love her long-blazer-with-dress look, and the white tights are a nice touch. The entire ensemble has a preppy feel to it because of the plaid dress, blazer, and white tights, but the peep-toe pumps just add a bit of kick (get it? shoes? legs? kicking? nevermind). I can totally see Jen strolling around a prep school in this, garnering disapproving looks from the school marms because of the outfit's sassiness, haha! Amazing!

So what have we learned about making sandals work with tights so that you can get more wear out of them when the warmer temperatures have gone? Keep the sandals weighty with thick straps, a solid heel, and a substantial material. Also, if you want to downplay the fact that you are indeed rocking sandals with your tights, choose tights that match the color of your sandals.

Well, that wraps up Breaking the Rules Week. Have a great weekend, and I'll see you all Monday with our regularly scheduled programming!