Summer 2015 was officially the summer of the “ugly” sandal. Birkenstocks, Tevas and slide sandals were the fashion-girl styles of choice, turning what we once considered mom footwear and shower stall slip-ons into #OOTD-worthy steppers. This fall, three new “ugly” styles are taking their place, and just like you learned to love your Birks (you’re wearing them right now with cozy socks, aren’t you?), we bet you’ll curb your cringing at these perfect-for-fall shoes if you give ’em a chance. Below, we’ve listed the reasons why these unpretty steppers will soon steal your heart.
Why They’re “Ugly”: When their heels are on the higher, thinner side, mules can add an easy elegance to pretty much any outfit, not to mention help elongate your legs in the process (win-win). This fall’s version with a shorter, thicker heel is like a shoe makeunder, turning the once occasion-ready footwear into a more laid-back silhouette that might remind you a *little* too much of your grade school art teacher’s shoes of choice.
Why You’ll Love Them: These truly are shoes fit for lazy girls: slip ’em on and you’re out the door just like that (when they’re of the close-toed variety, there’s no pedi required). What’s more, these low gliders go with just about everything from your most casual weekend attire to your fave office culottes to a date night-worthy dress. Plus, now that they’re lower to the ground, they’re a lot easier to walk in.
Try: A chunky ’90s-meets-western vibe like Madewell’s Eller Mule ($168) or Shellys Blue Suede Heeled Mule Sandals ($113) for a more modern option (read: cutouts) that also hits the ’70s revival trend (one word: suede).
GLOVE SHOES
Why They’re “Ugly”: Sure, they kind of look like what would happen if a genie turned one of those blue shoe covers into a real life shoe. In reality, this slipper-like footwear is the definition of minimalist design, crafted with a flexible upper to accent the natural shape of your footsies — because of that, they’re 100% frill-free. To some, that means there’s nothing to swoon over, but to others (this editor included) the stripped-down design is just what your cropped flares called for.
Why You’ll Love Them: Simply put, they’re a one-shoe wonder. Because they’re so neutral, they can go with anything from any season, so long as the outfit you’re rocking prescribes to a similar less-is-more vibe.
Try: Rachel Comey Calder Shoes ($345) for a more ladylike take on the trend that will go with your favorite fancy jumpsuit and dress up your raw-edged jeans. For a wear-everywhere version, snag the OGs, Martiniano Glove Shoe ($398), especially if you’re in constant need of a bold pop of color.
WEDGE BOOTS
Why They’re “Ugly”: When platforms take over airy shoes like sandals or classic pumps, that’s one thing — they add grunge or glam to an otherwise delicate shoe. But a hulking wedge heel hoisting up an ankle-covering boot (or higher) is just a lot of look.
Why You’ll Love Them: Height without the heel ache? We’ll take it. Plus, when those oversized fall layers need a bit of balance. For that, these chunky pairs are your solemates.
Try: Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Ubel Wood Wedge ($175) if you’re looking for a closed-toed clog alternative or if you’re looking for a slightly dressier version of combat boots, go for Forever 21 Faux Suede Wedge Booties ($28).
Are you keeping things ugly with your footwear this fall? Tell us about your fave fall shoes (whether your friends like ’em or not) in the comments below.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.