Trust Dakota Johnson to convince me that the one shoe trend I had written off as looking a little bit “tacky” can actually look incredibly chic. Stepping out in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the actor completed her casual yet elegant outfit with a white leather low-heel shoe, before wearing the shoe trend again with an all-white look. Needless to say I’ve never been more interested in owning a pair. Let me tell you why.
Firstly, they’re more versatile than I thought they were. For her first outing, Johnson chose to pair them with some hip-grazing low-rise jeans, which immediately contrasted the glamorous nature of the short heel. Leaning further towards the casual side, Johnson styled her day-time look with a crisp white tee and layered a cosy black cardigan on top. This is the sort of look I know I could throw on for a multitude of occasions, be it work or grabbing a bite to eat with friends.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Just hours after she was snapped in her jeans look, Johnson wore her white low-heel again, this time in an entirely different way. Reaching for a tailored suit set in a crisp white shade that compliments the shoes, this is the sort of outfit I’d lean on for more formal occasions in my calendar. For weddings, I’d switch in a suit in a brighter or pastel colour, the white shoes, however, remaining in place. I also know they’d pair just as well with a light, flowing dress for a fresh summery look, too.
However, I have to admit, I’ve always been on the fence when it comes to white leather items. I remember buying a pair of white heels when I was 14 or so, and my mum made me return them because of how “tacky” they looked. Apparently this idea spans generations.
Perhaps its also the way I’ve seen them styled, too—I’ve just found them to be less elegant than darker colours. However, seeing Johnson’s outfits has changed my mind completely, and it’s because two things. 1) The styling, which we’ve already discussed, and 2) the tone of her shoes. Where other white shoes feel stark and jarring, her pair has a slightly warmer undertone, which I think looks higher end. This is perhaps something to look for if you too have been avoiding wearing white shoes all this time, too.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Obviously Johnson isn’t alone in her love for a white low heel; brands across the board have been quick to perfect their styles for the summer season. Perhaps this is the year we’ll rewrite the narrative surrounding them—I, for one, am very open to the idea!
If you need further inspiration, scroll on to see Dakota Johnson’s looks shopped out below, as well as my edit of very chic white low-heel shoes that are on the market.
SHOP DAKOTA JOHNSON’S LOW-HEEL WHITE SHOE OUTFITS
1. JEANS + CARDIGAN
Every great wardrobe starts with the perfect white tee.
Almada Label
Coco Cardigan
Almada’s cashmere cardigans are a sumptuously soft and a pleasure to wear.
The low rise baggy jeans trend isn’t going anywhere this year.
Monica Vinader
Gold Vermeil Siren Muse Large Hoop Earrings
The perfect finishing touch for any off-duty look.
Charles & Keith
Pointed-Toe Slingback Pumps
There are already on their way to selling out.
2. WHITE SUIT + SUNGLASSES
H&M
Oversized Linen-Blend Blazer
H&M really does excel at summer suiting.
Shield your eyes in style.
H&M
Tailored Linen-Blend Trousers
These hang so beautifully on.
Reformation
Waldorf Kitten Heeled Mule
The pretty bow detailing adds a playful touch.
SHOP MY EDIT OF THE BEST WHITE SHOES:
Mango
Strappy Heeled Sandals
This are destined to sell out before the end of summer.
Zara
Patent Finish Heeled Mules
These classic mules also come in black.
Mango
Heel Non-Structured Sandals
These come in UK sized 2—9.
The Row
Soft Knot Pump in Leather
The small heel adds on some extra height, without the discomfort of a high heel.
Staud
Brigitte Leather Mules
The mule shoe trend is taking off this summer.
The Row
Bare Leather Sandals
These are already close to selling out.
