Oxford shoes are a style you can wear almost anywhere. They’ll take you from a day at the office to a night out at a theatre. They’re an alternative to ballet flats and sneakers, giving your outfit a vintage-inspired and masculine twist.
You can look for styling inspiration from celebrities like Taylor Swift, Sienna Miller, and Hilary Duff. We’ve spotted the humble Oxford shoe everywhere, from Starbucks runs to red carpet events.
The Sock Debate: Mastering the Oxford Shoe Look With or Without Socks
You can wear Oxford shoes with or without socks. It’s your personal preference whether you wear your Oxford shoes with socks. Most men wear black socks with Oxford shoes, while most women choose no-show socks.
Your hemline will typically determine whether you should wear socks with Oxford shoes. Ideally, you want to wear socks that match the color of your Oxford shoes for a seamless look.
Embrace elegance with Oxford shoes paired with discreet no-show or chic ankle socks, perfect for any dress or skirt ensemble (Credit: Elaine Nadiv / Shutterstock)
Women typically wear short ankle socks or no-show socks with their Oxford shoes, especially if they are wearing a dress or short skirt. Tights can give you a seamless look and add extra comfort.
If you’re going for a vintage look, socks can add a quirky look. Celebrities like Diane Keaton are famous for wearing eccentric socks with Oxford shoes. Socks can be a way to add a contemporary feel to your classic Oxford shoes for women.
We’re sharing a few of our favorite ways to style Oxford shoes for women:
1. The Classic Duo: Jeans and Blazer With Oxford Shoes
Channel your inner Kendall Jenner with one of the supermodel’s go-to looks. Pair your signature Oxford shoes with jeans, a crisp white shirt, and a chic blazer.
Choosing Oxfords instead of sneakers will give the outfit a more professional and elevated look.
1. Elevate your style with a Blazé Milano houndstooth blazer; 2. layer with an Abercrombie & Fitch oversized shirt; 3. add Miz Mooz Letty Oxford flats; 4. and Frame Le Sylvie cropped jeans
2. Vintage Charm: Styling Oxford Shoes With a Mini Dress
Most women wearing Oxford shoes with a mini dress wear sockless or no-show socks. While sneakers and dresses are still in vogue, Oxford shoes can add a vintage feel to your outfit.
1. Embrace femininity with a Rixo floral linen minidress; 2. pair with Linea Paolo Moira Oxford flats; 3. consider Falke soft merino tights for comfort; 4. or opt for an Alexander McQueen knitted skater dress; 5. and complete with The Office of Angela Scott Mr. Evans Oxfords
Going sockless might be appealing in warmer weather, but don’t ditch tights entirely. You can style Oxford shoes with nude or woolen tights when temperatures drop. It’s an easy way to seamlessly transition your favorite outfits from one season to the next.
3. Edgy Sophistication: Leather Trousers Paired With Oxford Shoes
Leather trousers are an alternative to jeans when styling Oxford shoes. If your Oxford shoes are made with suede, leather pants can create a contrasting moment. Style with an oversized shirt for a laidback look.
1. Pair an arch4 New Bonnie cashmere shirt for softness; 2. with Uma | Raquel Davidowicz Silicio leather pants for edge; 3. and The Office of Angela Scott Mr. Smith stripe Oxfords for a distinctive touch
4. Parisian Elegance: The Little Black Dress Meets Oxford Shoes
Oxford shoes can be as Parisian as ballet flats – if you know how to style them. One of our favorite ways to style Oxford shoes for women is with a little black dress.
Choose Oxford shoes that offer a subtle contrast with your dress and go sock-less. Add classic jewelry, and you’re set for a night out with your girlfriends.
1. Shine in a JOOSTRICOT ribbed lurex-jersey mini dress; 2. matched with Capezio Overture Oxfords; 3. or a chic Ermanno Firenze shirt dress; 4. paired with Cole Haan The Go-To Arden Oxfords for versatile elegance
Oxford shoes are a transitional style that will carry you through every season. Style them with a knitted dress for work, or keep it casual with jeans and a T-shirt. No closet is complete without a trusty pair of Oxford shoes.