Outfit Ideas

How To Wear a Feature Shoe: 5 Different Levels of Crazy and How to Pull 'Em Off

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Solange Knowles stepped out in Milan this past Saturday in an edgy white oversized motorcycle jacket and light printed shift. But the obvious eye-catcher in her outfit were her bright orange patent-leather Casadei pumps.

Knowles' fashion-forward footwear got us thinking—how can someone wear such a statement-making shoe without going too over-the-top? Knowles' outfit works well because she kept the rest of her outfit completely monochrome.

So, if like Knowles, you'd like to add a feature piece of footwear to your very own wardrobe, here's how you can wear them without becoming a total eyesore:

Level 1 Craziness: A Bright Pump

A level one crazy shoe is a shoe that makes a statement, but is relatively subdued. For example, Knowles' orange pointy-toe pump is a level one because it's a bright color, but in a classic shape. If, like Knowles, you have that one neon pair of shoes you've been itching to try out, wear a monochrome outfit. If it's too hard to wear only one color, at the very least make sure your separates are tonal. Want a level one pump but don't own one? Try BCBGeneration's Cielo Pointy-Toe Pump ($89).

Level 2 Craziness: Completely Sequined
Ever since Miu Miu started making glitter booties, sequin detailing is everywhere. But, when a shoe is completely sequined, especially a chunky wedge like this Rose Sequin Wedge from Alloy ($49.90), your outfit must be minimal to make it work. Try a sequin wedge or pump with skinny jeans and a plain tee and blazer. If you insist on wearing a dress, pair your sequin shoes with a solid shift, and steer clear of anything with a skirt unless you're planning a major night out. Even then, keep it solid and subdued.

Level 3 Craziness: A Three-Dimensional Texture

Studs have been popular for a couple of seasons now, but to qualify as level three crazy, a shoe needs to be completely studded. For example, this Nasty Gal Shadow Stud Platform ($255.00) is all around dangerous. To keep the look edgy yet tasteful, pair these platforms with leggings, an oversized tunic, and a leather jacket. If it's still warm out you could also wear these wedges with a flowy solid trapeze dress.

Level 4 Craziness: Multiple Textures and Accoutrements

A level four shoe is a shoe that mixes multiple textures and colors—like these Giuseppe Zanotti Mixed Media Wedges ($2,950) or Steve Madden AWWSOME pump ($149.95). Both pairs bring together sequins, studs, and glitter all in one shoe. With an eye-catcher like these platforms, keep your look as minimal as possible—we're talking totally monochrome with absolutely no embellishments anywhere. You could even wear a baggy pair of boyfriend jeans and a slouchy tee and still manage to look super styled and dressy.

Level 5 Craziness: Lady Gaga Status

Basically, if Lady Gaga would wear it, than your shoe is level five batshit crazy. Whether the heel or platform height is out-of-this world, or there are a multitude of odd embelishments like this Dan Sullivan Stealing Limelight shoe ($399), go for something basic and black. Even Lady Gaga paired her ridiculously tall platforms with a classic black blazer and simple shift.

Do you have any feature shoes you're excited to try out this fall? What do you think of Solange Knowle's styling? Let us know in the comments!