not just for dorothy

Possibly the most infamous red shoes in history, or at least fairy tale history, are those worn by Dorothy in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Over the years, red shoes have somehow acquired an association with sex and sin, possibly because of the fact that red is generally considered a sensual colour, evocative of passion and seduction.  Certainly a far cry from the innocent, pig-tailed dorothy look.  Studies have also been carried out on the meaning of wearing red shoes: "Dr Elaine Webster, a Sociologist from Otago University, New Zealand has spent the past six months asking why women wear red shoes. And, she has concluded that young women wear them for excitement, and out of a desire to be noticed; whilst most men associate red shoes with sex and sin.  Dr Webster, whose long term interest is "dress and identity" conducted the research after being impressed with the way that women spoke about their red shoes." (source: wiki answers)

Another wearer of red shoes, whose garb, appearance and behaviour could very well be diametrically opposed to the sensual and seductive one in Webster's study, is the Pope - courtesy of a tradition which pre-dates the mid-1500s when the papal vestments were changed from top-to-toe red to white.  (source: Yahoo News)

Let's set aside all the psychology, history and tradition. Red shoes are just plain fun.  As are all coloured footwear for that matter.  We very easily tend to stick to black and tan for our footwear of choice, them being the conventional neutral colours which go with everything.  But slapping on a pair of coloured - why not, red - shoes, can quickly turn a plain outfit into a stunner.

Make the shoes the statement of the day.  Wear an all denim outfit and put on a pair of red loafers and block-coloured tote or clutch, preferably with a bit of red in it and you're ready for a day in the city.  Jazz up your LBD with a pair of red heels and a lick of red lipstick for that glamour Hollywood look.  Brighten up your beachwear with a pair of red canvas wedges and a patterned headscarf.

The most important thing is to have fun with your style.  With shoes, experimenting and 'daring' with colour can be much easier than wearing bold colours around the face area.  And if pillar box red is not your go-to colour, there are a myriad shades to choose from which would still make the desired impact. 

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