On the surface, the Stella McCartney ‘Elyse’ shoes would seem like an unlikely accessory to hit it big. But big they are, in every sense of the word! With their five-centimetre-high platforms, these stompy, sturdy brogues are capable of turning any outfit into a style statement, making them shoes that get noticed for all the right reasons.
From boundary-pushing Harajuku girls to the vegan customers who appreciate Stella McCartney’s animal-friendly culture, it seems no one is immune to the charm of the ‘Elyse’ lace-up shoes. A mainstay on the global street-style circuit for the past half-a-dozen seasons, this irreverent style just keeps women coming back for more.
What’s really interesting about the ‘Elyse’, though, is that for a brogue shoe with such a strong personality it’s surprising just how versatile it can be. Its particular strength: lending a quirkiness that can either dial up or play down an entire outfit, depending on which way you wear it. To get started, here are some ideas for how to style ‘Elyse’ shoes...
For a gallery-girl style
Some call it gallery girl; others say art teacher – but no matter the nomenclature, this creative type is known for her bold and iconoclastic style. Shunning the art world’s penchant for basic black, the gallery girl prefers offbeat colours such as mauve, mustard or chartreuse. She’s fond of oversized architectural earrings and isn’t afraid to rock a mid-calf skirt or a boxy T-shirt. Why should she be, when she has a knack for making it look so good?
Take a leaf out of her artistic book and try wearing a voluminous dress – preferably something bold, floral and from Marni – with your Stella McCartney ‘Elyse’ shoes. A pair in a neutral colour will work with an entire wardrobe of clothes, while an interesting texture such as wicker or denim is just the kind of detail the gallery girl would appreciate. And the best part: with their lug soles and excellent ankle support, the ‘Elyse’ is just made for traipsing the gallery circuit.
For added quirkiness
Sometimes, the most stylish outfit is one that has an element of the unexpected, a detail that single-handedly throws it off kilter, taking it in a new and entirely different direction. The ‘Elyse’ achieves this with ease, no matter what you pair with it.
To make the biggest impact, style-wise, it can be useful to remember the laws of attraction, specifically the one regarding opposites. First, slip into a seriously sultry body-con dress by Givenchy or Hervé Léger. Then, in place of the usual leg-lengthening stilettos, add a pair of Stella McCartney platform shoes – a pair with a peek-a-boo cut-out style seems fitting for the occasion. The resulting outfit will share as much about your personality and sense of humour as it does about other, er, assets.
For a fresh update on athleisure
In a similar vein, try swapping out the usual sneakers for a pair of ‘Elyse’ lace-up shoes to complete your favourite athleisure outfit. The formula is simple: take select pieces of activewear, add the ‘Elyse’ in a bold primary colour such as electric blue or red and throw a leather jacket on top. With one small styling tweak, you’re all set to go directly from a class to your favourite café.
For endless legs
Maybe you’re born with it; maybe it’s the incredible leg-lengthening powers of a pair of platform soles. Either way, they quite literally take you and your wardrobe to dizzying new heights. To really maximise the stilt-like qualities of a pair of Stella McCartney ‘Elyse’ shoes, try teaming them with your skinniest jeans or the shortest skirt you’re comfortable wearing. Pick a pair with the signature star print, to really ground the look and then think vertically! Result: legs for days, no matter what your genetic predisposition.
For some of Stella’s own style
When Stella McCartney designed the ‘Elyse’ brogues so many years ago, could she have had an inkling of the cult success they would go on to become? Possibly. One thing that is for certain: she sure knows how to wear them with flair. So when looking for ‘Elyse’ shoes outfit ideas, it pays also to look no further than the designer herself. Proving that the magic really is in the mix, Stella McCartney has been spotted wearing a triple-decker pair of ‘Elyse’ brogues – think white soles, a wooden middle and black uppers – with slouchy track pants and a chiffon polka-dot blouse. There’s a quiet strength about the entire ensemble that quite simply says: go big, or go home.