The Oxford shoe, once synonymous with conservative, traditional styles, is now open to a little sex appeal. While still preserving it’s tailored image, designers have opened the toe for a peek of skin. That bit of revealing flesh is what modernizes the shoe, and expands its accessibility. Think Catholic school-girl… all grown up! You’re wearing this shoe with everything from slacks to sexy dresses. It adds just the right amount of weight to the bare elements of an off the shoulder dress. You can wear them from now into Fall, and then into winter with a pair of opaque stockings. Price points are across the board on this one, so there’s bound to be one in your price range. It’s a style that is wide open to interpretation. You can wear them in a classic style, or go completely funky and pair them with the unexpected. To all the self proclaimed chameleons, like myself, they work as well with a pencil skirt as they do with a pair of skinny jeans, a silk top and a leather jacket. Let the creating begin!

Oxfords in this observation:

Gladiator look 1

The first look has a tall gladiator paired with a summer cotton dress. The key to this look, is to keep the dress flowy and unconstructed. The cut of the dress will balance out the tall gladiator sandal, making your legs look slim. A big hobo bag completes the look beautifully.

Gladiator look 2

The second look has a short gladiator paired with shorts, a billowy top, bangles, and a textured tote. The key to this look is to lean toward the bohemian, not preppy. It should look relaxed and sophisticated. It translates into a perfect day to evening summer look.

Gladiator look 3

The third look is a more dressed up version of the gladiator sandal. Again, the dress is free flowing which helps to balance the bulk of the shoe. The gladiator we chose is metallic, and reflects beautifully as opposed to drag the outfit down. We paired the outfit with a linen bag with gold accents, to tie it all together. The dress becomes the focus, with very fashion forward accessories that don’t take over the outfit.

We hope some of these looks inspire some of your own creations. Have fun with it, and relax into a pair of gladiator sandals this season.