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William Morris Sneakers - okay or frumpy?

90 replies

HyancinthsAndTulips · 26/03/2023 16:46

I bought a pair of William Morris print sneakers from Next (yeah, I know...urgh) and really like them (they also make my big feet look smaller) but wondering if they're a bit on the frumpy side? It shouldn't matter, but I'm mid-thirties and just starting out in a fairly 'young' industry, so would like to avoid looking too staid. I've added a picture of the type of outfit I would wear them with.

Finding summer shoes is such a nightmare for me - I have wide size 8/9 feet which I prefer to keep hidden as they aren't exactly my most attractive feature. Really hate white sneakers (they also make my feet look huge) and can't get on with most sandals (they all rub and do nothing for me). I like vintage look Converse, some loafers, espadrilles and ballet flats, but most of my shoes are dark colours and never look quite right with summery clothes. I also don't like bright colours or anything too 'loud' and live in neutrals and muted colours. I used to to find so many nice shoes in my early 20s but now seem to return just about everything I order....not sure where it all went wrong for me. 😩

William Morris Sneakers - okay or frumpy?
William Morris Sneakers - okay or frumpy?
OP posts:
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16
SquirrelsAreStinky · 28/03/2023 13:05

HyancinthsAndTulips · 27/03/2023 16:28

OAP here, would you like my opinion?

They're Ok.

Of course I want your opinion! I love reading your posts on S&B because they're always interesting, well-considered and I'm sure you have great taste! I know lots of older women whose style I admire and would very happily take advice from.

I like them, and worn with the right outfit, not frumpy at all (I like your example)
I’d not wear them with floppy bowed laces, though - I’d tuck them in or get some of the elastic ones for a cleaner look

That's a good point, duly noted!

I commented earlier OP to say I don’t like them. And honestly I really don’t.

Neither would I say they’re a particularly “young” choice - as that was your original question.

But the thing is, it’s such a personal issue. You’d probably hate the shoes I wear! And that’s ok too 🙂 I’m another size 8-9 foot hobbit too, btw 😂

I'm not head over heels in love with them myself, it's more a question of being mildly pleased with finding a comfortable summery light-coloured shoe that doesn't give me clown feet. Summer shoes for me tend to be a question of finding the least bad option, really. I might actually start a new thread asking those with large and wide feet to share their flattering shoes. I'm curious now, what shoes do you wear?

@HyancinthsAndTulips - I think it's just the print that I don't like, on reflection. And definitely the way the laces were tied added to my overall dislike. I quite like the Cath Kidston ones posted further down with the invisible laces and they're not really that different, are they?! I think it was just the print and the laces that I took such a vehement dislike to 🤦🏻‍♀️😅

Re my shoes, I quite like something chunky a lot of the time - so I like biker boots. I quite like statement footwear so I'm not averse to something that is very noticeable. I have faux fur boot toppers which I quite like adding to boots (there's a sock bit that sits inside and the fur bit folds over the top) - that makes them quite eye-catching, and I like how it looks.

In all honesty, I've got big feet and nothing really is going to hide that so I'm not really fussed if they look big or not. I like statement footwear because I think sod it, let's make a feature of my feet if they're going to be noticeable anyway! I'm 47 and for a long time I've been of the opinion that I don't care if no one else likes what I wear - I'm genuinely at peace with that 😊

Re summer, I do love Converse, like you OP. I also like Rocketdog - their prints are quite funky. I've added a photo below of something I quite like. Have to be honest, I spend a lot of my summer in chunky flip-flops. So comfy and easy to wear.

However, I do also really like Indian slippers (there's another name for them but I can't remember what it is now). They're quite forgiving for wide feet and I wear a lot of maxi dresses so they go quite well with those. I avoid anything with a Birkenstock type sole like the plague as they look awful on me. You get Indian slippers in lots of different colours/styles etc - I avoid anything beaded or too blingy. I usually get lots of compliments wearing them too! I did find some backless ones - I had two pairs and I wore them until they were falling to pieces!

Couple of pics below of the Indian slipper style of shoes - these are obviously both quite busy, you can get more neutral tones.

So overall, I tend to avoid delicate-looking shoes - so nothing with pointy toes etc, as I just don't think they look good on bigger feet. I feel like an adult crammed into kids' shoes with my big old feet 😅 Obviously very much personal opinion as I appreciate others will disagree!

William Morris Sneakers - okay or frumpy?
William Morris Sneakers - okay or frumpy?
William Morris Sneakers - okay or frumpy?
HyancinthsAndTulips · 28/03/2023 14:24

I think it's just the print that I don't like, on reflection. And definitely the way the laces were tied added to my overall dislike. I quite like the Cath Kidston ones posted further down with the invisible laces and they're not really that different, are they?!

Yes, you’re right, they’re not that different! For me, it’s the other way around - I don’t particularly like the Cath Kidston print, not my colours and too cutesy, but I can see them looking really nice on someone else.

Re my shoes, I quite like something chunky a lot of the time - so I like biker boots. I quite like statement footwear so I'm not averse to something that is very noticeable. I have faux fur boot toppers which I quite like adding to boots (there's a sock bit that sits inside and the fur bit folds over the top) - that makes them quite eye-catching, and I like how it looks.

I mostly live in Chelsea boots during the colder months but also quite like a biker boot. In winter I don’t mind something quite chunky and statement-y at all, probably because it’s balanced out by voluminous coats and big scarfs.

Re summer, I do love Converse, like you OP. I also like Rocketdog - their prints are quite funky. I've added a photo below of something I quite like. Have to be honest, I spend a lot of my summer in chunky flip-flops. So comfy and easy to wear.

Many of the Rocketdogs trainers are a bit too bright and busy for me, but I can totally see why you like them! There are a few pairs I could see myself wearing, but they only seem to go up to an 8 which might be slightly too small. What’s their sizing like?

I love those Indian slippers and used to wear them a lot in the mid to late 2000s. Incredibly flattering and lots of choice in places like Brick Lane market back then. Makes me feel quite nostalgic! I’ll see if I can find a nice pair for summer, although I expect my DH will hate them, but who cares.

OP posts:
Zhougzhoug · 28/03/2023 14:35

I used to wear the Liberty print Nike high-tops when I was 26 and otherwise bombing around Dalston in head-to-toe American Apparel but that was 15 years ago. I don't know whether that makes this sort of thing more or less frumpy in 2023. But I'd maybe check Depop for the orginal Liberty Nikes and then it's fashion history...?

PedroPascal · 28/03/2023 14:42

I have William Morris ones in blue and white. I like them but I really love WM print. I find it easy to wear with anything.

Not sure why Next is 'urgh'. I've got lots of Morris stuff from both Next and H&M.

I don't really worry about looking cool or trendy tbh, just wear the things I like and enjoy clothes.

HyancinthsAndTulips · 28/03/2023 15:01

I used to wear the Liberty print Nike high-tops when I was 26 and otherwise bombing around Dalston in head-to-toe American Apparel but that was 15 years ago. I don't know whether that makes this sort of thing more or less frumpy in 2023. But I'd maybe check Depop for the orginal Liberty Nikes and then it's fashion history…?

I have no idea if they’d be considered really dated or back in fashion / an acceptable nod to fashion history, but probably not committed enough to track them down and have them shipped from god knows where anyways. I do love the print though!

Not sure why Next is 'urgh'. I've got lots of Morris stuff from both Next and H&M.

Sorry, didn’t mean to offend anyone - I obviously do shop at Next myself sometimes! I find Next a bit frustrating because you have to wade through so much very brightly coloured polyester and lots of overly fussy designs to find the nice stuff. Also, many of their tops are weirdly short and boxy with too-short sleeves, but that’s probably just my personal gripe as we all have such different body shapes. I like their Morris stuff and have a massive soft spot for H&M, though!

OP posts:
MadelineZott · 28/03/2023 15:30

PedroPascal · 28/03/2023 14:42

I have William Morris ones in blue and white. I like them but I really love WM print. I find it easy to wear with anything.

Not sure why Next is 'urgh'. I've got lots of Morris stuff from both Next and H&M.

I don't really worry about looking cool or trendy tbh, just wear the things I like and enjoy clothes.

@PedroPascal
Are the blue and white Morris ones still available? Do you have a link?

OP I love them so much I've just ordered them, so thank you! I used to have a pair of Liberty print Supergas, wore them until they dropped in holes, and haven't found a suitable replacement. I think they would look great with the style of clothing you have posted.

ALittleBitAlexa · 28/03/2023 15:54

I don't particularly like the trainers, sorry OP! I know you said you don't want to change your style but I think if you swapped the skinnies for wide leg trousers it would instantly update your look, and mean you could carry on wearing your normal preferred shoes. I also think wider legs would make your feet look smaller, if that's something you aim for.

LuckyDipForTheEuro · 28/03/2023 16:08

I like the shoes OP - I think they look fun and ready for spring and I like the outfit you've suggested they'd go with.

It's hard to get decent flats isn't it? Ballerina pumps leave you with cold feet, trainers seem clumpy and I can't wear converse since my teenage son said they looked like and I quote "clown shoes" 😂

PedroPascal · 28/03/2023 16:28

I don't think they are still available but they are kind of like these:

https://www.vinted.co.uk/kids/girls-clothing/shoes/trainers/lace-up-trainers/2765901497-morris-for-next-hi-tops-size-5

So have a rummage on vinted.

I get what you're saying about Next OP, I find the collaborations they are do are quite good though - Lipsy, Morris and Co and Mary Katrantzou(?) have all had a few things I've bought. I do enjoy a floral though 😁

Morris for next hi tops size 5

Morris and co for Next hi tops lovely trainers size 5 Excellent condition

https://www.vinted.co.uk/kids/girls-clothing/shoes/trainers/lace-up-trainers/2765901497-morris-for-next-hi-tops-size-5

BowiesJumper · 28/03/2023 17:04

I think they’re pretty and if you feel good wearing them, then wear them! Everyone has different styles.

purser25 · 28/03/2023 17:07

Love them but I have such wide feet guess that they wouldn’t fit

Twopea · 12/05/2023 22:58

Just wanted to update @HyancinthsAndTulips that I bought the William Morris trainers from Next today solely because of this thread so you are officially an influencer now 😂

Oldraver · 13/05/2023 11:53

I love a pair of patterned trainers/pumps though that colour a bit dingy for me

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