How to style t bar flats without looking like school shoes?

[Justkoko]

Can't seem to find my perfect loafers (not at the right price anyway) so wondered about t bars. I've always liked them but not sure about keeping them from looking too much like school shoes. I like the Dr Martens double strap ones but not sure if I'd feel odd in them. Or whether I can pull them off. I prefer a more solid/chunkier sole for everyday so nothing too delicate looking. Plus, what about socks? I'm a black opaques or ankle skimmers kind of person.

Nothing helpful to add but I'd like to know too, if anyone has found some that aren't too chunky.

Unfortunately I think the chunky kind will look like school shoes whatever you do. If you want a more sophisticated look you’ll need to go for a more delicate style, probably with a pointy toe.

I'm not a sophisticated type of person.😆
I like a sort of polished but down to earth look, I love brown leather and wool peacoats. I was looking for loafers first but not quite found the right thing. I've liked those double strap Dr Martens mary janes for ages, just not sure how I'd style them given I tend to wear trousers and jeans above the ankle. They can look great, but it has to be just right.

I think they'll go "school shoes" however styled, sadly. And often "borrowed my daughter's school shoes in a hurry".

Anyone have these or similar? Or ideas about styling?

For styling I like the 90s look with black tights and a short flowered dress. Not sure about trousers.

I know girls in their early 20s who wear these with white crew socks and one who wears them with lace trim socks - very school girl style but looks fine. I think they're quite versatile and can be styled in different ways - I've seen people wear these with baggy/wide leg jeans, long skirts, summer dresses, emo/scene/Lolita style...