Following our look at all things modern punk, DFW Style Daily’s Fall Trending series continues today with a footwear comeback kid. Click here to read Trending: Punk Takes Practice.

    The recent return of the Oxford shoe, also known as the saddle shoe, reflects a long history dating back to the late 19th century. First seen as a functional dress shoe for men, Oxfords gained a foothold in Scotland and Ireland. In following decades, the look became popular with women and children as well, spreading to England and the United States. Whether laced-up or not, this leather-tongued style has had numerous resurgences. The London punk scene took a shine to Oxfords in the early 1970’s, but they remain most fondly remembered as a darling of the American Poodle Skirt era of the 1950’s. Variations include Balmorals, the classic, seamless style. Wingtip Oxfords feature W-shaped toecaps, giving the appearance of a bird spreading its wings. Finally, Saddle Oxfords are so named for a saddle-shaped leather accent sewn over the instep. This season’s twists include prints, ornamentation, and color-blocking, as spotted in designer collections from Bottega Veneta to Givenchy and beyond.  

Oxfords On The Runway

    Derek Lam shows a sophisticated pointed-toe Oxford.                     Bottega Veneta’s lace-up version adds a sky-high heel.                     Stella McCartney combines faux python and slip-on ease.                     A two-toned Oxford from Chloé features ostrich detail.                     Cow print at Givenchy extends all the way to the shoe.                    

Shop The Trend

 

J. Crew’s mirrored metallic Oxfords ($258) are sure to draw admirers.

Cut-outs and color-blocking update ModCloth’s modern saddle shoes ($60).

    Additional research by Natalie Starnes. Photo credits, from top: 1. Wikipedia.com, 2. DerekLam.com, 3. Gianni Pucci/InDigital-GoRunway, 4. StellaMcCartney.com, 5. Chloe.com, 5. Givenchy.com, 6. JCrew.com, 7. ModCloth.com.