By Jackson 
It started with a raised eyebrow.
That morning, I stood in front of my mirror, holding a pair of soft beige trousers in one hand and a structured tote in the other. The outfit was ready. Polished, clean, just right for my morning meeting. But something playful in me reached for those shoes—you know, the ones with all the little holes, the ones more often spotted at beachside cafés than in boardrooms.
I slipped them on. Just to see.
My reflection stared back, as if asking, Are you really going to do this?
Yes. I was.
As I walked out the door, I expected side-eyes on the subway. But instead, something strange happened. Someone actually complimented my look. They said it felt “refreshing”—not too stiff, not too predictable. I hadn’t realized until that moment how much I’d grown used to dressing in a way that muted my personality, all in the name of professionalism.
But that day, my shoes made a quiet statement: Comfort doesn’t cancel style.
By noon, I had forgotten I was wearing anything controversial. During back-to-back meetings, quick coffee runs, and an impromptu brainstorming session in the break room, no one said a thing. Well—except one colleague who pulled me aside and whispered, “Wait… how did you make those work?”
I smiled.
The secret wasn’t just in the outfit. It was in how I wore it. I’d balanced the relaxed silhouette of the shoes with tailored layers: a crisp blouse tucked in neatly, neutral tones, subtle jewelry. The shoes added a touch of rebellion, just enough to break the routine—but not the rules.
And you know what? I felt good.
I wasn’t dragging my feet by 3 PM. I wasn’t mentally counting the steps back to my apartment. I felt present, light, and weirdly… confident. Like I had taken a small risk and pulled it off.
Now, these airy little shoes have earned a place in my weekday rotation. I still love a polished loafer or a classic heel. But this summer, there’s something oddly powerful about stepping into the unexpected—and realizing you don’t have to trade ease for elegance.
Who knew that the season’s most relaxed shoe would end up being my most empowering choice?