Styling Tabis

Unconventional, absurd, ridiculous, amusing are the few words that I would use to describe Tabi shoes. Orginally the design made in Japan as socks made to be worn indoors or with sandals called geta. In 1922, two brothers by the name of Tokujirō Ishibashi and Shōjirō Ishibashi,created the rubber sole tabis made to be worn outside. In the 1980s and 1990s Masion Margelia started making shoes in a similar style. Now I am not qualified to teach fashion history, but I know a thing or two or three about styling. So below I have styled tabis for three different occasions such has a work fit, a date night, and going to the grocery store. While Masion Margiela is what comes to mind, there are tabi shoe options for all budgets and styles  online.

Tabis are perfect for elevating a boring outfit. They are like the statement piece you never knew you needed. Exhibit A: Jeans, a blazer great for the business casual look, add a pair of tabis and a knitted balaclava style hat and TA-DA now there's this extra element of ridiculousness to your outfit. It is the perfect statement piece without standing out too much or going against dress codes. 

Did someone say date night? I for one hate wearing high heels. Maybe one day I will own a pair of Manolo Blahniks (a girl can dream right?) but I digress. Tabis are nice dress up shoes as well, so they make the perfect date night shoe. Below I styled them with a Simone Rocha dress I got online.

Finally outfit number three…I know what you are thinking… Jay these aren't shoes you can wear everyday, like going to the laundromat, or going grocery shopping. To that I say, “haha”. Here is how I styled the Tabis for everyday wear or the super casual look, I styled them with a pair of  overalls I thrifted, and a button up shirt.