Fashion
How to mix textures in an outfit like a pro
Textural overload is on trend, so it’s a great time to learn the art of mixing fabrics weights and finishes for high-impact outfits.
Knowing how to mix textures effectively can elevate your style from simple to stunning. Textural variety adds depth and personality — without going over-the-top the way bold patterns and colors can. You can use texture plays to build outfits that are subtle but also sophisticated and unique.
So let’s get into it. Here’s the texture mixing guide that’ll get you through this winter in style.
Understanding texture in fashion
Texture is a fabric’s surface quality — that is, how it feels, looks, and hangs. Three main contributors to a fabric’s texture are:
- Fiber content
- Construction type — whether it’s woven, knit, felted, etc.
- Finishing — whether it’s embossed, brushed, etc.
Textures have moods and personalities. For example:
- Ultra-smooth textures are often elegant and sophisticated. Think leather, silk, and satin.
- Looped yarn fabrics (knits) are cozy and casual. Jersey knits, rib knits, cable knits, terry cloth, and velour are in this category.
- Rougher textures like tweed and denim are more rugged and have a warmer personality.
- Soft and fluffy textures are rich and luxurious. These are your faux furs, cashmeres, and velvets.
- Crisp and stiff textures like taffeta and organza are voluminous and dramatic.
Texture also affects fit. In short, the weights and feels of the fabrics you wear are impactful — often more impactful to your style than your choice of colors.
10 strategies for mixing textures
Fashion never has to follow rules, but guidelines can help you adopt a new style convention with confidence. Keep these strategies in mind as you create your own unique textural plays.
Start with a statement texture
Here’s a fashion secret: The ‘statement’ approach is an easy and low-risk way to try out any new style for the first time. All you have to do is create a neutral backdrop and deploy the new style as a single statement to the outfit. Applying this approach to textures, you could combine a very neutral chambray dress and with a fringed suede or taffeta handbag as your textural statement.
Balance matte and shine
Shiny and shimmery textures can turn gaudy if you go overboard. Avoid that by teaming your sequins and silks with flatter, non-reflective fabrics like cotton, denim, or wool.
Mix opposites
Hard fabrics and soft fabrics make great partners. Same goes for fluid fabrics and structured ones. Pairing contrasting textures creates a sophisticated, high-style look.
Don’t go overboard
Too much texture isn’t a good thing, even in seasons when textural layering is on trend. Unless you can masterfully combine fabrics, more than three textural elements in one outfit is probably too many.
Use texture to draw the eye
As with colors, bold textures draw the eye away from matte and flat fabrics. You know a bold texture when you see it — sequins, velvets, and embellished pieces fall into this category. If you want to highlight your cleavage, wear a top with texture at the neckline. Alternatively, show off those great legs with a sequined skirt.
Play to the season or occasion
Knits are at home in the winter, just as linens feel right in the summer. Similarly, denim fits for Saturday afternoon sports-watching, while silk is a better choice for a cocktail party. Recognize the season, occasion, venue, or crowd you’re dressing for and let that guide you to the right texture choices.
Lean into monochromatic palettes
When you are mixing textures, the color scheme plays a role in creating a cohesive look. A monochromatic color palette allows the different textures to stand out without overwhelming the eye. A bolder mix of colors is riskier when you’re also pairing textures — your outfit can easily end up confusing instead of cohesive.
Accessorize with textures
Try a chunky knit scarf with a smooth leather jacket for a tactile contrast, or pair a beaded necklace with a simple cotton dress to add depth and personality. You’re golden as long as your accessories complement the existing textures in your outfit, rather than competing with them.
Experiment with layering
Here is a basic textural layering formula (which you may already be using without thinking about it): Start with a base layer of a smooth texture, such as a cotton t-shirt, and then add different textures like a denim jacket or a chunky knit cardigan. As you build on lower layers, consider the weight and thickness of each texture to avoid bulking up in an unflattering way.
Wear mixed-media pieces
If all else fails, buy tops or jackets that mix textures for you. Mixed-media pieces like dresses with sheer panels, moto jackets with fur collars, and shoes that combine patent and suede are easy entry points into this trend.
11 textural combos to try
Still in need of textural inspiration? I got you. Here are 11 textural combos you can use to upgrade your style in a flash this season.
- Leather and silk. Edgy smoothness meets flowing softness! Try a moto over a slip dress.
- Denim and lace. Blend rugged and delicate with a denim jacket over a lace top.
- Wool and satin. An oversized wool coat with a satin slip skirt gives you cozy matte with liquid shine.
- Velvet and leather. Team plush luxury with sleek toughness by way of a velvet blazer with leather pants.
- Knit and chiffon. Combine a chunky knit sweater with a chiffon maxi skirt for casual warmth and airy lightness.
- Tweed and silk. Tweed blazer over a silk blouse? That’s textured structure meeting polished refinement.
- Cashmere and denim. A cashmere sweater and tailored denim delivers soft luxe paired with classic casual.
- Patent leather and wool. Patent boots provide glossy shine while a wool skirt contrasts with soft matte.
- Linen and suede. Relaxed and breathable linen trousers pair nicely with the soft richness of suede sandals.
- Sequins and knit. Wear a chunky sweater atop a sequin skirt for glam sparkle and cozy ease.
- Faux fur and silk. The fluffy volume of a faux fur jacket looks amazing with the sleek drape of a silk camisole.
Textures are better together
Mixing textures elevates your style and adds depth and interest to your outfits — whether you mix and match texture combos or showcase one bold texture against a neutral backdrop. Even better, texture layering is an outfit hack you can make your own. Let your personal style guide you and have fun creating your own dynamic looks.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I love this minimal ballet flat from Reiss. While not quite in toe cleavage territory, the vamp is very low, which really works here I think.
The shoes come in tan and black at Nordstrom, and Reiss.com has them in tan and a brown suede (also lovely).
Where we used to do nude flats, I tend to think this medium tan brown is the more modern iteration, whatever your skin tone is. Lovely.
The shoes are $298, available in US sizes 5-10.
Sales of note for 3/6:
- Nordstrom has a big beauty sale afoot, including lots of products that don’t normally go on sale. Reader favorites include this tinted balm, this other tinted balm, this concealer, and this exfoliating serum. (OK, this classic tinted balm also!)
- Ann Taylor – $40 off pants, $50 off jackets, 30% off tops and sweaters, and 40% off accessories — plus extra 50% off all sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 40% off + extra 20% off
- Bloomingdale’s – Beauty & Fragrance Promo: Take 15% off almost all $150+ purchases! (ends 3/8)
- Boden – 15% off new styles with code
- Brooklinen – Friends & Family sale, enjoy 20% off sitewide and up to 50% off select bundles (ends 3/18)
- Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off clearance + 25% off select jewelry
- Dermstore – Beauty Refresh sale, up to 20% off! Brands in the sale include Elta MD, Sunday Riley, and Augustinus Bader — and there’s a ton of HSA/FSA eligible things too. They also have some nice “best of Dermstore” kits, including a sunscreen selection!
- Elie Tahari – Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off.
- Evereve – Spring sale!
- Express – $75 off $200, BOGO 50% off sitewide, and $25+ dresses
- J.Crew – 40% off spring-ready styles + extra 30% off all sale styles with code
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything + extra 50% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – End of winter sale, up to 50% off — reader favorites include this laptop tote, this backpack, and this crossbody
- M.Gemi – Friends & Family sale early access with code FF2025
- M.M.LaFleur – Wear to Work Bundle, buy 2 items get 15% off; buy 3 items get 20% off (you can also try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off)
- Nordstrom – 4,000 new markdowns for women! Cardmembers get a $20 note for every $200 you spend (ends 3/8)
- Ruti – 20% off Core Collection
- Saks OFF5TH – Liquidation sale, up to 80% off! Everything final sale.
- Soma – $30 bra event, save up to 60%
- Talbots – 25% off entire purchase, plus free shipping on $150+
Valentino Jacket (more similar here), Flore Flore Shirt, Ralph Lauren Pants, Marguax Sandals, Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, Chanel Bag, Irene Neuwirth Earrings (similar here)
For daytime plans—meeting friends for brunch, walking through town, or lingering over an afternoon coffee—the easiest way to approach getting dressed is to start with one piece that gives the outfit character. A jacket with embroidery or embellishment, a textured bag, a sculptural blouse, or a printed top instantly brightens an otherwise simple look.
Around it, familiar daytime staples help create balance. Relaxed trousers, tailored denim, wrap skirts, pleated shorts, tees, and crisp shirts provide the foundation. The result feels styled, but still natural for everyday plans.
Color and texture bring the edit together. Shades of cream, beige, navy, chocolate, and soft neutrals ground the wardrobe, while details like tassels, fringe, embroidery, and subtle prints introduce personality. Accessories like structured bags, refined flats or sandals, and classic sunglasses that finish the outfit with ease.
The result is a daytime outfit that feels thoughtful and refined, anchored by one piece that gives the entire look polish and interest.
Fashion
Who Wore It Better? Angela Simmons vs DreamDoll in a Yankees Hat Corset Top by Haus of Debonair Designz
Angela Simmons recently teased her new single with Jadakiss and Ruff Ryders wearing a Yankees hat corset top by Haus of Debonair Designz that was previously seen on DreamDoll in the music video for “You Know My Body.”
Inspired by Duality Junkie, the inventive design transforms two upside-down fitted New York Yankees caps into sculptural bra cups, blending sportswear references with corsetry.
DreamDoll first wore the top in her music video, styled by Demi Dorsey with distressed jeans and Manolo Blahnik boots. The styling leaned into a streetwear aesthetic, pairing the novelty piece with relaxed denim and tall boots.
Angela Simmons later stepped out in the same design while teasing her collaboration with Jadakiss and Ruff Ryders, styling the corset with a denim mini skirt and Prada lace-up boots for a different take on the look.
Both interpretations highlight the unconventional design and its mix of sports culture and fashion experimentation.
Inventive! Hot! Or Hmm..? And who wore it better?
Photo Credit: Kevin Allen Digital / IG Reproduction
Nene Leakes stepped out for Oscar celebrations in a metallic cutout gown by Michael Costello, styled by King Troi. The form-fitting design featured a one-shoulder neckline with draped detailing across the bodice and a high-shine finish that reflected light from every angle. A keyhole cutout at the chest added dimension, while the sleek silhouette extended into a floor-length hem with trailing fabric panels for added movement.
The back of the gown revealed an open design, emphasizing the sculpted fit and ruched detailing along the waist and hips. Leakes paired the look with metallic heels and a structured mini clutch, keeping accessories minimal to complement the statement dress.
Her glam included a platinum blonde bob styled with soft volume, paired with a neutral makeup look that highlighted her features.
Hot! Or Hmm..?
Photo credit: Kalief W IG/Reproduction
Embark on a journey to Saint-Tropez with the Vilebrequin swimming costumes for women Summer 2026 “Surnaturalism” collection. This season, Vilebrequin blends dreamlike imagination with high-end craftsmanship, featuring vibrant palettes inspired by the earth and sea. From the precision-engineered Mesh One-piece Swimsuit to the ethereal Flowers Lace Long Dress, each piece is designed to offer a seamless transition from the turquoise waters to a sun-drenched lunch. Experience the “enigma-chic” aesthetic through innovative fabrics like organic cotton-linen crochet and recycled polyamide, ensuring you remain effortlessly elegant under the Mediterranean sun.
Women Mesh One-piece Swimsuit – Shop Now
Women Crochet Beach Dress – Shop Now
Women Long Dress Flowers Lace – Shop Now
Women Long Mesh Dress – Shop Now
Women Crochet T-shirt Dress Solid – Shop Now
Women Crochet Sweater Solid – Shop Now
For any questions/feedback regarding the above mentioned products/brands,
please do contact us anytime by clicking here
French artisanal excellence with the Paraboot shoe collections for men, now curated at Batch LDN. Renowned for their robust Norwegian welt construction and signature vulcanized rubber soles, Paraboot has transitioned from a practical choice for alpine workers to a global symbol of “Quiet Luxury.” This collection features the legendary Michael derby and the sturdy Reims loafer, offering a perfect balance of rugged durability and refined tailoring. Crafted in France using premium leathers and unique textures like cow hair, these shoes are designed to provide unparalleled comfort and a lifetime of wear.
Paraboot Reims Black – Shop Now
Paraboot Reims Brown – Shop Now
Paraboot Michael Black – Shop Now
Paraboot Michael Brown Leather – Shop Now
Paraboot – Michael Cow Hair – Shop Now
Paraboot – Whisky – Shop Now
For any questions/feedback regarding the above mentioned products/brands,
please do contact us anytime by clicking here
Bring the magic of the Force to your beauty routine with the Star Wars Grogu Collection 2026 by Mad Beauty, exclusively at Spoiledbrat. This charming range features a curated selection of self-care essentials designed for fans of the galaxy’s most adorable foundling. From soothing hydrogel under-eye masks to refreshing body washes and playful hair accessories, each piece combines high-quality skincare with whimsical 3D Grogu designs. Whether you’re prepping for a day of adventures or winding down with a pampering session, these travel-friendly essentials are perfect for Star Wars enthusiasts looking for functional beauty with a playful, fandom-inspired twist.
Star Wars Grogu Under Eye Mask Collection (3 sets) – Shop Now
Star Wars Grogu Body Wash & Mini Bag – Shop Now
Star Wars Grogu Eyelash Curler – Shop Now
Grogu Galaxy Creaseless Clips – Shop Now
Grogu Galaxy Creaseless Clips – Shop Now
The Heist Studios tights shapewear for women bestsellers. Known for their precision-engineered fit and innovative “gravity-defying” design, these pieces eliminate the common frustrations of digging, rolling, and sagging. This curated collection features everything from luxurious, seamless opaque tights to sculpting bodysuits that act as a second skin. Whether you are looking for breathable, invisible layers for everyday wear or bold patterns to elevate your evening look, Heist Studios offers supportive, high-performance hosiery and shapewear designed for enduring elegance and all-day ease.
The Sixty Opaque Tights Black – Shop Now
The Nude Sheer Tights – Shop Now
The Eighty Opaque Tights Midnight Navy – Shop Now
The Floral Lace Patterned Tights Black – Shop Now
The Polka Dot Black – Shop Now
The Polka Dot Vintage Ivory – Shop Now
The Invisible Shorty Bodysuit Almond – Shop Now
For any questions/feedback regarding the above mentioned products/brands,
please do contact us anytime by clicking here
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Finding stylish heels in wide widths can be surprisingly difficult — many brands either stop at standard sizing, or only offer wide options in a select few styles. Fortunately, more brands are expanding their size ranges, and several reader-favorite labels consistently offer comfortable wide-width work shoes. Readers, which are your favorite comfortable heels for wide feet?
Reader N was wondering this exact question:
I always have trouble finding a pair of comfortable but fashionable shoes, for two reasons – 1) I have wide feet and can only buy wide sized shoes, of which there is limited selection, and 2) I also have flat feet/collapsed arches. Could you suggest some brands that have nice shoes in wide sizes (especially ones that are available in Canada?) and which are also comfortable and affordable? And any other tips on shoe inserts, perhaps? Thanks!
We’ve talked about how to find shoes for your weird feet, as well as the best general shoe brands (and tips) for buying comfortable heels and the most extremely comfortable business casual shoes, but we haven’t talked about professional shoes for wide feet for a few years now. (I would recommend treating flat feet/wide feet as two different issues, but your podiatrist can advise you best there — we’ve talked before about insoles and other shoe-related products to make heels more comfortable.)
N.B. This post was originally published in 2014, but updated in 2026 by founder Kat Griffin with new brands and reader recommendations.
{related: the most comfortable heels for work}
Update: Editor’s Picks for Comfortable Heels for Wide Feet
{related: check out our Guide to Comfortable Heels!}
Why You Should Trust Us
At Corporette, we’ve been covering professional women’s workwear — including comfortable heels, office-appropriate flats, and shoes for difficult fit issues — since 2008. Over the years we’ve published hundreds of posts about work shoes, from deep dives on comfortable pumps to reader-favorite brands for wardrobe essentials.
Our community of professional women (many working in law, finance, consulting, government, and other demanding fields) frequently shares feedback on shoes that actually work for long days on your feet — especially for hard-to-fit categories like wide widths. (Corporette was founded by a former lawyer looking for stylish yet practical workwear for demanding professional environments.)
How We Picked The Best Heels for Wide Feet
For this guide, we focused on reader-favorite brands known to offer reliable wide or extra-wide sizing, with a range of styles appropriate for both conservative offices and business-casual workplaces. We also included a few specialty and indie brands that have developed strong reputations for wide-foot comfort.
Brands were selected based on:
- consistent availablility of wide or extra-wide sizes
- reader recommendations and discussions over the years
- office-appropriate styles suitable for professional settings
- current availability at major retailers
The Best Wide Toe Box Heels
If you have narrow ankles but a wide toe box, it can be tricky to find shoes to fit. (This happens to be Kat’s problem; readers have also called this issue “duck feet.”) Some favorite brands to watch for include Vionic, Cole Haan, Vivaia, Eileen Fisher, Ally, and Calla. Also check out our roundup of strappy heels!
Trendy, Comfortable Shoes in Wide Sizes
{related: the best plus-size women’s workwear – wardrobe essentials!}
Where to Find Comfortable Heels That Come in Wide Sizes (General Stores and Brands)
Readers have generally sung the praises of these brands as being comfortable heels; they also come in wide sizes — a lot of these have great arch support built in:
{related: 100+ great shops for plus-size work clothes}
Where to Find Office Shoes for Wide Feet: Specialty Stores
These online stores focus on shoes for wide feet:
If You Prefer Flats for Wide Feet
Of course, for 2026 you don’t have to wear heels to be considered “professional” (if you ever did). Many of our favorite heel brands have great flats as well!
In our last roundup of comfortable flats for work, we rounded up some flats that came in extended width sizes…
- Extended widths (AA, C, W): Børn (M-D), Sam Edelman (NMW), Ferragamo (N M W 2A B C D), Margaux (NMW), Rothy’s (MW) (also consider Vivaia’s Margot line)
- Extended sizes (4-13): Børn (5-12), Sam Edelman (4-13), Ferragamo (4-11), Sarah Flint (4-13), Rothys (5-13)
Stock photo credit (gold heels) via Stencil. Woman in red heels: Deposit Photos / NewAfrica.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
J.Crew has a great blazer selection this season, but this Easter-egg-hued linen number really caught my eye. The scallop trim is fun without being too cutesy, and while the color might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I think it would look lovely paired with a light gray or navy trouser. (And if you really can’t stomach pastels, it also comes in black.)
The blazer is $278 at J.Crew and comes in sizes XXXS-3X.
Sales of note for 3/6:
- Nordstrom has a big beauty sale afoot, including lots of products that don’t normally go on sale. Reader favorites include this tinted balm, this other tinted balm, this concealer, and this exfoliating serum. (OK, this classic tinted balm also!)
- Ann Taylor – $40 off pants, $50 off jackets, 30% off tops and sweaters, and 40% off accessories — plus extra 50% off all sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 40% off + extra 20% off
- Bloomingdale’s – Beauty & Fragrance Promo: Take 15% off almost all $150+ purchases! (ends 3/8)
- Boden – 15% off new styles with code
- Brooklinen – Friends & Family sale, enjoy 20% off sitewide and up to 50% off select bundles (ends 3/18)
- Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off clearance + 25% off select jewelry
- Dermstore – Beauty Refresh sale, up to 20% off! Brands in the sale include Elta MD, Sunday Riley, and Augustinus Bader — and there’s a ton of HSA/FSA eligible things too. They also have some nice “best of Dermstore” kits, including a sunscreen selection!
- Elie Tahari – Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off.
- Evereve – Spring sale!
- Express – $75 off $200, BOGO 50% off sitewide, and $25+ dresses
- J.Crew – 40% off spring-ready styles + extra 30% off all sale styles with code
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything + extra 50% off clearance
- Lo & Sons – End of winter sale, up to 50% off — reader favorites include this laptop tote, this backpack, and this crossbody
- M.Gemi – Friends & Family sale early access with code FF2025
- M.M.LaFleur – Wear to Work Bundle, buy 2 items get 15% off; buy 3 items get 20% off (you can also try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off)
- Nordstrom – 4,000 new markdowns for women! Cardmembers get a $20 note for every $200 you spend (ends 3/8)
- Ruti – 20% off Core Collection
- Saks OFF5TH – Liquidation sale, up to 80% off! Everything final sale.
- Soma – $30 bra event, save up to 60%
- Talbots – 25% off entire purchase, plus free shipping on $150+
‘I tried Charlotte Tilbury’s 20% off face mist and it gave me glass skin in one hour’
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