It’s not a novel idea that trends in fashion reflect the social and political mood de jour, and this old adage is perhaps especially pertinent where women’s clothing is concerned.

Given that, historically, fashion has been one of the sole creative outlets accessible to womankind, it makes sense that the evolution of women’s fashion should reflect the dynamism of women’s roles in society!

The surge in popularity of brogues for women testifies to some of the ways in which fashion houses are taking advantage of the gender revolution, to redefine the feminine aesthetic. Rubi Trend Forecaster Alba Martinez Hermida attributes the rise of the brogue for women to a “…move towards androgynous styling…[or]…the genderless era/ boy meets girl styling.”

In spite of the considerable popularity of the brogue in sartorial circles, it seems that some women are reluctant to trade in their heels for more traditionally masculine footwear. In the spirit of giving the brogue a chance, here are three popular misconceptions about this trend –and three reasons why we should kick these myths to the curb.

Myth #1: Brogues are Masculine

While many women truly enjoy integrating masculine elements into their repertoires, others are reluctant to mimic men’s styles at the expense of their femininity. But making the choice to don brogues doesn’t mean you have to retire your dresses –if the tomboy trend isn’t to your taste, combine your brogues with whimsical florals, long dresses and pleated skirts to keep your femininity at the fore. As Hermida reminds us, brogues can “…also look amazing with girly outfits – the end result is the perfect blend of dapper to any dress or skirt.”

Myth #2: All Brogues Are Created Equal

Often, flat shoes are imagined to be antithetical to glamour: heels elongate the calf –and magnify the ego –so many women are loath to trade in their stilettos. But you needn’t fear that your brogues won’t do you justice: according to Hermida, brogues are bound to be flattering if you balance your outfit: “…show off your ankle when you’re wearing brogues. Wear with above-the-knee skirts, dresses, footless tights, shorts or cropped pants, and you’ll get a good balance and sense of proportion for your outfit.” In any event, if you feel strongly about accumulating a few extra inches from your footwear, you can choose a pair of brogues that incorporate thick wedges into their soles.

Myth #3: Brogue’s aren’t flattering

Often, flat shoes are imagined to be antithetical to glamour: heels elongate the calf –and magnify the ego –so many women are loath to trade in their stilettos. But you needn’t fear that your brogues won’t do you justice: according to Hermida, brogues are bound to be flattering if you balance your outfit: “…show off your ankle when you’re wearing brogues. Wear with above-the-knee skirts, dresses, footless tights, shorts or cropped pants, and you’ll get a good balance and sense of proportion for your outfit.” In any event, if you feel strongly about accumulating a few extra inches from your footwear, you can choose a pair of brogues that incorporate thick wedges into their soles.