Does every woman need a pair of pumps in her life? - YouLookFab Forum

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Does every woman need a pair of pumps in her life?

sarah

Veteran

True confessions. I own no pumps and pumps are not a part of my environmental norm at work. But I am contemplating these because 1) they would bookend my hair, 2) they look very comfortable, and 3) I feel like I should have pumps on hand. That said, I would rarely wear them, so they would have to last for a long time to be worth it, and they are still not cheap, even on sale.

(These are the Munro Jillian pumps at the NAS).

Stupid idea?

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37 replies

Latest reply was from Jonesy

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'll chime in on the 'No' side, but I also just bought some this year
Mine are nude on me, and mostly a just in case shoe. I have not worn them yet, but am happy to have them ready for perhaps an interview, or if I feel like looking leggy out to dinner some night lol.

EDIT: I should add mine were only $25 because I knew they would be rarely worn. Not sure your price point, or how important CPW is for you, but I wouldn't go too high end on a 'just in case' item.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I vote no. They are not actually a practical item for you, right? And you don't love them? So no.

Mochi

Veteran

I tend to agree....if they're not going to get a lot of use at work, they may end up sitting around, unused.

Kristine

Veteran

I think it's actually a good idea. Those look nice and I wouldn't compromise on quality or comfort, even if they cost more. It might be the only pair you buy for many years so get something that will last and that you'll love.

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

If you don't love it and you don't think you wear it often, I say no.

Makrame

Veteran

Interesting question. I don't know if wedges count as pumps but I have been wearing my Cole Haan Air Tali wedges almost every day this summer. I actually duplicated them in a different color so that I could switch shoes and not wear the same pair every day.

I find them very practical for the summer because they are closed-toe shoes - perfect for the lab; they are slip-on - takes 2 seconds to put them on; and they are super comfortable and go with everything (mine are grey/silver and black/white). In fact, I am trying to refrain from buying any sandals because I end up not wearing them.
http://www.zappos.com/cole-haa.....lace-wedge

I wonder if these pumps or something similar but more "you" might turn out to be quite useful in your wardrobe.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I empathize with your dilemma! I have many shoes but had nothing that I would call pumps--any that were close were mary janes or something like that. So I bought some on sale last spring, and I've worn them twice so far. They are pretty and plain and dainty and a good fit, and I thought I could wear them with jeans as well as dresses. They are comfortable for pumps, but not as comfy as the shoes I wear most often, so I haven't been wearing them with jeans (though I still could, style-wise). I just wish they were more comfortable, so they'd be more of a go-to choice for me.

So my advice would be to buy a pump that is so comfortable and versatile that you could see yourself wearing them with jeans or whatever you wear most often. Then they might be a good investment. These Munros might be that shoe, or they might not. You could get them and try them on with everything--even things you wouldn't immediately think of wearing with them--and see what you think.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

If pumps aren't your personal style Sarah, then I wouldn't get them. On the other hand, maybe if you tried these you'd like them. So I guess my answer is...you won't know until you try.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I like those pumps but if you never wear pumps, I agree, best to pass. Buy what you would wear! For example, I don't own any loafers or oxfords. I think they are very useful shoes and indispensable for a lot of people here, they just don't go with my style so I don't feel the need to own any.

Aida

Veteran

In answer to your title question, No

Regarding this particular pair, from the photos they don't look super dressy so if you were going to be getting these to wear to that surprise dressy event that might come up I just don't know if they'll fit that bill.

Keix

Veteran

I bought a pair of just-in-case black pumps earlier this year and regret it. They aren't really dressy enough for the occasional evening event, and I can't wear them for everyday. They were "interview shoes" but by the time I have an in-person interview, I'll probably want to buy another (more comfortable) pair of black pumps.

(Also--black is my hair-bookending color and I have several pairs of black casual shoes that I wear to death, so it's not a color issue.)

Diana

Veteran

No, you don't need pumps. I don't really own a pair - I have a pair of black kitten-heel closed-toe slingbacks which is about as close as I get. I don't find true pumps comfortable at all.

I wouldn't get these unless you really love them. There are alternatives to pumps for dressy or businessy occasions. Something like my slingbacks, or heeled boots, or a dressy heeled oxford. Even a dressy low wedge or flat might work.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I couldn't function without at least a pair or two of pumps in my wardrobe, but I wanted to ask - what would you wear these with?

The reason I ask is because I think that what KL and Diana are saying is definitely something to consider - pumps might not be evening-ish or go with any kind of party/evening-ish outfit that you might come up with for a special occasion. Try as we might, turns out that basic pumps end up being the wrong colour or shape for 'party' or 'formal' - we've bought a fab dress or fun sequinned tank and pants or what have you, and the seemingly "go with everything" almost staid-looking pumps aren't quite right either.

Mind you - having a few pairs of pumps around works beautifully for those times when I want to wear a pencil skirt, blouse and jacket. Or even with bootcut jeans (a la Angie's 'smart casual' formula where you wear dressier shoes, dressier blouse/top, jacket and nice-looking jeans). I also wear the pumps with dress pants as well.

So, it depends on what you'd wear them with. If you never, ever wear 'business casual' or 'smart casual' - then they might not be such a wardrobe workhorse after all. If you're thinking of pumps to have on hand for dressier occasions, then I'd go for broke and get something like Angie's Kate Spade red pumps.

Actually, come to think of it - if you wanted to have a pair 'on hand' - you might want to "go big or go home" as rae said to me in my recent thread about leather jackets. In this respect, the idea is to get the best thing you can find, something really fab. And in this case, you might want to get something like red, bright blue or some other gorgeous colour. Something like this would look pretty fab with basic grey pants or dressed-up jeans.

What do you think of this idea? Going a bit brighter and more 'pop of colour' with the one pair of pumps you might have?

sarah

Veteran

Thanks for all of your advice, ladies. This is SO interesting. I think one thing I've realized is that I have a really low bar for what consitutes "dressy" as I've spent my whole life wearing casual clothes. Anyway, you've given me food for thought, so I'll keep thinking. It would probably make more sense to invest in another pair of booties, or some funky fidji shoes for work, and wait until I really do have a dressy occasion to purchase shoes that work with that hypothetical outfit.

Scarlet

Veteran

When do you feel you might need pumps? If you prefer flats, I think there is always an appropriate flat pair to be found. The only exception might be from some really conservative professions, but that's not your problem, I don't think.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

No. You have other nice shoes, so pumps aren't necessary.

Mama Susie

I have one pair of pumps and I hate them. i would say no pumps are not necessary unless you have to wear them at work.

ManidipaM

Veteran

I actually find most pumps supremely uncomfortable on the whole, between the back cutting into my ankle or chafing the heel and the toebox squeezing --- this is a no-leeway sort of shoe style I find! So if you want them, make sure they're VERY comfy, especially if they're to be rarely worn. Nothing like getting dressed up to the nines to realize, on your way, that the shoes *bite*!

Like Diana, the closest I get is a sorta slingback/ankle-strap shoe with open heel and closed toe, kitten heels. That seems dressy enough to me for most purposes, even for wearing with hose.

Anonymous

I know a lot of people have said no, but I do have a pair of pumps in my wardrobe that meant for those occasions when I need them. Lately I have had to attend a number of funerals and the pumps are exactly what I need for this type of thing. No thought is required and I was grateful for that. I would say buy them, put them away, and be happy you have them when you need them. I hope this helps.

Deborah

Veteran

Sarah I wear pumps and have a few pairs. If you are thinking you would like a pair for special occasions for example, why not consider something dressier, simple and classic and maybe in a color (red would look gorgeous on you) and then you have them when you need them. I use my red Shoes of Prey pumps this way. They are not for day to day wear. They come out when I have a function, wedding etc. And they are retry classic so I do expect to get years out of them.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, how easy is it generally to find your shoe size? Because if it's easy, then I guess you'll have no problems finding the right pair if and when you actually need them.

In most cases I'm not a fan of buying or keeping anything *just in case*. One simply cannot asses the situations that *may* happen at some undefined moment in the future and when/if they do happen, the thing that's been saved may be completely inadequate.

Anonymous

Back in the '80s, I wore pumps a lot and had several pairs. Now I don't own even one pair of pumps. For starters, I really don't have an occasion to wear them. In addition to that, I now have bunions on my feet and need to wear a wider width shoe, which makes pumps uncomfortable because they're too wide in the heel and slip off my feet. Whenever I feel the need to wear anything that resembles pumps (say, with a dress), I wear slingback pumps instead. I also own one pair of black mary janes that are stylish and resemble pumps, but stay on my feet. Due to the strap across the front, they do shorten my leg, so I only wear them with trousers. I don't think I would ever wear them with a dress, as I'm short and don't think they do my legs any favors.

Stylewise, I like the slingback pumps better than regular pumps. The only reason I could ever imagine needing regular pumps for would be if I were going to work in an office where they were required due to the company dress policy.

Anonymous

I didn't have any pumps for years and years, and then found a style that was supremely comfortable on my feet. I bought every colour available - nude, brown, black, and grey. They are my go-to shoes when I have a dressy occasion. I have the space so I don't mind storing them. My feet are so picky I knew I would have a hard time finding shoes in a pinch.

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

I had lots in the 1980s, too, back when I had a very formal dress code. I don't have any use for pumps now, and I find them hard to fit (I am a half size, and often find they just fall off my feet). I did buy a purple patent leather pair (that's a tongue twister!) with high heels which I just love, for a wedding outfit. I would wear those with dark denim jeans/going out in the evening, they were expensive, but they fit and are comfortable. Totally not suitable as 'just in case' shoes (I couldn't wear them to a funeral, for example).

I don't think I would buy any if I didn't have reason to wear them any time soon.

Chippy Mia

I'm in the minority but I say yes not because I love shoes. I like the pair pictured they look very nice and also look comfortable. I think they would be great for work. If you are not used to pumps the best thing is to try on as many pair as possible. If this would be your only pair of pumps then get them in leather and a neutral color. Leather is more forgiving and it can be polished to look new for many years.

They are many brands that have air or gel cushions insole and the toebox is wide. Cole Haan, Naturalizer, Rockport, etc.

Loves Tea

I'm with the "No" crowd. Every woman does not need a pair of pumps in her life. We all have different lifestyles. If the pumps don't fit your lifestyle, then don't buy them. I think pretty much all of us here could come up with at least one time when we got burned buying something that we felt like we "had" to have because everyone else had it- and then we never wore it. Save your money for something that will love and get miles of wear out of.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a few pairs and they rarely get worn. All of them were purchased two or more years ago, and I keep them for certain outfits/occasions, but honestly, I probably wouldn't miss them if I let them go.

The only time I've felt the need for a pump in the last couple of years is when I was preparing to attend a funeral and struggled to find the appropriate footwear in my closet (I settled for simple black wedge sandals with a dress for warm weather, and black heeled boots in winter).

My style just doesn't seem to require pumps, and neither does my casual, non-office-based work life!

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I wear pumps every once in a while. I hardly ever wear them to work. They are too stuffy for my job. I end up wearing them to very fancy occasions like weddings or nights out at the Russian restaurant. These seem like a nice solution for those times when you need a slightly dressier shoe for a more formal event. Mine are very different from these. I wear the Target Pearce stiletto heels.

Anonymous

Sarah! On just about every list of the "essential basics" I've ever read, a pair of pumps is right up there. But, if you only have one pair, then general wisdom seems to be that they should be really good quality black patent leather, completely plain, mid-heel, almond-toe (so whether pointy or round toes are the "in-thing", you'll always be current). I find this to be pretty sound advice, cos they take me to business meetings, cocktails-straight-from-the-office, funerals, a first night, you name it. They're the perfect complement to another "essential": the LBD.

BUT, having said all of that, everybody's lifestyle is different. I think another piece of sound advice is to work out the cost/number of potential occasions to wear them ratio. In my case, investing in a really good pair makes sense. It might not be true for you. What's more, if it would be your one and only pair, I wouldn't buy them in what looks like a dark-beige/taupe colour. I'd go with the black patent option cos it's far more dressy and versatile. Finally, I have to admit that, apart from the occasions I listed, I myself spent most of my time in ballet flats, leather St. Tropezienne sandals (also flat), or winter boots: heeled or riding-style flat!, and that my personal ultimate style icon, Inès de la Fressange NEVER wears heels. She was lured back to the Chanel cat-walk last year, wearing a magnificent ball gown, and FLATS!!! She totally eclipsed the models half her age. Go figure!

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