Your Favourite Styles of Footwear

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Your Favourite Styles of Footwear

— by Angie

on November 25, 2015

On this eve of Thanksgiving Day in the United Stated, let’s talk about our favourite types of footwear. There are no right or wrong styles. If the shoes make your feet and heart happy — they are killer shoes.

I prefer bags to shoes, but my love for shoes runs quite deep too. In terms of aesthetics, I generally prefer a refined, sleek, simple, dainty and pretty shoe or boot with minimal or no hardware and trim. The ‘80s gal in me loves a pointy toe, although I also love a round square toe. Although I have a pair of chunky mid-calf moto boots, it’s only one pair that I wear in bad weather and taking our Yorkie Sam out for walks. They are more like gear than fashion.

In terms of colours and patterns, I’m drawn to footwear in shades of white because they bookend my hair and look crisp. I also love cognac, metallic and animal print. I have very few pairs of dark shoes, but my old ink blue booties from Zara are workhorses.

My footwear MUST be comfortable, and I make no exceptions apart from “sitting” party shoes that do not need to go very far. I like footwear that is lightweight, soft and cushioning, and creates a tailored and polished look on my feet. I like to wear flats with half inch heels, and my favourite heel height is one and half inches. I can wear up to two and half inch heels but prefer a lower heel.

My favourite footwear styles are sleek booties with high vamps, high-vamped loafers, ankle strap pumps and flats, and tall riding boots. All closed-toe and fairly dressy.

Over to you. How different are your footwear preferences to mine, and what are your favourite styles of footwear?

Footwear · Individual Style

49 comments · Add a comment

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Like you, I like refined, pretty and elegant shoes. Chunky shoes are real hard for me to style (she says, looking sadly at her chunky lace-up boots). I also love pointed toe shoes, be it flats or heels. I can’t wear a high heel either and prefer 1-1.5″ heel, though I can wear shoes with 2″ heel too.

But I think that’s where the commonalities end. Unlike you, I prefer shoes to be neutrals. I probably have more than 20 pairs of black shoes & boots! I also love brown, cognac, nude-for-me, and navy. The only exceptions I have in closed shoes is red & burgundy – colors I like in footwear. I do like animal prints though.

I’m much braver about venturing into colored footwear with sandals. I think it’s because they always show more skin as compared to closed shoes, and I feel ok with that much color. I wear white, pink, light blue, purple and metallics very happily in sandals.

I like to match my shoes & bag (an old habit) so I have coordinating bags with most of my shoes. It helps that a vast majority of my bags and shoes are neutrals!

My favourite style of shoes are pumps. Classic, sleek and refined, nothing beats their elegance.

November 25, 2015 at 3:44 am

Aliona

For me, if the shoe fits (and speaks to me), I’ll wear it. My only limit is a heel height over 3″. Otherwise, I love whatever shoe works with my outfit, whether it’s a Doc Marten or a Manolo (OK, the last one’s my dream pump, haven’t been able to justify the expense).

I’m giving thanks for my unfussy feet and enjoying them while I can.

November 25, 2015 at 3:58 am

Windchime

Veteran

Fun post; we are thankful for our favorite footwear. ☺ Thanks to YLF, I’ve been enjoying pairing slip-on or lace up sneakers with the occasional skirt or pants work outfit. I am always very comfortable those days and probably walk faster, too!

I also started wearing ankle boots after seeing fab examples on YLF and now can’t imagine my wardrobe without them.

I still haven’t found my ankle strap pumps; I ordered the Clarks that worked so well for Shannon, but alas they kill my feet every time I wear them, and attempts to stretch them haven’t made enough difference.

November 25, 2015 at 3:59 am

Quietgirl

Veteran

My favorite footwear is anything flat. Like you, comfort is very important where shoes are concerned. My feet have gotten larger over time and spread to a C width so it is hard to buy fantastic shoes. My feet also “misshape” my shoes over time. Just Fashionable Enough is a good term for my shoe capsule. For this reason, I prefer bags to shoes and buy those in bright colors for a great focal point!

November 25, 2015 at 4:04 am

skylurker

Veteran

Good leather and construction make the beauty of shoes, for me.
I also like my shoes sturdy, to feel protected on the streets – from bad weather, from filth, from people stepping on my feet.
I prefer lace-up shoes. I have narrow feet and slip-on shoes tend to, well, slip off.
I commute on foot and find flat shoes more comfortable.

I favour oxfords for all reasons above (when it’s too cold for oxfords : lace-up boots. Colder : fur-lined lace-up boots).
Burgundy is my favourite colour for leather.
I like the look of patent leather, too (doesn’t age as well and not as comfortable as leather, though).

November 25, 2015 at 4:31 am

lyn67

Veteran

My shoes have to be comfy, too. My all time faves are pumps, ankle strap sandals, booties and flat rinding boots with wedge, kitten heels, or block heels of 1-2,5inches+/-a bit of platform. Love a nude shoe for summer and patent/metalic/animal(esp.snake texture) finishes, too.

November 25, 2015 at 4:41 am

Elly

Veteran

Boots and booties are my favorite– somewhere between a .5 and 2″ heel are the best for me. I like something with a rubber sole and traction, plain or with masculine hardware. Mostly black and blues, with some cognac. I do have a secret love of red shoes though (3 pairs) and also love sneakers.

November 25, 2015 at 4:43 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Boots girl here. Good thing I live in a climate that enables me to wear them 8 months a year!! Current favs are bootie clogs from Ugg – cute, comfy, add a couple of inches to my height and satisfy my boho streak. But really, I enjoy many kinds of boots: riding boots, Chelsea boots, pointy-toed booties. Love them all!

November 25, 2015 at 4:53 am

merwoman

Veteran

Fun topic!
During the cold months (always variable) I like my footwear (boots, booties and the like) in neutral tones, relatively bling free, heels no higher than 1.5″ and most important – easy access in and off my feet! NO LACES!
For warmer months, I favour oxfords, pointy toe flats and the occasional sandal. Again mostly neutral tones or animal print. I have bought ‘bright’ footwear in the past, but they languish in my closet. I prefer my bright accent to be either handbag/clutch or topper.
I also like to be in stealth mode – so no noisy heels that click/clack!

November 25, 2015 at 5:00 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

Ah, Angie!
Footwear is central to my style!
I spend so much time in a footwear store…
I choose my footwear based on two criteria.
First, it has to be comfortable.
And by comfortable, I mean… really comfy, 8 hr comfy, something that will allow me to have a full life including standing, walking, power-walking, sometimes running and even possibly dancing. Having to deal with a bunion, I know I am asking for a lot. It often means having to go towards certain trusted brands only, which happen to be $$$$$.
Second, it should not make my legs look stumpy.
Being on the short side of 5’3″, with short, muscular legs, I am constantly trying to re-balance my silhouette by elongating my gams as much as I can. For years I shied away from flats for this reason but in the past year and a half, because of my foot condition, and also because I am dating the sexiest man alive – who happens to not be extra tall either – my closet has welcome more and more of them. Of course, I am VERY particular, and I made a few mistakes. For example converse DO NOT work on me, sadly. Anything round toe + flat + too high vamp yields an undesired, offensive stumpifying effect. So round toes have to be paired with a bit of a heel. Ballet flats are now a no-no, very very sadly, because the front opening cuts right into the bunion, and their flat nature makes it so that this becomes a point of pressure making each step excruciatingly painful, with the bunion angrily screaming and pulsing. High vamp is to be contemplated with great caution. On a flat heel, toes must be pointy for it to work. When paired with a little bit of a heel, it can be ok, with pants. Ankle wrap (I guess, you call it high shaft) on booties work wonderfully though, as it holds the ankle and helps support, taking pressure off the bunion. Ankle is tight and appears thinner, which means this kind of footwear works well with skirts and dresses. I have found Danskos work well with skirts, for a casual look, only if they are close to your skin tone, or if they are mules.

November 25, 2015 at 5:22 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Footwear is so personal, isn’t it, Angie? And so related to one’s climate and lifestyle. If I lived in a different climate, my “most worn” footwear would be very different!

Boots, booties, and sandals are most practical and easiest to fit for me. Most low vamp shoes refuse to stay on me (unless they have an ankle strap — hence my love of ankle straps!) and I have a short season for wearing them anyway. I like all colours for footwear (with special love for “spectator”-like shoes, i.e. two-toned black or navy and white, metallics, all reds, and especially animal print shoes) but in the colder months tend to revert to darker neutrals mainly for practical reasons and also to extend my short leg line (as — again for reasons of practicality — I am usually wearing darker bottoms). My sweet spot for heels is about 3/4 of an inch to 2.5 inches; shoes in that range will be most reliably comfortable and easy for me to wear and walk in. Like Merwoman, for everyday wear, I prefer shoes that don’t go click clack, and I like them soft, flexible, lightweight, and supportive. I tend to like more refined styles with pointed or slim almond toes (or a rounded square), but of course I do have a few “clunky” styles for snow!

Speaking of animal print, Angie, I am thinking of splurging on a pair of the Matisse animal print booties as I noticed them available on a Canadian site. I think the mixed tones will bookend nicely with my hair perhaps. Do you think they will date too fast, though?

November 25, 2015 at 5:37 am

lisap

Interesting topic I have always, always been a shoe lover and only within, say, the past 5 years have I not had a pretty big collection across all seasons, types, styles. Does that sentence make sense ? I’m just on my first cup of coffee There is less I don’t like than what I do like in shoes – so probably easier to describe that way: I’m not a fan of some styles rooted in the 70’s (platforms) and the 80’s (Doc Martens, flats ) . Other than that – I’ll wear it if it’s comfortable. High heels, wedges, sneakers, boots, sandals; you name it and I’ll wear it. This doesn’t mean though that I’ll wear anything in terms of quality and style within each category though – those things I’m very particular about. Boots and shoes are key part of a look to my eye, and I can spot a bad , unstylish shoe a mile away – and have to admit I notice those things on other people too. I have as many foot issues as the next person though – and am now learning to accommodate those while still maintaining the look I want.

November 25, 2015 at 5:53 am

always trying

Veteran

I spend at least part of almost every day in athletic shoes or fashion sneakers. This is out of necessity for the dog activities. My fav footwear are booties and sandals. Currently I am loving my lace up wedge booties, new higher shaft flat booties. I have 3 pair of tall boots that get a fair amount of wear, weather permitting. I also love dress shoes with up to 3 inch heels, and am happy when I have occasions to wear them. Although I have 3 pairs of flats and 2 pairs of oxfords they seem to only get worn a few times a year, mostly in spring when it is too cold for sandals.

November 25, 2015 at 6:04 am

Xtabay

Ah, shoes, everyone’s favorite subject! Although I live in an area that has very limited cold weather, I have a weakness for boots, and have several pairs of varying shaft and heel heights. I like to prance around in boots because they give me a little extra attitude, and my boyfriend doesn’t mind that some of them make me taller than he is. The other thing I look for in shoes is they have to cover my toes, which are not my best feature. Peep-toe is fine, but I don’t like them just hanging out there in the open, making me self-conscious. I’ve been staying away from black shoes because most of them seem too clunky and heavy-looking for the clothes I wear. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here and see myself out.

November 25, 2015 at 6:10 am

Diana

Veteran

Boots are absolutely my favorite shoes, specifically knee high and mid calf ones. Low heel (around 1-1.5″ is ideal) and 8 hour comfy. I like both chunky and more refined styles, as long as they are sturdy and stable. I only buy shoes that are leather and well-made. Shoes are something I never cheap out on since my feet are so fussy and I walk a lot. My favorite shoe color is RED although the black pairs are the most often worn.
My second favorite type of shoe (and my hot weather fave) is gladiator sandals.

November 25, 2015 at 6:10 am

Glory

Veteran

I think I only realized how important the footwear is to the overall look and feel to the wearer and the outfit since joining YLF. I feel it can make or break the entire look. I love boots – ankle, mid, tall – they are all friends of mine! Since we have such a long cold season here one can get loads of wear. Having said that, second runner up – sandals. As crazy as that is given the weather I just cannot wait to jump into them as soon as it is warm enough

November 25, 2015 at 6:17 am

Author Linda

Veteran

Footwear makes the outfit, I’ve found, so I rely on mine to be classic, stylish, and comfortable. Because I’m past my youth–when I could wear anything, any height, any discomfort–I actually INVEST in footwear. I wince at the prices I pay, but smile as I walk. Paul Green shoes make my feet especially happy and I own several pair, with booties leading the list. My Paul Green booties are the backbone of my winter footwear. They feel custom made and I can wear them all day. I thank a favorite fashion blogger every week for having turned me onto that brand.

Most of my footwear is neutral. Where I live winters get cold, so I have several black or grey, also some cognac and brown, booties and loafers I can wear over warm socks. Neutrals work best for me because I like to draw attention to my top or face, so downplay my bottoms and feet. Though white or cream footwear would bookend my silver gray hair, I am…messy. I cook. I would fear for anything light-colored on my feet. I’ve seen what happens to my white shoes in summer. So dark neutrals. When I feel like having fun, I wear leopard print booties or a pair of red flats. As mentioned, I do wear lighter colors in summer, when I sport crops and dresses: white, soft metallic, some blue or mint, and of course black. Because I still wear black clothes sometimes. And cook. My summer shoes are mostly sandals (love Munro) and sneaks, and two lovely Paul Green loafers in metallic beige and white (I thank Angie for the latter).

Because I have wretched knees (still staving off knee replacements), I need good arch and heel support and a modest heel. Nothing under 1/2 inch and nothing over 2.5 inches. No pointy heels, even kitten heels are too much wobble. I never was graceful. I always have a good pair of athletic shoes on hand. I go to a brick and mortar sports store and try on dozens of shoes until I find a pair that is just right. No online ordering for that kind of shoe. If I know I’m going to be walking through airports or at a conference, or just walking a lot like on a cruise ship, I will opt for those. Or my Paul Green booties.

For truly dressy occasions where gowns and glitter enter the picture, I have a pair of sparkly dance shoes. I have yet to find a dress they don’t go with. They live in a box and only come out to play when the evening involves black or white tie and a dance floor. I feel like Cinderella for a night. Then back into the box they go.

Footwear is probably the second most personal item women wear. A good bra is the only thing harder to find than a truly wonderful, perfect-for-you shoe. Few things thrill me more than finding a new shoe that fills a need and makes me feel like a million bucks. I’m thankful for every one of those shoes, the people who make them, the people who sell them, and the wonderful people throughout the internet who help me to find them!

November 25, 2015 at 6:23 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fascinating, and no surprises either. Boots are big business and coming up as faves with almost everyone so far. Makes sense.

You are right, Suz. Footwear is very personal.

Suz, do you mean the Matisse wedge booties I have in two shades of animal print? They won’t date fast. They are too avant-garde in a way. I’ve been wearing the one pair for YEARS and just bought another pair! Order half a size up.

November 25, 2015 at 6:30 am

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Oh so many! I am a shoe person and always look at the shoes first at any store, or website or whatever. Oxfords and lace up boots are my longest love but I also love a sleek pointy toe, a colorful statement shoe and so many more. They do have to be comfortable and usually under two inches for me to wear them.

November 25, 2015 at 6:35 am

puppycat

Active Member

I wear size 12, and due to having a hard to find size, I spent my 20s and 30s in whatever shoes that I could find that (somewhat) fit. Payless shoes (because they carry up to size 13), flip flops, and Crocs when I was young and broke, then later better brands when I could afford Nordstrom (they also carry larger sizes, bless their hearts.) In my 40s I’ve come to value good quality shoes tremendously and prefer to wear either good leather (Clarks are my favorite) in classic styles. I have mostly given up on heels over 2″ but still prefer 1.5″-2″ for work as it gives me that “professional” feeling. Dressy flats are OK for certain outfits but I avoid defaulting to them.

Virtually every pair of shoes I own is black because I wear mostly black and grey, but I do have some kicky colored TOMS for weekend wear and a lovely pair of brown suede boots which I wear with my (only) brown purse and jeans.

November 25, 2015 at 6:39 am

Joy

Veteran

Fun topic. Pre-YLF, I had very little in the way of footwear…black and brown flats, a pair of black pumps, a pair of athletic sneakers, some sandals and a pair of serious snow boots. Now I love variety and favor heel heights much the same as yours…not completely flat and not higher than 2.5 inches. I love the look of sleek, refined footwear but have noticed that some detail that breaks up the expanse helps keep my feet from looking too big.
I favor metallics and light footwear to bookend my hair and nude. Most blacks have been purged.
Favorite styles are loafers, booties for winter warmth, and padded ballet flats. Anything that ties can hurt the top of my feet. Footwear must be comfortable right out of the shoebox. Sandals are a no no and a hard habit to break. I love anklestraps with ankle pants but find it hard to find a good fit.

November 25, 2015 at 6:40 am

old chic

Active Member

I have been obsessed with footwear style since I was a young girl. I think I took 20-30 pairs with me when I went off to a college dorm room. Now, more than 40 years later, I love all the “what not to wear” shoes for my age — over-the-knee boots (I’m tall), gladiator sandals, “mod” booties and strappy low-heeled pumps (especially mary janes, so they stay on my feet). I know, ridiculous. But they all feel good, and I think they look great with sophisticated clothing.

November 25, 2015 at 6:55 am

jfilo

(website)

Active Member

Let’s just say, there’s hardly a shoe out there I don’t like (except the crazy, slutty heels that just aren’t realistic)! Shoes can make the outfit sing, just like the cherry on top of the sundae! They can transform, add color, and all around make me a happy girl (besides, I can gain 5 pounds and they still fit)! There should be more songs about shoes because they are the BESTEST!!

November 25, 2015 at 6:55 am

Diane G

I have low volume feet so I have problems keeping shoes like pumps on. Because of this, I always go for a shoe that buckles or laces up. A stacked, block type heel is my favourite sort and the height range that I prefer is from 1 to 2.5 inches. I dont mind slightly chunky shoes, always with a hint of refinement to them, yet never ultra dainty. I adore boots, booties and heeled oxfords. My go to neutrals are cognac, grey and black, and colours are burgundy, nude, coral and teal or olive greens.

November 25, 2015 at 7:05 am

Joy

Veteran

I wanted to add that I so agree with you n the importance of light weight footwear. Heavy shoes can tire one out too quickly.

November 25, 2015 at 7:08 am

marianna

Veteran

I’m still into flats – but something aesthetically different than the classic ballet flat (although those have a place in my wardrobe too). Currently loving smoking slipper style flats, oxfords, and flat boots and booties. I like loafers on others but they don’t fit my foot shape and always gape. For boots I like minimalistic styles, with not a lot of hardware etc. I like neutral colors and mainly wear black boots and neutral flats (black, textured brown, cream, metallic). Very classic…

November 25, 2015 at 7:20 am

gryffin

Veteran

Boots, booties, black. Comfort is key. I developed a morton’s neuroma last winter. Do right now I need support. Ariat Lacers, keen hiking boot and I’m working on finding inserts or orthotics to save the rest of my boot collection. I have always preferred a 1 in heel, pointy toe. But right now anything that doesn’t cause pain is good for me!!

November 25, 2015 at 7:35 am

amiable

Veteran

I’ve been realizing lately that my shoe choice is holding by my style. I want to wear great shoes, but have a hard time finding any that my feet will tolerate for very long. I’ve been saving up money to try some pricier styles, and am hoping that I don’t have to make many mistakes to find the perfect shoes for me

November 25, 2015 at 7:35 am

Beth Ann

Veteran

I’m in the process of rethinking my footwear, so this post is right up my alley! This Spring, I’ll need to replace some of my favorite flats and lower heels. I can tell I’m transitioning in my shoe aesthetics a bit, but some things are clear:
1. I’ve given up 4″ inch heels. My dressy shoes are 2 1/2 – 3 inches
2. I stay out of booties/boots until November, if I can. I feel comfortable in shoes without socks as cool as 50F. I know the winter will be long, so I try to hold off!
3. I’ve recently added rich, interesting brown in small doses. It bookends my hair and is a switch from black
4. I can’t always afford the quality I’d like, but I’m getting more particular about comfort, and I will spend more on boots/booties and exercise shoes than on, say, sandals.
5. I’m kind of “off” tall boots at the moment, so I decided to add only booties this season. In m neck of the woods, you will often see a group of women shopping, with every one of them in skinnies and tall boots. Also, I’m spending more time at home, and I’ll never leave my boots on in the house.

4. I love texture in my shoes — patent, croc, suede. I like some color and pattern, too, once I have the neutrals covered!

November 25, 2015 at 7:46 am

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Where to start?! As I think about it, I can sum up my preferences as feminine and unique. Right now I’m living in flat, black Via Spiga over the knee boots. Another favorite is a pair of Stuart Weitzman grey suede peep toe pumps with a suede rose at the toe. I mostly wear them spring/summer and love how hot pink toe nails contrast the grey. Another favorite is a funky pair of burgundy Fleuvogs. And my latest love, which like the otk boots took forever to find are pointy toe AGL Chelsea boots.

Gosh, I don’t wear all designer shoes, but I realize they’re my favorites!!

Oh, and I am forever on the quest for a perfect pair of comfy, black pumps! I like slingback, but they’re not quite as practical and don’t have the cool factor with jeans.

November 25, 2015 at 7:53 am

Carole

Veteran

I’ve made some expensive mistakes regarding footwear so I have become extremely persnickety! 1 1/2 inches is about the highest heel I can handle..2 inches maximum.. High vamps and boots are easiest for me and to wear with painful bunions. I prefer darker shoes to bookended my dark hair but I did have fun with a pair of creamy loafers this spring/summer and I will look forward to wearing again. I love the look of a pointy shoe but some make my feet look huge and they aren’t usually the most comfortable so a rounded or almond toe is usually a winner.

I always look forward to your shoe recommendations, Angie! You have helped me realize its possible to be stylish and comfortable even with bad feet. Thank you;)

November 25, 2015 at 7:56 am

Eliza

Veteran

Shoes! No other wardrobe item impacts my quality of life more.

I need what is comfortable, yet value what the right style of foot wear does for an outfit. I like booties, pointy toes flats and very low pumps with good stability and lots of style. I also like fashion sneakers. I am grateful for many options I have learned about here, as well as for the increased number of fashionable flats. Smoking slippers and oxfords are fun, too. By the time I super-impose the comfort criteria, the choices are narrowed. But less and less every day. I am a big fan of reading lots of reviews of footwear online. It helps me get it right the first time.

Happy Thanksgiving. This year I am especially grateful for the footwear that makes it all possible.

November 25, 2015 at 8:08 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I love shoes. Easy to fit, and I never have to worry about whether a 5 or 10 lb weight change will change how they feel!

I mostly love boots/booties and sandals. Our transitional seasons are brief, so I tend to get the most wear out of those more extreme styles. I prefer dark shades or metallics, and styles that walk the line of refined but a bit edgy. I prefer a small to moderate heel (1-3″) that is substantial enough for comfort for lots of walking. I also love a pointy toe or slightly narrowed profile. Wide cuts don’t feel much like me anymore and don’t suit my narrow feet, but I still love my chunky moto boots for a change of pace.

I’ve learned to not buy much in the way of pumps, no matter how pretty I find them — I just don’t get enough wear out of them.

November 25, 2015 at 8:11 am

Beth

Veteran

Ohh, I love shoes! I prefer low vamp, refined shoes with sleek heels. Pointy toes, almond toes, and softly rounded toes are all winners in my closet. I never warmed to chunky, heavy footwear or sharply snipped toe shapes which meant that the 90s were a challenge to get through! That said, I don’t mind heavier boots with hardware. That’s just fun!

My feet aren’t at all fussy, but as I get older, I’m starting to feel that high heels just aren’t worth it any more. I prefer heels of 3″ at the most, and these days, I’m wearing far more flats and lower heels than I did 10 years ago.

Shoes that will always have a place in my wardrobe are ballet flats and riding boots.

November 25, 2015 at 8:39 am

Susie

Veteran

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love shoes and they are still one of my favorite parts of an outfit. Although I love them as much as ever, I have fewer pairs now than I had in previous years.

My very favorite style is boots, preferably ankle height or a bit higher. I prefer a 2 inch heel these days but I will wear up to 3 inches as sitting shoes. Black is my all time go to color for shoes and I have to be careful to not add too many. Surprisingly though, I recently realized that low heeled black boots were a hole for me so I am working on that :). My second favorite color is metallic pewter or silver. I also like red and burgundy shoes. Navy shoes are a HEWI item for me. I have those same Zara boots, Angie, and have held on to them too because the style and color are about perfect and I haven’t found a replacement.

While I wear a variety of styles, I favor closed toe shoes. I like my shoes to have a strong presence so I like some interesting details and I especially love texture. And I always have a soft spot for lace up styles. I don’t really do dainty but I prefer sleek styles to rugged ones. My favorite toe shape is pointed as long as it’s not too extreme.

I think I will always want to add a few new pairs of shoes each season. They are a favorite item and I feel that they- along with nice bags- help elevate the more simple outfits I tend to prefer.

November 25, 2015 at 8:46 am

Linder51

Flip flops/high tops
roller wheels/high heels
relaxing slippers/swimming flippers
comfy flats/even shoes for dogs and cats.

At the store
theres tons of shoes
it makes it hard
for me to choose

On the floor
are shoes in bins
and upon the shelves
are moccasins.

I could pick from
those fancy soccer cleats
or those uggs
for my feet

Or what about
those magic heels
from the witch
did Dorthy steal.

rain boots
wooden shoes
army boots
which to choose?

or how bout those ol’
thong like sandals
which have straps
like leather handles?

November 25, 2015 at 8:49 am

Kirstjen

Veteran

How do I follow a poem! Linder51 that is a lot of fun!

I’m a loafer lover – the more colorful, the better. I also have a very large collection of short black boots. I feel awesome when I put on some tough moto boots with a fun top & jeans.

November 25, 2015 at 9:20 am

Jennell

Active Member

Love all the comments!! I have read in the “fashion mags”, that you are not supposed to match your bags with your shoes. Well sometimes I do! What do you think???

November 25, 2015 at 9:42 am

Summer

Veteran

I like my footwear simple and elegant with no unnecessary buckles, zips or other gizmos. My collection includes pumps, ballet flats, tall boots and ankle boots, plus flat and wedge-heeled sandals for the summer.
I have the same heel height criteria as you, Angie: generally, nothing over 2.5″, although I might stretch to 3″ for dressy shoes that won’t be worn for too long.
My shoes must be comfortable, preferably made from soft, supple leather.
As for colour, I go mostly for neutrals – black, navy, grey or metallics such as silver or pewter.

November 25, 2015 at 9:55 am

Sal

Veteran

Fun post. Love the poem Linder!

I like sandals and boots, and I pretty much wear these along with sneakers as I don’t own a pair of flat shoes (no loafers, oxfords, ballet flats or pointy flats at all).

I do love heels – mostly for vanity reasons. I wear a lot of flats too but my heart is with the heels❤️.

November 25, 2015 at 10:08 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Linder, that poems is fabulous fun!! (Almost as good as footwear…)

Angie, yes, those are the shoes I am thinking of. I know you have two pair. I am thinking the golden animal print (cheetah, leopard, whatever it is). I’m usually a 37; should I go up to a 7.5 do you think? (I’m on the higher end of 6.5 — usually a 7 in small-fitting styles. My Okalas are 6.5 but my Munro Robyns are a 7.)

November 25, 2015 at 11:25 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz, I wear the Matisse booties in a size 7. My Okalas are a size 6.5.

Nice poem, Linda!

November 25, 2015 at 12:06 pm

jacquez

Active Member

Oxfords, all day, all night. Often actual men’s shoes, size 7, rather than women’s. I wear other styles, but much less often, and there needs to be a reason for it (weather, activity), whereas oxfords are my default.

One of my favorites is a women’s oxford by Miista in sparkly pink. I love their shoes in general, although the fit is a bit off on me. Not off enough to make the shoes unwearable, but off enough that I prefer to wear them when I know I won’t be walking more than a mile and a half.

November 25, 2015 at 12:53 pm

Penny

Veteran

Fun! My favorites are almond-toed pumps with a slim, high heel. I also love ballet flats, refined wedges, and knee-high riding boots. Most of my shoes are black, nude, metallic, or deep red.

November 25, 2015 at 2:16 pm

Aida

Veteran

My shoe preferences are VERY similar to yours — as you know, and of course we share several of the same actual pairs of shoes!

My preference for footwear style is refined above all else, regardless of the type of shoe that it is. I don’t necessarily require minimal hardware/trim but DO tend to prefer simpler styles. Dainty is a big plus for me because my feet, while proportionally large, are also dainty so that’s what looks best on them. I do have a few “chunky” heeled boots/booties but even those are about as refined as chunky can get while still being called such. Prefer dressy to casual, and actually struggle a bit in the “casual footwear” area.

Pumps are my favorites, followed by tall boots, followed by interesting flats and booties. I MUCH prefer low-vamp to high-vamp; having a high instep makes many high-vamp shoes difficult to fit, and I generally like that extra bit of skin showing that low-vamp footwear provides. Really enjoying ankle straps and I like gladiator-styled straps (but tough to fit for my bony feet); dislike t-straps for my own style. Closed-toe is also my preference, though I do keep a few pairs of sandals for summery casual outdoor activities.

In terms of color, I’m very uninteresting. I like neutral footwear full stop. Over the past few years I’ve purged nearly ALL colored footwear in my wardrobe, only a couple pairs remain and those will likely soon be gone too. All things light — particularly white, cream, light gray, metallic — is my best! But of course I do keep some darker footwear (particularly boots) to bookend hair, and I also enjoy patterns so long as they’re also neutral. With the exception of one pair of brown boots, the only other “brown” I wear are cognac and tan. I generally dislike high contrast footwear when that contrast is against my skin, but don’t mind it when there’s no foot/ankle skin showing.

Comfort is important, even though most of my shoes could be considered “sitting shoes” since I have a desk job. Even so, I try to add only shoes that are 4+ hour walking shoes so that, on those days when walking is a thing, I have plenty of options. And it seems to encourage extra walking which is a good thing. Up to 3″ is fine, but 2″ is my favorite to wear; I love stiletto heels but also enjoy block heels, particularly for boots/booies. And for flats I like the ultra flat skimmer styles

November 25, 2015 at 4:05 pm

Aida

Veteran

Pfft forgot to say pointy-toes until the end of time!

November 25, 2015 at 4:05 pm

Ginkgo

Veteran

My love for shoes has blossomed since joining YLF. Since I’m retired and do not need dressy shoes for the most part, my collection is mostly ankle boots, oxfords and chelsea boots. I prefer an inch to an inch and a half heel and a high vamp, and generally dark brown (bookending my hair) or black or taupe. Not red or white or animal print — I feel too self-conscious with them.

It seemed totally out of character for me, but this summer I fell in love with the Franco Sarto Holt flats and bought them in the bronze color — very happy with them and received several compliments.

November 25, 2015 at 9:32 pm

rachylou

Veteran

Right… I’m so behind, but I’ve had to give this a lot of thought. I’ve decided my bottom line is that I don’t like delicate looking shoes. Shoes that are too pretty. I think I need something masculine and clunky to balance things out. Otherwise I get a Shirley Temple effect.

November 28, 2015 at 10:16 am

Pouty

Ballet flats and heels are by far my favorite shoes. When I want to put my shoes on, I simply slide my feet into either a pair of ballet flats or a pair of heels. When I want to take off my shoes, I simply flick my big toes and the shoes flop off my feet. No muss, no fuss.

March 4, 2024 at 12:02 pm

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