https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:20:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74472 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:19:21 +0000 Angie 74472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keep us posted, PF :0) </p> <p>They do, Shiny! That’s why I have 6 pairs of cream shoes and 5 pairs of metallic shoes. Flop proof. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74408 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:57:59 +0000 shiny 74408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is why I love YLF... great advice Angie!!</p> <p>I'm really into the "bookend" concept lately too. That's when you match your hair to your shoe color. I do own black shoes but I find I'm rarely if ever wearing them anymore. I think they look awesome on people with dark hair. I am finding I prefer silver and pewter instead, since it's closer to my hair color. I haven't been wearing my "nude" shoes as much lately, simply because I haven't been wearing a lot of khakis and browns but I'm not giving them up yet. I think it depends on what shade my highlights are, whether they are super-blond like now, or have more lowlights. </p> <p>So hair and shoe color do seem to have some sort of relationship, I think! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74394 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:10:57 +0000 PalmFronds 74394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the input Angie :-)<br /> Yes, it was quite limiting not to have some fun with shoes for a while. Shoes and bags are where I love color the most, so I am glad I will be able to incorporate this into my life again. I do love a neutral shoe, but interestingly am also often drawn to bright colors and interesting patterns in shoes. I rarely indulge because I try to be "practical" and then figure, well if it is going to shorten my legs anyway...</p> <p>I will keep those balancing pointers in mind; maybe when my cute tiger print shoes arrive I'll give some outfits a run and ask for some feedback :-)<br /> Cheers ladies! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74351 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:40:48 +0000 Angie 74351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is one of the areas where I am not in agreement with several fashion stylists. There are very few boxed rules on YLF. Let’s think laterally about things instead. </p> <p>How utterly limiting to stick to a shoe that is the same colour as your slacks, or always a neutral tone. You have to see the BIG picture. Yes, you need to visually compensate if you have a shorter leg line, but you can do that by changing up other variables like:</p> <p>o The hem of your dress or skirt<br /> o The length of your pants<br /> o Your neckline<br /> o The actual style of the shoe</p> <p>However, if you prefer the look of neutral shoes because you’re a neutral gal then that’s fine too. There is no need to actively seek out colourful shoes just because. But ask yourself the question: do all my shoes need to be black? How about grey, brown, white, nude, tan or metallic? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74298 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:41:45 +0000 Ana 74298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have short legs (29" inseam) and a long torso in comparison, but I would be so sad if I could only wear neutral shoes. If brightly colored shoes make you happy, then I say go for it! I doubt anyone will notice anyway, other than to tell you what fabulous shoes you have and ask you where you got them. </p> <p>LOVE those little tiger kitten heels! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74296 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:36:25 +0000 Ariadne 74296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nothing to add to all the great advice here except that those shoes are jaw-droppingly awesome. Post pics when they arrive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74286 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:55:47 +0000 planetamy 74286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PF -- I'm SOOO glad you got those fab shoes! Uh-Mazing!!! </p> <p> I think fun and funky shoes may be a way to take your feeling of being "almost" put-together and zoom you all the way into KILLER status! Remember fashion is supposed to be fun. :)</p> <p>The more you post, the more we can help steer you in the right direction!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74259 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:27:26 +0000 PalmFronds 74259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>excellent point about the vamp of the shoe,Shiny. I try to avoid ankle-strap shoes for this same leg-elongating reason. The few colorful shoes I own are cut fairly low down close to the toes so atleast that probably helps as well.</p> <p>Anne, that's something I did not consider as part of the whole equation--playing with the rest of the outfit to "compensate" for possible leg shortening of the shoes.</p> <p>I own mainly neutrals in bottoms, nothing fancy in skirts or pants.I save the color for my tops and dresses. So maybe I can cut loose and have some more festive shoes on these tootsies of mine... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74256 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:18:41 +0000 anne 74256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PF, it is a good question. I have exactly the same body proportions. I am just guessing here, but I reckon Angie will agree with May and Planetamy. There is probably something you can do to mitigate any potential length shortening, eg take care to wear skirts at the correct height. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74254 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:18:21 +0000 shiny 74254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great question, and I've actually been contemplating it myself, except more along the lines of "how many neutral/go with everything shoes vs how many fun bright pops of color but doesn't go with everything" shoes should one have in one's closet (and handbags too). </p> <p>I am with the others - rules can be broken. I also have short legs, and I'm short, and the standard advice is to dress head-to-toe in one color. Okay. Yeah. That makes me look leaner and somewhat taller. End of day, I'm still 5'0" and you all are looking down your nose at me no matter how I dress. So I break this rule. Constantly. </p> <p>I think if you have a lot of neutral basic wardrobe pieces, then you have to add fun with the shoes. So load up on fun orange and other interesting color shoes. One or two (flats and heels) neutral shoes are plenty! But if you have tons of bright clothing with patterns and such, then the balance would be different.</p> <p>Edit to add a P.S.: vamp of the shoe may be more important than the color. Lower vamped shoes in a bright color will elongate the leg just as much as higher vamped neutral shoes. My new cedar city wedges work well with my short leg because the metallic is close to a neutral. They wouldn't work so well if they were red or black. Vamp is really important if you are going for an elongating look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74253 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:14:10 +0000 PalmFronds 74253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hee hee! Thanks for the confirmation Ladies. We'll see what Angie's thoughts are on this too, but I already broke down and ordered these over the weekend because they made my heart race:<br /> <a href="http://www.6pm.com/product/7326369/color/103684" rel="nofollow">http://www.6pm.com/product/7326369/color/103684</a></p> <p>Sorry Tim Gunn! I have way too many "sensible" shoes in my closet... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74251 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:09:43 +0000 planetamy 74251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Maya's right. Now that you know the "rule," you can consciously break it because it seems like you want colorful, fun shoes as part of your style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74249 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:03:20 +0000 Maya 74249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rules are meant to be broken. Sticking to them with such intensity makes getting dressed tedious and unenjoyable. Wear colorful shoes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-neutral-versus-fun-shoes#post-74234 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:20:37 +0000 PalmFronds 74234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HI Angie and fellow YLF family,</p> <p>Heres one of the many questions that have been on my mind as I tear through and reinvigorate myself(woohoo!).<br /> I have a long torso and relatively shorter legs. I had read,I think in Tim Gunn's book, that women with my proportions should try to stick with neutral/not-too-eye-catching shoes in order to help elongate the leg line and not break up the body into many pieces.The problem with this approach(which I followed until last year when I broke down and bought a pair of orange flats that I have since worn to pieces) is that I feel like I miss out out on some fun shoes that really catch my eye, including some fun plaid and brighter colors. GIven that accessories are my weak point and something I want to improve, will I be giving up a longer leg line if I opt for some more fun shoes?<br /> Thoughts? </p>