https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 17 May 2026 13:37:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me/page/2#post-1498107 Fri, 29 May 2015 12:12:13 +0000 Anonymous 1498107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aziraphale, I think I'm an hourglass, but never figured that out for sure. (I thought I was a pear for a while because I've always had curvy hips, and I think I still have that in my profile.) I can see how, with your build, delicate heels could be really flattering because they continue the graceful, slender lines that are already there. It <i>is</i> interesting how there's so much variety in what flatters different people! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1498009 Fri, 29 May 2015 02:59:18 +0000 Aziraphale 1498009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aubergine, that's interesting. We are both short, but owing to figure differences, what works on you doesn't work on me and vice versa. I'm sure this is all down to proportions. Are you a pretty pear? Or a curvy hourglass? I've learned that whatever works on a pretty pear will look dreadful on me. But heels, even delicate ones, make me look statuesque (even though I'm not!). Ballet flats, on the other hand, make me look stumpy and unbalanced -- like I'm going to tip over.&nbsp;</p> <p>Brooklyn, it's funny how we get an idea into our heads about something and then focus on it. I'm sure your feet are perfectly in proportion with the rest of you, but I can totally relate when you say you focus on them. I find that there's certain things I get an idea about, and then I can't un-see it. :-)</p> <p>Old chic, I'm a fan of shoes, too. I always think they make or break an outfit. They don't necessarily have to be unique, but they have to have good design. Design is key.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497961 Fri, 29 May 2015 01:15:43 +0000 Anonymous 1497961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. I'm very short with a curvy figure and some extra weight, and I think dainty flats generally work on me, especially since daintiness in a flat usually goes along with a low vamp, so at least I look a little taller. Very delicate, narrow heels, on the other hand, make me look like I'm about to topple over. I definitely get the ice-cream cone thing Janet describes. And, since I <i>am</i> short and I have small, narrow feet, very chunky shoes kind of look like I've strapped bricks to my feet. Heels that have some substance to them without being too chunky are probably the absolute best from a flattery perspective for me since they kind of balance everything out.</p> <p>What other things am I attracted to that fight with my body shape? Pretty much everything. Except wrap dresses. Those are apparently the one garment shaped for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497916 Fri, 29 May 2015 00:07:34 +0000 Brooklyn 1497916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am tall with big feet and I don't like delicate footwear on me. Or ballet flats or sneakers or loafers! And I struggle with ankle boots with skirts because all I see is my big feet! But boots and chunky sandals are my favourite footwear because they seem to balance me. Love those first ones angie posted above.<br /> I also love the look of just above the knee shift dresses on others but on me they can look a bit wrong. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497841 Thu, 28 May 2015 21:49:25 +0000 old chic 1497841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>What kinds of things are you attracted to that fight with your body shape?</i></p> <p>I love the look of a long, slender, willowy column that both flows and creates angles with movement. For reference, see 90% of what comes down any designer's runway. Although I am tallish at 5'8", I am nowhere thin or straight enough to carry this off effectively. Even decades ago, when I weighed 115 lbs., my hips and bust were too prominent to get it right.</p> <p>Still, I am so energized by a beautiful, original shoe that I will wear just about anything that I can put on my feet that doesn't look <i>ordinary</i>. In this regard, it's helpful that I have slender ankles and long legs despite my relatively clunky body. Anyway, it's all about the shoes.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497817 Thu, 28 May 2015 20:13:07 +0000 DonnaF 1497817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shift dresses.&nbsp; I will join Janet and Sarah on THAT bench.&nbsp; Like Janet, my body looks best in sheath dresses and (probably) fit'n'flares if the waist hits in the right place.&nbsp; But I like comfort.&nbsp; And a degree of flattery.&nbsp; Shift dresses highlight my body's flaws.&nbsp; </p> <p>Many shoes.&nbsp; Most shoes.&nbsp; The good news, I suppose, is that I save a chunk of change because most footwear simply doesn't work for me. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497771 Thu, 28 May 2015 18:05:07 +0000 rachylou 1497771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't like thin-soled ballet flats on me and, frankly, all but a few very delicately boned, short middle schoolers. Delicate pumps are a bit different, because a heel is a heel is a weapon, lol. This is obviously a personality thing. On the otherhand, I don't like shoes that make feet look small because of proportions... I don't feel Tweedle Dee is really a good look... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497766 Thu, 28 May 2015 17:55:44 +0000 Anonymous 1497766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty straight and boyish. The dainty footwear gives me a shot of femininity. I like low vamp footwear a lot. </p> <p>ETA: What doesn't work for me? Most shirts. Most dresses.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497735 Thu, 28 May 2015 17:15:02 +0000 columbine(erin) 1497735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the look of button downs but the are enough of a battle to fit that I currently own none. They just plain fight with my curves so I'd have to get them made for me or tailored. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497732 Thu, 28 May 2015 17:14:01 +0000 unfrumped 1497732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Too-dainty flats here too, but generally it is when combined with too- tapered pants. They can work okay with some skirts,&nbsp; and with fuller pants. It is the proportion from hip to foot that seems to matter.</p> <p>Other "fighters" are some tunic tops, really most tunics, because I need some hip room but don't have broad enough shoulders to carry that volume, and also because of long torso--there isn't any leg left!.&nbsp; And then if it's too much of an A-line shape, I feel I must look preggers. So can't carry off a lot of arty drape the way some folks can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497722 Thu, 28 May 2015 16:57:27 +0000 Angie 1497722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aha. You feel like you're toppling over in dainty flats, E. Makes sense. Conversely, I have narrow shoulders - wearing chunky shoes makes me look like I'm wearing Greg's shoes. Dainty footwear - heeled or flat - balances out proportions. (Again, DOCS are the exception).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497548 Thu, 28 May 2015 05:34:12 +0000 Aziraphale 1497548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of very interesting replies! I guess we all have things we're built for, and things we're not. :-)</p> <p>Jude, thanks for the suggestion. I <i>can</i> wear delicate heels -- and I love t-straps! I have two pairs. I can't do delicate flat very easily, though.</p> <p>Angie --&nbsp;<i>I wonder if it really is proportions at play - or simply your sartorial preference? You seem petite and small boned from your pics. Dainty footwear should suit your frame.&nbsp;</i>It really is proportions, I'm sure of it. I am indeed petite and small-boned, and dainty heels look just great. It's the flats that are tricky. I don't have typical IT shoulders, but they're very square, and I have enough boobage that it's easy for them to prop up tops so that they "fill in" the sharp angles of my shoulders and make my upper half look blocky. Combine that with narrow hips, and it makes me look very top-heavy. And for some reason flat dainty shoes exaggerate the effect, whereas dainty heels do not. (It is true, however, that I tend to gravitate to tougher-looking footwear. But I like sleek sometimes too! And those cutout Fluevogs are gorgeous...I wanted them too).&nbsp;</p> <p>Janet, lol@ the "shift" comment. I'd probably "look like shift" in a shift, too. &nbsp;;-)</p> <p>Beth Ann, lol@"boho makes me look like a worn-out hippie". I'd argue that that is a general risk when undertaking the boho look -- I mean, even the Olsen twins looked like worn-out hippies (or batty bag ladies) half the time, and they were about twenty when they started dressing like that!</p> <p>Suz, just about every pair of dressy shoes I own have some kind of strap. The only ones I have that are low vamp are tight enough that they don't slip -- but I had to buy them too tight and have the toe box severely stretched out!</p> <p>Kiwigal, shirts are a battle for just about all of us, I think. :-)</p> <p>Gaylene, let's see a picture of you in your tuxedo and lace!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497536 Thu, 28 May 2015 04:00:18 +0000 Gaylene 1497536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What kinds of things are you attracted to that fight with your body shape?</p> <p>Well, anything dainty or very feminine--tiny prints, ruffles, spaghetti-strapped dresses, lace, bows, pastels, to name just a few. I'd love to wear a cute, swirly, full-skirted summer sundress with strappy heels, but even the mention of such an outfit on me causes people's faces to go white. My athletic, muscular, IT-shaped body just doesn't take kindly to swaths of chiffon and lace. But put me in a YSL evening tuxedo with a peek of a lace bra and I can take over a room. Same goes for avante garde shapes and architectural clothing that would swamp a more delicate shape. Leather boots = good; ballet flats = not so good; strappy, delicate stilleto = MAJOR DISASTER! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497532 Thu, 28 May 2015 03:54:10 +0000 Sal 1497532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do not like the look of loafers or ballet flats on me. &nbsp;Okay maybe with jeans or long pants - not good with shorts or skirts. &nbsp;I will wear minimalist sandals or even beaded thongs or havaiana's happily enough. &nbsp;I am happy with dainty or chunky heels. &nbsp;I think the loafers and ballet flats always fall off my heel, make me feel as though my ankles are puffy. &nbsp;When I wear them I think I may as well wear a heel or boot as these are so uncomfortable and unsupportive OR wear a sandal or sneaker that is truly comfortable. &nbsp;And if it is warm they get so hot and sweaty on me that they quickly become a very unappealing piece of footwear.</p> <p>Shirts or button downs are a battle for me too. &nbsp;To get the length, bust, arm length and shoulder fit is a challenge. &nbsp;Then I mostly do not like them tucked in, but out can look wrong on me too. &nbsp;I look better in an open neck. &nbsp;In my head I look very dashing in a white shirt with jeans but not in the reality. &nbsp;</p> <p>So you won't see me in a white button down with loafers or ballet flats.</p> <p>I do like this look on others :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497518 Thu, 28 May 2015 03:15:41 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1497518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As Janet said, shift dresses do not love me, but I really love them! And there are so many shoes that I love (particularly Oxford types) that throw all of the proportions off of, well... everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497510 Thu, 28 May 2015 03:00:43 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1497510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've come to the similar conclusion after trying tons of ballet flats. I can wear dainty with a heel, but otherwise need a big sole or chunkiness if I wear flats in order to balance wide shoulders, a well sprung rib cage ( as we call it in horses) and muscular calves, although I have dainty wrists and ankles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497493 Thu, 28 May 2015 02:26:26 +0000 Jaime 1497493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I don't like shoes that make my feet look too small. I wonder if that is your issue also. My feet aren't particularly small for my height, and I have a small frame, but some shoes just look too little to my eye.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497470 Thu, 28 May 2015 01:41:26 +0000 Beth Ann 1497470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Boho doesn't work for me.I look like a worn-out hippie!&nbsp; Now, I can do arty looks, if their is sufficient architecture to the look.&nbsp; I've also reached my expiration date with dainty florals.&nbsp; On the plus side, I used to reject stripes on me, but now I like them and treat them like a graphic print.</p> <p>If you prefer chunkier shoes, I've seen quite a lot of these in those stores.&nbsp; Wear what makes you feel terrific! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497389 Wed, 27 May 2015 20:59:40 +0000 Anonymous 1497389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't even know where to start! &nbsp;I'm attracted to all kinds of things that look like , well, crap, on me. &nbsp;I just love super-fashionable clothes that look so excellent on size -1 mannequins in a store, and get all excited to try things on, then, NO. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497387 Wed, 27 May 2015 20:48:14 +0000 Suz 1497387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Angie said.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oversized drape or really any drape just hates me. And I am not even especially petite. Grumble.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for the footwear, I am attracted sometimes to low vamped shoes (flat or otherwise) -- none of which I can wear because they do not stay on my feet. Who knows how they might look? It's moot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497385 Wed, 27 May 2015 20:41:48 +0000 Staysfit 1497385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My list of what doesn't work is growing........however, I can wear the dainty flats. I think it's because I have skinny ankles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497375 Wed, 27 May 2015 20:02:35 +0000 Janet 1497375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also wonder if it's an outfit proportion or style issue rather than something truly to do with how you're built. You are not a disproportionate person in any way, from what I recall. I wonder if your eye would just need to adjust to the look on yourself. </p> <p>That said, I do understand a bit of what you're talking about. I have slightly narrow, low-volume feet, and I can in theory wear dainty shoes. However, I have, well, solid hips and thighs, so depending on how I style those kinds of shoes, I can look unfortunately ice-cream-cone-ish. More substantial shoes can help balance out my hips, to my eye. But it all depends on what I'm wearing with those shoes. If I'm wearing dainty shoes, chances are I need to pull something a bit tougher into the look, just because my personal style preferences do not really include the term "dainty." :-)</p> <p>But I'm attracted to all kinds of things that fight with my body shape. I love bold and printed pants, but they're just not the best on my shape. I think shift dresses are adorable on lots of women, but absolutely hideous on me (the way I learned to remember the difference between "shift" and "sheath" dresses? All I had to do was remember that "shift" looks like, well, "shift" without the "f" on me ;-)). Ah well, my closet is not exactly empty for lack of options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497371 Wed, 27 May 2015 19:53:20 +0000 Angie 1497371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>What kinds of things are you attracted to that fight with your body shape?</i></p> <p><b>To answer your question:</b> Fashionable oversized pieces that I cannot carry off because of my narrow shoulders and slight frame. It's not a height thing. I'm 5ft 6. I have 5ft 2 clients with broad shoulders and more of a bust who can carry these pieces off with panache. They can fill them out whereas they're <i>wearing me</i> when I fit them on.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497368 Wed, 27 May 2015 19:47:38 +0000 Angie 1497368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting, Elisabeh. I wonder if it really <b>is</b> proportions at play - or simply your sartorial preference? You seem petite and small boned from your pics. Dainty footwear should suit your frame.</p> <p>I tried on your sandal bootie Fluevogs - beautifully made shoes - and found them uncomfortable unfortunatley - which was unexpected. Fluevog usually makes soft and comfortable shoes. The cut-out booties on the other hand, were <b>heavenly</b> on my feet. They may have followed me home if they were white.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll wear the dainty shoes for you, if you wear the chunky shoes for me. Deal? (Docs are the only exception. I LOVED my Docs).&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497364 Wed, 27 May 2015 19:28:20 +0000 Jude 1497364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion. I can usually wear more delicate shoes as long as they have a higher vamp or some kind of T or ankle strap to elongate my short wide paws. Aziraphale and Una, would that help you? As to clothing, I'm attracted to so many inappropriate (for me) styles! Love long, drapey, flowy things but they make me look like I'm wearing bedding. And yet, anything too strictly tailored and I look like a very cross school marm! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497349 Wed, 27 May 2015 18:55:01 +0000 catgirl 1497349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Delicate footwear makes me feel like my feet are hooves somehow, maybe because they look so disproportionately small. I'm petite but as you know, I need to balance my shoulders. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497347 Wed, 27 May 2015 18:53:14 +0000 Aziraphale 1497347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una -- those flats are really "you"! Very cool.</p> <p>abc -- I think it's more than just scale, though, because I'm built on a small scale -- really short and small-boned -- but I look off-balance in dainty flats. (Dainty heels are usually OK).&nbsp;</p> <p>Thistle -- ah, Docs and Birks. I remember those days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497346 Wed, 27 May 2015 18:50:31 +0000 catgirl 1497346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me either. I just ordered a pair of the famous Okalas and am debating whether they work with my hobbit feet. They fit but do they flatter? Can feet be flattered? The closest I come to delicate is my Allsaints flats worn today.</p> <p>I have managed to stop loving things that don't love me, except for eying wrap dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497336 Wed, 27 May 2015 18:28:59 +0000 Thistle 1497336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear ya!!&nbsp;I also feel more cohesive with a less dainty shoe. I think it does have to do with scale, and I want a bit of support in my shoes.</p> <p>Although, that could be the 90s girl in me . . . How I loved my Docs. And Birks (although, I did get a pair of silver Birks last summer :)&nbsp; )</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dainty-flats-dont-love-me#post-1497332 Wed, 27 May 2015 18:16:00 +0000 abc 1497332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Same here, I have a hard time with any dainty footwear. I think my body scale just looks more balanced with a "heavier" shoe (visually speaking). </p>