https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:06:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life/page/2#post-668100 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 23:56:24 +0000 Jonesy 668100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nope! I don't own any classic pumps, and I don't miss them in the slightest. I'm not sure I can really picture you in those... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life/page/2#post-667829 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:02:28 +0000 catgirl 667829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think so!</p> <p>I own two pairs, black Clark mary janes and the Tsubo Acrea heels in a nude (for me). I don't think ALL women need heels, and I wouldn't but for weddings and going to court. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life/page/2#post-667827 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:00:30 +0000 Sylvie 667827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No. I bought a pair of black pumps because I thought I should have a pair. I've worn them once, because I made myself do so. I prefer dressy shooties or sandals depending on weather. I do have several pairs of mary janes though, since I do find those useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life/page/2#post-667753 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:35:18 +0000 ironkurtin 667753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, but some dresses look best with them IMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life/page/2#post-667750 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:33:58 +0000 DonnaF 667750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My vote is *No* unless you've already really felt a need for pumps. Earlier this year, it dawned on my that I had no pumps and hadn't had pumps that fit and worked with my bunions for years. I'd been wearing dress pants, so hadn't identified the hole until I decided to wear skirts and bought a few dresses. I also unearthed a pair of tall boots that I didn't know I had.</p> <p>I work in a fairly conservative environment. I still haven't worn my new pumps much since, although they are comfortable for pumps, I prefer to wear other shoes when I wear slacks and would never wear them with jeans because that is just not my style. I have worn them with dresses, but still tend to reach for my dressy sandals first. And as for boots? I have to force myself to wear the pair that I have, so it makes more sense for me to buy other types of shoes.</p> <p>IIRC, the only time in recently memory when you *might* have worn pumps was to a memorial service. But even then, non-pumps were more in keeping with the style of the deceased and the deceased's family. </p> <p>Otherwise -- I guess if you were to speak at a professional conference and/or receive some type of award where a skirted suit or dress was more the norm, maybe then you would need pumps. In that case, you might be buying something special and would want new shoes anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life/page/2#post-667735 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:24:15 +0000 rae 667735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote no. I should technically wear lots of pumps, being an office girl. But I hate them. They look great, but my feet always slide forward in them, no matter the heel height. If they are big enough for my feet to swell during the day, there is a big gap. If they are small enough to look like they fit, I get blisters on my heels. To top it off, I prefer a more rugged style, so I only wear pumps if the rest of the outfit is crying out for a very femme shoe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life/page/2#post-667692 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:49:50 +0000 Aziraphale 667692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, until this year I had never owned pumps -- not a true, slip-on, strap-free pair, anyway. I owned several of pairs of almost-pumps, but all of them had some kind of maryjane strap. These were what I used for dressy shoes. </p> <p>Then this past spring I was captivated by a pair of floral pumps, and bought them. I ended up returning them because, colour-wise, they didn't go with very much in my wardrobe, but in the process of trying them on with everything I own, this is what I discovered:</p> <p>1. They make my legs look like they go on forever. This is quite a big deal since I'm only 5'1"!<br /> 2. They are a match made in heaven with midi skirts. I'm really into the midi at the moment, but I was struggling to style them so I don't look short. Pumps are the best (although not the only) answer to that problem.<br /> 3. They look great with skinny jeans, whereas high heeled shoes with a strap do not. Skinny jeans with pumps is my new favourite going-out-for-the-evening formula.<br /> 4. They feel classy and professional. If I needed to attend an interview, they are just the thing.</p> <p>I ended up exchanging them for classic black ones, and then liked them so much I went back and got olive ones too (which are now on sale, btw):</p> <p><a href="http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w%5B0%5D=gender%3Awomen&#038;p=36&#038;pp=3&#038;view=detail&#038;colourID=3242" rel="nofollow">http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w.....ourID=3242</a></p> <p>Part of the reason I like these so much is the elegant, slightly retro cut and the wider heel, which to my eye looks more balanced. I'm not a big fan of stilettos, and the wider heel is more walkable anyway. Also these are very comfortable for a 3" heel.</p> <p>So. This is a sort of roundabout way of addressing your question. My final answer would have to be no, not every woman HAS to have pumps, but for me they have filled a wardrobe hole I didn't even know I had. I am utterly surprised by how much I love them. So if you really like those pumps and think you'll wear them, go for it. If you think they'll just languish in your closet, perhaps you should save your money for something else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life/page/2#post-667560 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:41:19 +0000 Anonymous 667560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shoes I posted in the "alternatives to pumps" thread are actually advertised as being pumps. In my mind, pumps are closed-in shoes. Going by that definition, which I think is correct due to the fact that certain employers specify pumps in their respective dress codes because they want employees to wear closed-in shoes, I don't think my mary janes are really pumps. I suppose the charcoal grey ones are pumps, but not in the way I think of pumps. IMO, the shoes Sarah posted in this thread fit the traditional definition of pumps. At any rate, I rarely wear either of the shoes I just mentioned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667556 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:26:50 +0000 Anonymous 667556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>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! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667546 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:11:07 +0000 modgrl 667546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667516 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:22:42 +0000 Janet 667516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>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). </p> <p>My style just doesn't seem to require pumps, and neither does my casual, non-office-based work life! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667496 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:41:08 +0000 Loves Tea 667496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667492 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:36:18 +0000 Chippy Mia 667492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>They are many brands that have air or gel cushions insole and the toebox is wide. Cole Haan, Naturalizer, Rockport, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667484 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:20:58 +0000 ButterflyLady 667484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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).</p> <p>I don't think I would buy any if I didn't have reason to wear them any time soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667477 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:08:49 +0000 Anonymous 667477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667473 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:50:53 +0000 Anonymous 667473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667456 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:15:33 +0000 Ornella 667456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667455 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:12:36 +0000 Deborah 667455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667444 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 09:37:35 +0000 Anonymous 667444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667407 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 06:15:06 +0000 ManidipaM 667407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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*!</p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667377 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 04:27:49 +0000 Mama Susie 667377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667362 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:47:40 +0000 Amy 667362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No. You have other nice shoes, so pumps aren't necessary. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667352 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:30:42 +0000 Scarlet 667352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667347 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:26:36 +0000 sarah 667347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667343 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:19:36 +0000 velvetychocolate 667343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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? </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667323 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 02:46:38 +0000 Diana 667323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667312 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 02:26:23 +0000 Keix 667312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>(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.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667308 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 02:21:27 +0000 Aida 667308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In answer to your title question, No :)</p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667300 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 02:17:17 +0000 goldenpig 667300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-every-woman-need-a-pair-of-pumps-in-her-life#post-667299 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 02:17:08 +0000 Transcona Shannon 667299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p>