https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:53:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences/page/2#post-367421 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:37:41 +0000 Sally 367421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never wear heels except once a year or so if there is an occasion where I must dress up. Otherwise I wear my LBD dresses with boots and flats. My most feminine shoe is my black ballet flats.<br /> I have little interest in dress pants and knitwear. I dont own a single cardigan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences/page/2#post-367017 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 07:18:32 +0000 Lena 367017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I can definitely identify with what you said, and on most days I'd totally agree with your shoe preferences. And then I let it stew for a little bit, and after some thinking, I'm not so sure. I'm still not fond of traditional dress pumps (like the Manolos?) and dress ballet flats because they kind of depress me... but I'm not exactly averse to them, either. </p> <p>I'm not fond of dress pants (slacks) at all. </p> <p>Tam, I'm beginning to feel the same about my metallic Clarks Brulees. Still can't give them up because I don't have anything else. I need to work on that </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences/page/2#post-367004 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:38:47 +0000 Charmian 367004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have much wisdom to offer here, except to say that I LOVED how you distinguished between your "style zone" and your "comfort zone". It really speaks to me how much you've thought about this.</p> <p>Don't forget that fashion is supposed to be fun. We chime in on WIWs for our own fun, and (hopefully) for your benefit. Don't let our collective opinion (if it differs from yours) take that fun away! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences/page/2#post-366982 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:39:11 +0000 RandomThoughts (Andrea) 366982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I share some of your preferences however I am ENDLESSLY finding shoes I love. Wedges, boots, platforms, chunky, funky, etc - I love them. Docs, Fluevogs, Miz Mooz have several, Born, Sofft...</p> <p>What I do not like as a rule are stilettos/spikes, your common "pump", ballet flats or typical "girlie" shoes.</p> <p>Retro-ish "girlie" shoes are another thing. Most shoes that give off that 40's vibe with the strong, practical heel but still feminine (often platforms) get a big vote from me.</p> <p>ETA: Since you like the Malibrans (as do I!!) for a summery look they have a <a href="http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w[0]=item%3AMalibran&amp;p=1&amp;view=detail&amp;colourID=3020">peach color</a> and a <a href="http://www.endless.com/John-Fluevog-Womens-Malibran-Mary-Jane/dp/B004BZ565O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;cAsin=B004BZ50BO&amp;fromPage=search&amp;sr=1-1&amp;qid=1308113410465&amp;asins=B004BZ50BO%2CB000TTNYSW%2CB001A47CLK%2CB001A40U9G%2CB0014S6XJO&amp;asinTitle=John%20Fluevog%20Malibran%20Mary-Jane%20Pump&amp;contextTitle=search%20results&amp;clientPageSize=100&amp;node=241745011&amp;sort=relevance-fs-rank&amp;keywords=malibran">natural</a>.</p> <p>I would but these if I had the cash, fo sho. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences/page/2#post-366959 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:44:13 +0000 yublocka 366959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una I know exactly what you mean. I can count on one hand the number of times I have worn even a 1 inch heel this year. I just don't think they suit my body or my personal style. Even sandals like the Clark Brulees which I admire on everyone else, just feel a bit too delicate and "non-me". I don't know whether its something I should continue to try and get over, or just live with! I do lik plenty of other sandals however - gladiators and sandal booties - mmm!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences/page/2#post-366889 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:14:27 +0000 Kookaburra 366889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a bias against Mary Jane style shoes - esp. flat or low-heeled ones - maybe because here in Oz it's a little girls' school shoe style (primary school). So they always look off to my eye when worn by grown-up women. It's a shame as Mary Janes tend to be comfortable, not likely to come off the foot and can be done up easily - which is precisely what makes them such a good school shoe.<br /> Just my silly bias - please don't let me stop anyone else wearing them </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366754 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:26:20 +0000 Irene 366754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like others have said, I couldn't care less about bags. And now that I'm starting to be interested in them, I'm very picky. There are some styles I don't like, so I don't wear them. I HATE pointy heels. I don't quite like clogs. I don't really love stilettos. So what? Everyone has his own likes and dislikes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366748 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:18:42 +0000 MsLuna 366748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you there, though it's more handbags for me. I'm the most practical person you'd meet when it comes to handbags. I have a thing for high heeled shoe, and surprisingly, my prerequisite for a good handbag is that it MUST fit an extra pair of shoes in there. Practical isn't it?</p> <p>Like you I'm a sucker for Dr. Martens too. I loooove mine, even though I love chunky funky dressy heels. There's just something about these boots that are so special! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366744 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:01:40 +0000 Freckles 366744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it's belts. Adore the look of them on other people but wouldn't waste my time shopping for one. I can't stand wearing one even if my pants are falling off without it. As a general rule I love very tactile things - cashmere, velvet and most belts don't tend to be soft and comfy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366703 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:36:37 +0000 catgirl 366703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elizabeth, I completely understand! And your comments are welcome any time.</p> <p>Krishnidoux, my mom actually steals my shoes when she can. Back in the day she was a total shoe hound, mostly for those 70s wedge mule styles. She didn't wear the shoes I now avoid, nor the kind of shoes I love. Now that's she's older, she just takes my comfy shoes, like Merrells and Danskos.</p> <p>I do think you're onto something in general though with the psychology angle, which is that I don't like feeling "girly" and strongly feel that shoes, of all clothing (other than outerwear), must be functional as well as decorative. It is amazing how strong my aversion to traditional pumps is, even when I see how good they can make an outfit look. It's like magnets repelling - I - just - can't- get - them - on - my - feet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366527 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:32:14 +0000 Aziraphale 366527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know I'm not fully participating without posting pictures, Una...but besides the other reservations I've explained before (i.e. the general weirdness I'd feel about putting up my picture on the web, plus the fear of getting laughed at by my husband!), there is the new problem of privacy. Everyone who clicked on the link to the Fluevog voting page for that design competition now knows my last name, as well as where I live. I've never been cagey about information, but posting pictures may be crossing the line. Plus, I never seem to have any questions about my outfits to ask the members that cannot be answered without a visual. If and when I do, I might post a picture -- but I will probably cut off my head. :-)</p> <p>But yes, you and I seem to share clothing preferences as well as body type, although our facial features and colouring are totally different. And no, you are not offending me at all when you suggest that! You look fantastic, and I often admire how you look in the outfits you post. I think you are a little hard on yourself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366522 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:22:58 +0000 Di 366522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1) Cracking up at the reference to tribbles.<br /> 2) I'm totally in agreement re: leg shape influencing shoe preferences. With my canary legs, clunky shoes look RIDICULOUS. I look like Olive Oil.<br /> 3) I'm pretty uninterested in slacks. They're my "meh" item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366515 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:14:02 +0000 Jonesy 366515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I looove flatforms and ballet flats and traditional pumps are not my style at all! For me it's about being practical (my feet are two different sizes, so ballet flats and pumps don't stay on--one is either too tight or too loose, and not comfortable at all) and about style (pumps and ballet flats don't suit my style). I love big shoes: wedges, flatforms, platforms, etc. Una, I totally think you should go with shoes/booties you love, and forget about worrying about the whole low-vamp-lengthening-your-legline thing. I mean, if you found the perfect shoe that does both, great, but otherwise just go with what you love and what suits your style! You have very long legs in proportion to the rest of your body, so maybe it's not such a big issue for you in general? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366509 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:59:25 +0000 Mo 366509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Denise, I'm glad to hear you are anti-pump as well! I thought I was the only one. I have exactly one pair that I bought this last year specifically for interview wear, when I realized I only had sandals and other open toed options that weren't appropriate. Maybe since we both have jobs that have nothing to do with typical business attire (pumps, pencil skirts) those items just don't have any room in our lives?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366450 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:10:15 +0000 Suz 366450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really interesting discussion. </p> <p>I don't dislike heels or ballet flats in theory...but I only own one pair of heels, and no ballet flats, even though with their low vamps they would suit me. </p> <p>My lack of heels has to do with my lifestyle. I just don't have anywhere to wear them. Or not often enough to justify buying more than a pair or two. With flats, it's less style related than practical: I haven't been able to find any that stay on my feet. (They flip off my heels, even with heel inserts.) </p> <p>I am guessing that the climate and the general landscape in Alaska would mitigate against a love for spindly heels. Somehow they just wouldn't seem right there. But Fluevogs would look brilliant. And why wouldn't they go with some of the outfits you posted, if you had them in the right colours? I think they would look superb! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366417 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:06:33 +0000 krishnidoux 366417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>San, I was going to write the same thing. Our leg shape can influence our shoes preferences. </p> <p>Una, I really hear you on the shoes. I'm going to risk 5 cents psychology here and ask you: what type of shoes was your mom wearing when you were young? And maybe just maybe does it have to do with that, such as you trying to veer away from her style?</p> <p>I realized for myself that recently certain fashion items on me reminded me strongly of my mother, because (well, duh) we share some features. It's just that we lived in different times, so for the most part, I never think about it. I also realized while playing around with outfits that a part of me is always trying to avoid dressing like her, and it influences my choices, my likings. For example my mother was all feminine power high heels (today she would be a candidate for Louboutins); I seldom wear them. I'm an advocate for low heels. </p> <p>She was all chic, heels, tapered, couture, big hair, bold jewellery, bold colors, Chanel handbags, Louis Feraud suits, pencil skirts most of the time, and she was absolutely striking in all of this. And she had the outgoing, strong personality to match this. I do not. I realize throughout my adult life I have unconsciously or not tried to find my own style which would be everything but my mother's. I'm more yoga, western, gamine, ballet flats, pants, casuals, neutral chic, little or not jewellery, short hair. </p> <p>If I try on a Louis Feraud or a Rodier, I see my mom in the mirror. Not that I don't like her, but it's as if, in my mind, this image of her superimposed on me cancels me out. I hope I make sense and this is not too crazy. </p> <p>Boots: they always add pizzazz to an outfit but also conveniently hide the legs.<br /> So this is what makes me think that your attraction to boots, your aversion to ballet flats or feminine heels despite your outstanding legs may tell something more...? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366404 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 07:44:10 +0000 san 366404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know Una, you have the most beautiful shapely legs, which draws attention to your feet, but that doesn't mean that you should change you favorite style in shoes. Remember that the style is in the wearer. Your shoes are you, maybe others would switch out shoes, but you wouldn't. Also living in Alaska must require a different shoe choice than living in say, San Diego. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366403 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 07:42:56 +0000 Louise 366403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay for Docs, I'm onto my second pair of boots now. Do check out their range of shoes they have some gorgeous heels but not too girly, sadly I can't, as the 7 is OK in boots but would fall off in shoes x</p> <p>ETA <a href="http://www.drmartens.com/ProductList.asp?Story=womens&#038;type=All" rel="nofollow">http://www.drmartens.com/Produ.....8;type=All</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366390 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:39:42 +0000 CocoLion 366390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have negative feelings about a lot of shoe and clothing styles in general. I seem to have a particularly strong aversion to thin, spiky high heels. I have to admit, I hate pumps. The closest thing I have to pumps have a peep toe and more of a "v" look, making them retro looking. </p> <p>But I love chunky platforms. And I think I'm the only one here who doesn't think there's anything wrong or ugly about flatforms.</p> <p>I used to be a handbag freak, between 7-15 years ago. Lately, everything's so overdone. I am buying about one bag a year now, a lot less than I used to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366388 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:22:10 +0000 Angie 366388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I totally think that you can find "your style of shoes" to wear with outfits that are more traditionally paired with pumps. In fact, have you checked out Dr. Marten heels? And the Malibans are perfect "pumps" for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366385 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:10:31 +0000 Marley 366385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dress slacks. Don't like them, never have. Own one pair of black trousers - yawners, couldn't care less if I never wear a pair of dress slacks again in my life! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366372 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 05:07:28 +0000 catgirl 366372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elizabeth, I have two pairs of Malibrans (red and cognac/brown). </p> <p>I so wish you would post outfits, because I think you and I share some similarities in body type and style preferences (hope I'm not offending you by saying that...)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366357 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 04:39:14 +0000 Aziraphale 366357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a huge fan of ballet flats, either....or very thin spiky heels, for that matter. Neither one is edgy enough for me to love, although I don't hate them. It's just that they are both too traditionally feminine, and kind of conservative. I also think that heels (even high ones) look better when they are thicker. It looks more balanced.</p> <p>Also, although I understand how low-vamp shoes make you legs look longer, I rarely get excited about them. They are usually too ho-hum. I prefer my pumps to have some kind of maryjane strap (as most Fluevogs do....and I think you share my love for them!) to add visual interest. The slight leg-shortening effect is a small price to pay for a way more fabulous shoe. The Malibran maryjane is a good example of my idea of a perfect heeled shoe: a cute blunt asymmetrical toe, crisscross straps, and medium-height, thick heel. You have them, yes?</p> <p>As far as wardrobe items I have no interest in -- well, that would be rompers. And jumpsuits. There are also specific STYLES of other items that I strongly dislike (for example, any button-down blouse with ruffles or a big fat droopy bow), but I quite like other examples of that item (I like button-downs in general, just not the frilly ones). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366323 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:38:37 +0000 taylor 366323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>But don't comprimise who you are..THAT is style!<br /> And your style is killer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366209 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:37:13 +0000 catgirl 366209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I generally do. But a number of outfits I've posted here recently have gotten comments that different shoes would be better, mostly vamp-related. I'm trying to figure out the difference between my comfort zone (which I'm willing to push) and my style zone. Do you think it's possible to have a killer outfit without the "right" shoes, or does that mean the whole outfit is not my style?</p> <p>Mrseccentric really hit a chord with me when she said that style is as much about what you won't (or don't) wear as what you will. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366197 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:32:57 +0000 Angie 366197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, why don't you just wear the types of footwear that you like? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366168 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:16:52 +0000 rae 366168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I am right there with you! I have a closet full of boots... and only four pairs of heels, three of which are the exact same black almond toe pumps (duplicated so they wear out slowly and I'm not forced to shop for shoes any time soon). I also seem to be patently disinterested in slacks, as I have two pairs -- again, both black -- as opposed to my pencil skirts, which seem to reproduce like tribbles. </p> <p>I think Jonesy's idea for summer boots is spectacular - why fight what you like? Nude or nude-ish clogs or lace-up sandals, maybe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366146 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:49:47 +0000 Jonesy 366146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe I'm being obtuse, but could you just find a few pairs of summer booties and wear those with your summer looks (e.g., Frye Carson shorties in a color that works like a nude for you, link below)? You have a pretty cool summer, right? Maybe you are a boots and booties woman and that's just the way it is. The look would certainly go with your list of adjectives for describing your style.</p> <p><a href="http://www.endless.com/FRYE-Womens-Carson-Shortie-Boot/dp/B002H9VXWG/ref=sr_1_45/?cAsin=B002PJ57S4&#038;fromPage=search&#038;qid=1308012477406&#038;sr=1-45&#038;asins=B004J38LPU,B002PJ5EF0,B001VNBS1U,B001VNBD1U,B004J30K8Q,B0013ES6UI,B001VNBXCE,B003TDX8EK,B00352KGWM,B0034XSWPU,B0034XSVC4,B003WJ6H8A,B003FZAPJI,B003FZAVJM,B0034XSVHO,B002GYX7S0,B003U41IV8,B0034XSVEM,B002GYX7QC,B003FZAVQA,B0034XSV8S,B0013ES6SA,B003X0NFME,B003EQ37F2,B0045WTKAU,B003XDKXAI,B003XDN148,B003XDQRC6,B003EQ382E,B003EQ38F6,B004J329HG,B002GYX8L6,B003FZARHS,B003EOAMVG,B004J30PVI,B004G5RH4C,B002R8JKS6,B003EQ38O2,B002E19Q44,B003WUL16M,B004GTQUHS,B004J36MWY,B003WUJWCC,B0034XSWNM,B002PJ57S4,B001VNBI2O,B002GYX758,B003WJDBO8,B003FZATHQ,B0023RSJII,B002GYX8P2,B001VNBX42,B001VNBTLE,B001VNBH3O,B001VNBQVC,B001VNBP4U,B000AKVDCY,B001VNBRX4,B001VNBI9W,B001VNBRXY,B000TKFFX8,B001VNBX7O,B001VNBGLM,B003WJBI5C,B003WJ6HNU,B004GTQSX4,B003EQ37S4,B003FZARZK,B003EOAMES,B003WJ9K5M,B003XDX28S,B00352KGNQ,B003X0RDY0,B004J3AE3W,B002R8JKP4,B003EQ364Y,B00352KGTK,B0045X07WE,B001VNBTIC,B004GTQTAG,B003FZAPSO,B003WUSN2M,B003XDQ3FC,B004J3ADW4,B004J3ADYM,B002PJ586U,B00385YFTG,B003FZBOUC,B004GTW92I,B003WUJULK,B003FZARVY,B0045WYF6E,B002PJ57PW,B003FZATNA,B004GTQTXS,B003WUJWC2,B0009VKICU,B00385YFMS,B001VNBXF6,B003U41IOU&#038;asinTitle=FRYE%20Carson%20Shortie%20Boot&#038;contextTitle=search%20results&#038;page=1&#038;size=100&#038;node=242261011&#038;nodes=242262011&#038;keywords=women%20frye&#038;sort=relevance-fs-rank" rel="nofollow">http://www.endless.com/FRYE-Wo.....ce-fs-rank</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366145 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:46:15 +0000 rosee 366145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find I am very picky about the things I am attracted to in any clothing category. I love shoes, but I hate about 3/4 of the shoes I see in retail these days. I go for "formula" shoes that work for me: retro-looking maryjanes and t-straps with a thicker 2 to 3" heel, clogs, wedges, plain ballet flats (with a cushioned insole) and boots -- knee boots, "combat" boots and Blundstones. In each of these categories I am still particular about what I will actually buy, but when I see it -- I go and buy it, cost be damned!<br /> With bags, they have to be aesthetically simple looking and uber-practical and purpose-serving: I now have 4 that I have acquired and these should last me for years. They have to be not too big, but big enough to carry my stuff and easy to wear and forget that I am wearing, if possible. I have 2 crossbody messengers, 1 large-strap tote, 1 hobo, all leather (most I bought heavily discounted).<br /> My next big "acquire" category is jackets. I want good jackets for the smart casual formula Angie just posted in her blog. I have 2 in my closet (1 fits at the moment), and I need to fill this hole in my wardrobe.</p> <p>Just my opinion, but I think you need nude or low-contrast classic-punky-style shoes for your summer shoes -- so maybe a more classic style with a more alternative shoe brand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-struggling-with-my-shoe-preferences#post-366144 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:45:06 +0000 Kristine 366144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have next to zero interest in bags. I bought a nice bag to carry to work, but only because a backpack wasn't working for my image. I have 2-3 purses and only haul them out once in a while.</p> <p>I have strong opinions about shoes too. I've looked at thousands of pairs to find just one I like. Maybe mix up the places you're looking, sometimes a new website will expose you to brands you haven't discovered. </p>