https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 04:55:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1894117 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:04:14 +0000 Nomad 1894117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>bonnie, try this find for the black suede (there's silver leather, black suede, and cobalt blue suede available from that page). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1894102 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:40:34 +0000 Bonnie 1894102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with your assessment of the block heels. I like them so much I wanted to order a pair myself but the black are not to be found. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1894098 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:20:04 +0000 Nomad 1894098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Sterling!&nbsp; I love getting the wisdom of the forum... I had a lightbulb moment this morning after mulling over everyone's comments.</p> <p>It's not necessarily the heaviness or the clunkiness of the wedges that bothers me (as wedges go, these are pretty dainty and elegant), though I originally thought that was it.... I like the block heels, and those are a heavier and clunkier look as well.&nbsp; It took me a long time to warm up to the look of block heels, but I have now (for some specific pairs, anyway).&nbsp; The leather d'Orsays are lovely and classic, but I realized that I'm craving sharp and modern.</p> <p>And if block heels go out of fashion in a while, I'll either keep wearing these just because I like them, or I'll move them on and adopt a new pair to fill the Black Pumps slot in my closet. I should cycle through shoes faster than I do... they're usually well and truly dead (sometimes after a trip or two to a cobbler) and a lot less comfortable by the time I decide to part with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1894065 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:24:19 +0000 Anonymous 1894065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT.&nbsp; I like them the absolute best of the three.&nbsp; YAY for you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1894054 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:28:24 +0000 Nomad 1894054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, all!</p> <p>And thank you, Angie. That cinches it... those are the winners! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893938 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 02:04:16 +0000 Angie 1893938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haven't read the comments.</p> <p>I like the black block heels best BY FAR.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893915 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 01:10:33 +0000 Suz 1893915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Jenn. The fit looks a bit off in all of these. But of the ones you have the block heel ones are the definite winners both in terms of (apparent) fit and looks.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893911 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 01:01:18 +0000 Dottie 1893911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you keep looking, the Ann Taylor Reese Pump is a very comfortable shoe. &nbsp;They are true to size, and I didn't need to size up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893902 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:19:14 +0000 Jenn 1893902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the block heels, but to be perfectly honest, there are no shortage of black pumps out there. If the fit isn’t perfect, keep looking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893898 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:41:19 +0000 Nomad 1893898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The heels really don't have as bad a gap when I'm standing upright... I think I was leaning forward to take the original set of pictures, and that makes it look like they fit worse than they do.&nbsp; The block heels and the classic d'Orsay style do fit well in the heel and the width/length of the toe. There *is* a gap at the top of the toes, but it's not obvious from normal standing distance and I don't think it'll cause comfort problems.</p> <p>I experimentally slipped a pair of heel pads into the block heels (without using the adhesive), and they'll work in there, and that fixes the stiffness around the heel so it shouldn't cut or cause blisters there.</p> <p>So here are pictures with actual clothing I might wear with black pumps (Helmut Lang wool dress I picked up for a relative song from Poshmark).</p> <p>1-2: I squished my toes into the Taryn Rose booties just to show how they look. These are out of the running for me, but in case someone else wants to try them out.</p> <p>3-4: The classic leather d'Orsays.</p> <p>5-6: The Marc Fisher block heels.</p> <p>I'm leaning toward the block heels... yes, they're a heavier look, but I like the modern vibe and the bit of edge, since my style definitely skews rocker. They look more badarse than the classic d'Orsays, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893851 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 19:43:14 +0000 Suzanimal 1893851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like all the shoes you picked but considering you stated you're not really sold on the wedge and the others don't appear to fit you well, I'd keep looking. A black pump is something you'll wear a lot so it should be perfect or as close as you can get.&nbsp;</p> <p>Out of what you picked, I like the block heel best but would look for a better fit and not suede.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893828 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 18:51:03 +0000 shiny 1893828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think those wedges look clumpy at all, and I suspect they'd work great with skirts and dresses. I could see them with a midi length. I think they fit you the best as well. I may have to give them a try myself, as I love a good wedge -- more stability on our cobblestone streets.&nbsp;</p> <p>Pair 3-4 looks the most "classic" and I would want something like this with some sort of interesting detail, to be less "ho-hum." Cap toe, texture, embellishment - *something.*&nbsp;</p> <p>Pair 5-6 ... I like a good block heel but personally I can't get them to work with anything but pants. They seem much more clumpy to me than the wedges, to be honest. Especially with your low-volume feet and delicate ankles. I know these are in style and all that... I just personally prefer block heels with slacks, not dresses.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd probably keep the wedges and keep looking for a classic pair like 3-4 that has some sort of interesting detail.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893796 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 15:00:43 +0000 Bonnie 1893796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #5 the best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893794 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 14:53:48 +0000 Amy Isabella 1893794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The black suede Marc Fisher gets my vote! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893792 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 14:36:54 +0000 Nomad 1893792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Aha! They're not out of the black suede... DSW just has so many different pages on their site --six, some with multiple options on the same page-- for Marc Fisher Caitlins in different materials and colors that I was looking at the wrong one....) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893789 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 14:20:46 +0000 Nomad 1893789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, all!&nbsp; I do have fairly low volume feet with a narrow heel, so the gap between toes and vamp and a gap in the heel are common, but I definitely can't size down in any of these... the toebox sizing is just right. They also feel snugger than they look in the pictures (I don't feel any slipping in my short trial walks), and the heel gap goes away if my feet are warmer; I also have some adhesive cushy heel pads that should help fill the gap if they slip and rub. I haven't experimented with pads at the ball of the feet, but maybe that'd help close the gap at the vamp, too... it's worth some experimentation. Thank you all for helping me identify that issue! (Which is common across a lot of my shoes, but I don't think I realized it's not an issue for everyone and every shoe.)</p> <p>Gigi, argh, low volume feet are annoying sometimes. I share your fairly narrow heel issues, too... most shoes slip on the heel (I'm in the middle of experimenting with various styles of heel pads to fill gaps and stop the rubbing and blisters from that extra movement). The shoes you pictured are lovely, but that strap doesn't allow for any extra inserts or pads, so I can see how they just didn't work for you.</p> <p>Kathie, I do really like the block heel, too! It feels so much sturdier than a thin heel, and looks very modern. Because block heels have been a trend, I'm not sure if it'll look dated faster... but frankly, I should really replace my shoes more often than I do, so getting a trendier pair, wearing the heck out of it, and then retiring it when it starts to get dated/uncomfortable/tired-looking isn't a bad idea.</p> <p>Dana, I'm agreeing with you about the wedges being less versatile... I'm not sure I'd be happy with the look in skirts and dresses.</p> <p>Hi Sterling! I've been pretty well... busy, which is a very good thing. Walking out of shoes is definitely an issue for me in general, but all these pairs actually feel less likely to slip than many of my older shoes (which probably means I need to do a hard shoe evaluation soon).&nbsp; Oddly, the Marc Fishers and the Louise Et Cies are the exact same height (2.75"), though the block heel on the Fishers *looks* much higher visually. I can't figure out how that illusion works, but it's not a bad thing.</p> <p>La Pedestrienne, I'm with you on the wedges. While they're the most comfortable, they're not what I'm looking for visually. Good point about black suede photographing better than leather; they also look like a deeper and more matte black in person. I'm leaning toward the block heels, too, though the Louise Et Cies are so lovely and classic... but I think I have to trust that there will *always* be an elegant classic black pump available somewhere.</p> <p>kkards, good point about the year-roundedness and the heavier/chillier-weather look of the block heels. I *am* looking for a year-round shoe. I do wear a lot of black and gray year-round, though, so that may mitigate a bit.&nbsp; Thank you for the Everlane suggestion... the elastic heel looks like an interesting feature that might work well for narrow heels. I just wish the visual shape was a bit different; for work shoes, I prefer a pointier toe for a little extra formality.</p> <p>Echo, I also really like the Taryn Roses (because of my low-volume feet, I tend to prefer boots and booties... they stay on better in general). But that's also the highest heel of the lot by a smidge, and I'd need to see if the size up actually did fit. I also have black booties that I really love already, though, so the Taryn Roses would be a little too close to overlapping with what I've got.</p> <p>Jenni NZ, I completely agree on wedges tending to look clumpy... I think if they're not completely black, it can be less of an issue, but the all-black feels a bit visually heavy (and my year-round ghost-white feet and legs exacerbate that).</p> <p>smittie, yes, that stiffness is the one thing that gives me pause. The leather on all the other pairs feels really soft, so that's the one strike against the Marc Fishers. But that *may* be fixable with pads... the one advantage of low-volume feet is that there's usually room to play with inserts that may solve various issues.</p> <p>It helps *so much* to have your thoughts, comments, and musings, ladies!&nbsp; As comfortable as the wedges are, I think they're less my style and I wouldn't be as happy with the look, especially with skirts and dresses. I'll keep debating and trying on and walking around, but the Marc Fishers are in the lead right now... though I *may* compromise by getting the Louise Et Cies in black, and the Marc Fishers in a different color (especially if I can't brush out what might be a fully-worn down scuff on the suede from the poor packaging in transit... it looks like the black suede may have sold out, so I may not be able to exchange for a less beat-up pair). By trying on a bunch of options, I'm realizing that some of my older pairs of shoes fit less well than I thought they did, so it may be time to replace a few of those as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893784 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 13:05:48 +0000 kkards 1893784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>srah, not sure what your budget is, but these maybe worth a try... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893779 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 12:42:41 +0000 Anonymous 1893779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the block heel for style and comfort while walking, but the stiffness might mean you’ll need to take a look at other brands.</p> <p>I like the other two pairs too.</p> <p>I don’t think the wedge is too dark or clumpy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893773 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 10:36:04 +0000 Katerina 1893773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Based on the pictures, I like the Marc Fisher pumps best. I also like the wedges, but if you only planning on getting one pair of black pumps, the Marc Fisher is more versatile. That said, I haven’t got any experience with low volume feet either (same as Sterling) and unfortunately cannot offer any advice on the fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893771 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 09:57:30 +0000 Anonymous 1893771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So what I am learning from the comments is that you likely have low-volume feet. &nbsp;This is something I have absolutely no experience with, but I would encourage you to keep looking. &nbsp;I personally have settled too often in life and it rarely worked in my favor. &nbsp;This assumes, of course, that you don't have a wardrobe hole that requires immediately attention. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893762 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 07:19:31 +0000 Jenni NZ 1893762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't actually think any of them fit well? There is space at the back between your heel and the shoe in the first two pairs. And in the second and third pairs there is space at the vamp as well above your foot. So the worst fit seems the second pair- which is a shame as that's the style I like the best.<br /> I don't like or wear wedges. I find them too "clumpy".<br /> The Taryn Rose in Finds look really interesting, if you could get the correct size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893727 Sun, 25 Feb 2018 01:01:34 +0000 Echo 1893727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually prefer the Taryn Rose pumps - they're different without being too unusual and they seem like they might transition best from fall to winter to spring. Of those photographed, I definitely prefer the Marc Fishers. The heel height seems the most traditionally flattering, although I rather like the vamp on the d'orsay pumps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893697 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 23:07:00 +0000 kkards 1893697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hard to tell from the pictures but both the&nbsp;d'Orsday pairs look too big...the block heel seem to fit, but feel very "fall/winter" to me, are you looking for something that would be a good year round shoe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893696 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 23:03:39 +0000 LaPed 1893696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The wedges look like the best fit, but I'm not convinced they'll be as versatile as you want them to be. It seems like the other two pairs leave you with extra space in both the forefoot and the heel -- you have low-volume feet? Of course, you're trying them on barefoot and maybe hose will add just enough volume that this the extra space isn't an issue. On looks alone, I like the block-heeled pair best. Part of it is just that black suede photographs so nicely compared to shiny leather, so take that into consideration, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893687 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 22:43:33 +0000 Anonymous 1893687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice to see you, Srah. &nbsp;Hope you are well.</p> <p>Here is my opinion.</p> <p>Numbers 1-2: &nbsp;Not a fan. &nbsp;I am in agreement that wedges are less flattering on most feet because they look so blockish. &nbsp;</p> <p>Numbers 3-4: &nbsp;Definitely flattering. &nbsp;I see a gap along the heel. &nbsp;I worry about the potential to walk right out of the shoe ... especially on stairs. &nbsp;Is that an issue for you? &nbsp;</p> <p>Numbers 5-6: &nbsp;Magnificent. &nbsp;I love everything about them .... except the high heel. &nbsp;Are they higher than Numbers 3-4? &nbsp;Can you walk comfortably in a heel that high? &nbsp;They do seem to fit better than Numbers 3-4 and I like that about them. &nbsp;I also like how modern they look. &nbsp;They have my vote, if they are not too stiff for walking. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893683 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 22:34:59 +0000 Dana 1893683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote for the Marc Fisher for #1 and the D'Orsay as #2, but do they fit? You seem to have room between your foot and the shoe in the toes. Perhaps the heels look a little big, too?&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with you, Srah. The wedge looks a little severe. Plus, it doesn't seem as versatile. I see it with pants, but not so much with skirts/dresses.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893680 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 22:27:12 +0000 BrieN 1893680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All else being equal, definitely the Marc Fisher. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893679 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 22:01:49 +0000 Kathie 1893679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the Kenneth Cole ones look really interesting, with the higher vamp and wedge heel. The Marc Fisher are a close second, but I’m a sucker for block heels, so that could be why I like them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893674 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 21:33:05 +0000 Gigi 1893674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I personally like the Kenneth Cole ones the best. They seem to fit your foot well in the vamp. The other two pairs seem to have a lot of extra space in the vamp, above your toes. I have this problem with shoes too, because I have a low-volume foot.</p> <p>If you are concerned that the wedge will look too heavy on your feet, you could try taking more pictures from a bit of a distance and while you are wearing different bottoms, and then post them on the forum for input.</p> <p>I ordered a pair of black heels recently (find attached). They were extremely comfortable. I had to return them, though, because the strap slipped on my heel (I don't think this particular shoe is good for narrow heels). But they were one of the most comfortable pairs of pumps that I've ever tried.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-search-of-the-perfect-basic-black-pump#post-1893655 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 20:33:42 +0000 Nomad 1893655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've finally admitted that it's time to retire my black Rockport pumps. The wrapping is peeling off the heels, the toes have been scraped and polished so many times, and they look tired. I've also become pickier about clothing and shoes in the years since I bought them, and the overall shape (toe, vamp, and heel) looks boring, unflattering, and a bit dated to my eye now. They also make my heels bleed when I wear them with bare feet, so that's the last strike... while I've recently discovered heel pads that might have fixed this, it's too late for this pair. They've lived a long and useful life, but on to a fresh pair.</p> <p>I've ordered a few pairs of black mid-heel pumps from DSW and Nordstrom, but I'm having trouble choosing. I want something basic-but-but-not-boring, versatile, professional, and up-to-date. It also needs to be comfortable enough to wear through a workday, which all of these *seem* to be, but I won't really know until I put them through a full day (at which point it's too late to return, but that's always the struggle).&nbsp; Help me please, wise ladies of the forum!</p> <p>1-2: Kenneth Cole Ellis d'Orsay wedges. The leather feels very soft and the wedge makes them feel very walkable, but I'm never sure if wedges are flattering on me... it's a big block of black on my very pale feet.</p> <p>3-4: Louise et Cie Jacee d'Orsday pumps: These seem the most classic, and from short walks around home, they feel like they'd be reasonably comfortable.</p> <p>5-6: Marc Fisher Caitlin block heel pumps: Forgive the bits clinging to the suede; they just need a brushing... DSW sent several pairs in a plastic bag, and the shoeboxes were pretty destroyed. The block heel feels nice and sturdy, but they're stiffer than the other pairs, so they're differently but about equivalently comfortable. These seem the most modern, with the block heel and suede.</p> <p>7-9: The top, front, and side views.</p> <p>Included in the finds but not photographed is a pair of Taryn Rose Tricia booties. I'd need to size up, and I don't think they're the most flattering on me. I like the idea, though, and the leather is super soft, so I'd definitely recommend if someone was looking for something similar. </p>