YouLookFab Forum » Topic: New Member & My awkward sizes

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: New Member & My awkward sizes https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:03:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Gigi on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1297193 Tue, 08 Jul 2014 01:06:27 +0000 Gigi 1297193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really sorry to hear about your sizing difficulties. It can be really discouraging! I am very hard to fit in tops, and it really makes it difficult to be stylish sometimes. The only thing I can think of to help is a place called Shoes of Prey. They make custom shoes, and they seem to have some pretty fashion-forward styles. However, they are spendy. But once you have a better income, maybe they are worth a try? Here is their page on widths: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.shoesofprey.com/style-help/366569255/narrow-width-shoes">https://www.shoesofprey.com/st.....idth-shoes</a> I've never used them myself, so I can't give any hands-on info. I've just heard other people (mostly people with very small feet) talk about them. As far as clothing, there is a place called eShakti that makes tops, dresses, and skirts (but no pants, as far as I can see) to order, according to your measurements: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.eshakti.com/default.aspx">http://www.eshakti.com/default.aspx</a> One of our forum members, Lyn*, has used them for some dresses. She has been very pleased with them. I'm sure that if you send her a message, she will let you know what to expect. You could also search for "eShakti" in the search box and see what forum posts come up. Unfortunately, I think they may be spendy also...but maybe they will be useful to you down the road.  unfrumped on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1297125 Mon, 07 Jul 2014 23:28:30 +0000 unfrumped 1297125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Stephanie said for brands and Crutcher for strategy ! Now that I have bunion issues, I take a B in R forefoot but still have a narrow heel ! But, back in the day, I was AA-AAA with 4A-6A heel. Very difficult for my mom finding shoes for me during teen years (expensive!) , but at least she also had very narrow feet. Anyone remember Baker's shoe stores? All over the place and had inexpensive and trending styles but nothing narrower than Medium width. All my friends shopped there but I could never participate.  All of the brands Stephanie mentioned are ones you should check out. Go out just doing "retail research" in stores that carry those brands and see which ones seem to "get your feet" and how sizing runs, and styles.  And there will just be styles and trends you have trouble adopting because  you can't run out and get any old shoe. You may end up designing your style persona around the  shoes you can find--I do that but for reasons of combining long-day comfort with  some degree of professional dress. Boots, short boots for long pants, are easier because you can do more adjustments with socks and inserts. Open shoes and pumps are hard because they have to stay on in a more "bare situation" and rely so much on the actual excellent fit of the shoe. Sandals as you point out have some adjustabillity in certain styles; I always found pumps the hardest because the heel gaps and looks ill-fitting plus foot comes out, blisters and all that. Some of the ballet flat styles have that slightly gathered top edge--I don't like the obvious puckered ones, but some are more subtle. missmedusa88 on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1297082 Mon, 07 Jul 2014 22:42:59 +0000 missmedusa88 1297082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sweet, I will have to take a look at these sites. Thanks, K!  Kristin L on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1297055 Mon, 07 Jul 2014 22:25:49 +0000 Kristin L 1297055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This may not work for you, but have you thought about asking for interview clothes/shoes as a graduation present?  Have you checked out any of the online consignment/2nd hand stores? I've had pretty good luck finding clothes on liketwice.com and thredup.com. I have a couple of referral codes if you want to take a look. I like to look on retailmetnot before I order from them (or anyone online) to see if I can find discounts. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://liketwice.com/u4TVb">liketwice.com/u4TVb</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.thredup.com/r/4OU1LS">http://www.thredup.com/r/4OU1LS</a> missmedusa88 on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1297038 Mon, 07 Jul 2014 21:52:39 +0000 missmedusa88 1297038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, thanks for all of the responses ! That's a lot of help in one post xD .  I do have a pair of Vaneli's (and used to have more pairs, but wore them out). I had some shoes from Sesto Meucci as well. All of those came from my former "go to" shoe place, Marmi's, which is the only specialty shoe shop that I know of in the Valley. I will have to look in other areas though and see if there aren't more so that I can try on some different brands, as Freckles suggested. Then maybe I could get some on ebay for cheaper. There are some upscale consignment shops in my area, actually. They are still out of my budget. I have other financial constraints thanks to some health issues, so even saving up doesn't really work for me. I have to be able to buy most things cheaply. Or I'm just very broke for about a month, if I decide to invest in some new clothes (aka things I got on clearance that sort of fit.Or things I got at the thrift shop that I hemmed myself, or just walk around looking silly in ). The ideal situation would be to learn how to sew, most likely. I just need to find some extra time for that, I'm trying to make some time for that this summer though. I'll definitely check into other " petite pear" threads and see what others have come up with. I did check into Angie's guidelines after reading your post, Suz. I've heard most of those things before, but they're certainly helpful tips to keep in mind. I've honestly considered waiting to buy anymore clothing until I move to Japan after graduation (except I need some professional clothes for whenever I get an internship, I TA right now, and I need to bring a few work outfits with me to Japan of course). I had very good luck there during my short study abroad, and it didn't cost me twice as much as the "average" person to buy clothing items that I liked XP ! Plus I'll have an actual salary rather than an hourly job with hours dispersed randomly throughout the month. It's just frustrating feeling like I look frumpy and/or childish all the time (especially at university where so many people look very stylish) because I'm not the "average size/shape". I'm actually pretty ok with my shape - until I have to spend all sorts of money and time just trying to find something that fits semi-decently.  Suz on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1296095 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 21:20:01 +0000 Suz 1296095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Popping back in to add that Freckles has given good advice about going to a specialty store and finding out which brands fit your foot best. This will give you a start and then you can scour ebay as Stephanie suggests. I have had some luck with Stuart Weitzman (I don't need the narrows, just medium, and the heel works for me on a pair of booties -- no slip -- so perhaps the narrow sizes correspond, in which case, you are in luck.)  Stephanie on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1296091 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 21:14:50 +0000 Stephanie 1296091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have very narrow feet as well and generally end up having to wear AAAA.  Van Eli makes up to AAA, and Stuart Weitzman, Ferragamo, and Munro make AAAA (superslim) or AA (narrow).  If you're on a tight budget, it might be worth trying to find some shoes off ebay that you like...if you can find a seller that allows returns.  Good luck shoe shopping! Freckles on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295986 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 16:42:31 +0000 Freckles 1295986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If I understand you correctly it is your heel that is AAA.  What width is the front of your foot.  As a general rule a AA shoe will have a AAAA heel so an A width shoe should have AAA heel.  I'm a AA with 6A heel and the only brand that is always perfect is Amalfi.  Expensive yes... I've found Ecco to be too wide in the heel but narrower than most.  Van Eli is good but I've only ever been successful in their sling backs.  The last of the shoe is very important.  Each brand fits a different style of foot.  Think brand fits a typically German foot with short toes and an arch closer to the front.  I'd suggest going to a specialty shop and finding out what kind of foot you have and the brands they suggest.  They will typically tell you what type of last to shop for. ma342 on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295962 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:35:31 +0000 ma342 1295962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also have extremely narrow heels (but a wide forefoot). I've come to accept that, much as I would like to, I just can't wear pumps without some kind of strap to keep the heel from sliding--mary janes, t-straps, d'orsays, etc. Another member mentioned boots and booties. I live in these from October-April, so this could be another option, depending on climate. jackiec on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295948 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 14:42:54 +0000 jackiec 1295948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just wanted to say welcome! You'll get lots of good advice here, and I see there have already been some wonderful suggestions. Good luck and try to stay positive. You sound beautiful kkards on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295942 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 14:35:52 +0000 kkards 1295942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome. As a shoe lover, I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for you to find shoes. I don't have a shoe or brand suggestion. But can you take advantage of zappos wonderful free shipping, and order a few pairs in your size, try them, experiment with styling, to see which can be made to work within your style zone, and return those that don't. Keep ordering and returning until you hit on what your looking for. Not a good as walking into a store and trying on, but at least it's an option. shedev on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295934 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 14:25:31 +0000 shedev 1295934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I have a body type similar to yours. I also wear a 4-6. My biggest suggestion is to go try on a lot of clothes. Find the brands that fit your body. My  inseam is 28, I do like some scrunch on my pants, but there is no way to get around alterations. I used to hand hem my pants. I didn't bring the needle all the way through to the front side, just kinda hooked the material on the back. Now I use a machine. A capsule approach might be good for you to get a start on your professional wardrobe. There are a lot of posts here on that. Suz on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295909 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 13:45:43 +0000 Suz 1295909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your other fit issues sound frustrating but a lot easier to address. Sounds as if you are a pretty pear. Have you read <a rel="nofollow">Angie's guidelines for dressing the pretty pear? </a> After you've taken a look at those, maybe you could start a thread asking for guidance. We have lots of pretty pears here who can weigh in on favourite brands, stores, and fit fixes.  :)  Suz on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295906 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 13:43:15 +0000 Suz 1295906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome, missmedusa!!  Although I am your mother's age, I share your love of sleek and fashionable footwear -- and like you, I have a very narrow heel. The rest of my foot is actually what Angie calls "higher volume." It's average width in the front with short toes, a high arch, high instep. And then there is my weeny narrow heel that cannot keep a shoe on to save my life. ;) I wish I had some easy answers for you. Like you, I've tried insoles, heel grips, extra holes in straps, and every other trick in the book, all of which salespeople have assured me will work, and none of which work in the least.  My solutions, for what they are worth:  I do spend as much as I can afford on shoes; bargain footwear has never proved a bargain for me. At your age, I used to ask for footwear as my birthday/ holiday gift from my parents.  I shop for brands that are designed for more narrow heels. (In your case, I would also look at brands that tend to be on the narrow side, or at narrow shoes -- Angie can offer a great list of those as she also has narrow, low volume feet and I'm sure others will also chime in.) If you go way up in the price ranges there are shoes that actually have different widths at the front and back -- this used to be more common but is now difficult to find; I don't own any such shoes.  I have pretty much given up on pumps or shoes with low vamps unless they also have straps to keep them on. I can't even keep a classic loafer or smoking slipper on my feet. This is sad because pumps give a long leg line and are best for dressy occasions -- but in the past 8 years of continual searching I have only found 3 pair that stay on my foot in a reasonable way. Obviously, I snapped them up when I found them. (FYI, one was by Ecco -- not that any of their other pumps have ever worked; one was by Vince Camuto and has an elastic along the side, sort of like a ballet flat might, although it is a wedge; and one was by 9 West and is a low wedge -- it doesn't work quite as well but is acceptable.    Instead of pumps, I choose:  For cooler temperatures -- boots and booties. Tall boots come with their own complicated fit issues, of course, and booties tend to slide around on my feet but at least they stay on. I live in a cold climate so booties make sense. Or else I wear lace up shoes -- e.g. Oxfords or sneakers.  I wear foot glide, blister guarding bandages (available in foot department of drug store) or socks with new shoes always until they are broken in because of the heel slide issue. Otherwise I end up with the bleeding blisters.  For summer, I also wear sandals (some will work); and pumps with ankle straps and no heels like the Sam Edelman Okalas. In my climate, those won't work in the winter, alas. But if you like pumps or lady-like styles, you might have greater success with a heeled ankle strap shoe, a t-strap, or a mary-jane style.  Below are some sandals and an oxford that are working well for me -- for now, along with some other options. They look quite summery because that's what's in the stores still.  missvee on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295903 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 13:42:11 +0000 missvee 1295903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hello - it's nice to meet you! I think that your issue with shoes is much more than a fashion problem - it's a major health issue too. Hobbling around in ill fitting shoes is the surest way to develop serious long term problems with your feet, your knees, and your back. So I would definitely make shoes your top priority. Even if you have to pay full price to find one pair in a basic colour and style then that's a start. And don't forget that shoes can be dyed too. Some of the forum members have had great success with a colouring cream. You can probably search the archives to find out the name of it. Good luck! crutcher on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295862 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 10:57:54 +0000 crutcher 1295862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shoes are going to be your  problem...You need to get a piggy bank going and put any money for clothes in there...I know this is not the ideal answer but buying narrow shoes that you love is going to be expensive...I am a saver and when I have a project, I can really work at it... Clothes..you say you have a wonderful shape and size that is unique to you...Blessings on that...It is awesome that we are all made differently and have different size needs... Why not scour your area for an upscale consignment store?...One that sells really special clothes...When you find your store, learn to shop there when the new clothes, etc. are put out...I will bet you can find clothes that you like that may require some alterations to make you smile..Again this is going to be a piece by piece affair..Like Angie says. "Let no store go unturned.." Mainly, you have to continue to remind yourself what a wonderful, special and unique woman you are...Your size is not a hinderance butjust who you are ...I hope you will post your results...I am interesting in seeing you blossum... missmedusa88 on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295861 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 10:53:06 +0000 missmedusa88 1295861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks! Yes, I have considered this. I've learned to hem my pants (somewhat poorly, but it's not a problem for black slacks). At the moment I don't have much time for things outside of school and work, but knowing how to sew would probably be a great help if I had more time to invest in that! Maybe I could work on it a little bit during breaks with those online classes. Quietgirl on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295854 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 10:13:15 +0000 Quietgirl 1295854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It  sounds like you have a frustrating time! Have you considered learning to sew? Some of the fabric stores in my area have amazing fitting classes. The American Sewing Guild has peer-help groups that also help with fitting. There are online classes at Craftsy that could help as well. It would be great to add a skill AND meet some new friends at the same time. Hope you get some helpful feedback here! missmedusa88 on "New Member & My awkward sizes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-member-my-awkward-sizes#post-1295848 Sun, 06 Jul 2014 09:37:30 +0000 missmedusa88 1295848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hey everyone! I happened upon this forum in my search for narrow shoes. Since I generally like fashion I thought I might as well join and see if anyone else had similar issues with finding clothes and shoes, and if maybe some people have had success. I am a nearly-26 year old American college girl. I have very narrow heels. They are a AAA width, and my size is 7.5. I'm also very picky about style, and have a tiny budget with my $9.50 an hour job. As you can imagine, I just usually end up compromising and buying shoes that I think are "less ugly" than the rest when I need new shoes. It's pretty rare that I actually get to buy things that I think are stylish.  My narrow-footed mother seems to have less trouble, but she is an A width, is in her fifties, and is a kindergarten teacher who loves comfy shoes with flowers/fun designs. Unfortunately I prefer sleek, stylish, minimalist looks with just the right amount of embellishment and just the right cut. Since I never have the money for that, I pretty much never buy shoes. However, now that I'm getting nearer to finishing my degree I'm finding that I need professional looking shoes more often, and what I do have is much more appropriate for evening-wear. I also don't want to be on my feet all day in heels. So, has anyone with a similarly narrow heel who is under the age of 65 found some non-old lady looking shoes that actually fit? Or do you simply wear the B width and put up with walking around with blistered/bloodied heels all day? Am I just a wimp xD ?  I've tried putting in heel grips and using insoles, while wearing those little socks for flats in normal B-width flats, and I still got blisters and little cuts all over my feet. I seem to be able to do this with AA width shoes and it works out great, but anything bigger and it's a disaster. Stylish AA width shoes are also almost as difficult to find as AAA width, so that's an issue anyway.  Other options have been to put an extra hole in a strappy shoe with a needle, but I haven't had much luck finding strappy heeled (or open heeled) flats that don't look frumpy or unprofessional.  I used to shop at Marmi's, but their styles are now much more geared to an older crowd. Once in awhile I have luck at Nordstrom's, but have to wait for the sales and hope my there are shoes in my size that aren't hideous. Even a large percentage of middle aged and older women seem to hate those ugly shoes, so I don't see why it's so difficult to find shoes that actually look good and fit properly.  As for things other than shoes, I am short. I have a very short inseam, about 27 inches, and I have wide hips disproportionate to the rest of my body. All of my fat goes to my hips, thighs, and belly. I have a hard time finding cute clothes. Once again, everything that fits me was designed for someone who is at least 20 years older than me. Argh! I'm not plus size either, I'm a size 6. I just have curvy hips/a large caboose xD. Apparently I'm just this super awkwardly shaped individual and I am cursed to look like either an old lady or a little girl dressing up in her mother's clothes, and I am doomed to hobble around in uncomfortable shoes, or old lady shoes forever, until the end of time. So, other than visiting a tailor and paying way too much money for shoes and/or opting for the ugly old lady shoes, does anyone have any suggestions for me? Any help is greatly appreciated, honestly!