https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:21:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73465 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:14:11 +0000 shiny 73465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>... I forgot to add that I think thong sandals (not flip flops) are quite lovely and beautiful on the foot. Unfortunately I can't wear thongs as I find they are painful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73462 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:12:16 +0000 shiny 73462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great question, and so hard to describe. I do like pointy-toed pumps but not slingbacks (I own a few but often I find they are hard to fit, as they slip right off my foot). But I also love the look of rounded-toe pumps too; it says 1940s romance to me. And often the rounded-toe pumps are more comfortable. I don't like boxy toes quite so much, but I never say never, because I do have a pair of boots with a box toe. </p> <p>Overall I'd have to say I don't like clunky shoes quite so much. If the shoes are clunky enough to be heavy, forget it! I don't like to feel I'm clodding around in cement. </p> <p>Whatever the style, I look for shoes that have some sort of delicacy and/or streamlined appearance, because my foot is small and I am short. The scale has to work with my frame. I have to say I am finding many of the shoes out there right now are not to my taste. For example I do not really care for gladiators of the type that wrap around the ankle. My ankle is tiny but this sort of look shortens my leg too much. So I look instead for "gladiator-inspired" shoes. </p> <p>And I don't think you will find me in Doc Martens or Fryes anytime soon. Don't get me wrong: I think both those styles look amazing on the right person (we have many here in YLF who rock these styles completely). It's just not for me. Also the Docs and Fryes are all way too high for my leg anyway! I would go for a Doc or Frye "inspired" boot though. For example, as much as I like the idea of adding rocker chic details, a traditional black moto jacket, with all the zippers, looks silly on me for some reason. But I can wear a cream moto jacket that doesn't have all the zippers and is more of a nod to the style. </p> <p>Likewise I don't like super-high shoes of any kind. Even if they were comfortable (and they are not!), I look goofy and tottering. It's a scale thing. At 5'0", my super-high stilletto maxes out at 3 inches. Anything higher, I look like I'm playing dress up in momma's heels. </p> <p>Maybe it would help if I described my current favorite shoes?</p> <p>1. Blue-red patent round-toe wedge heels<br /> 2. Giraffe print pointy toed pumps (3")<br /> 3. Metallic dark gray spectator booties with modestly chunky heel<br /> 4. Brown boots with a wedge and square toe<br /> 5. Wine boots with a pointy toe and 1-1/2 inch delicate heel, and a similar shaped boot in black suede<br /> 6. Metallic ballet flats (I have three different pairs)<br /> 7. Black ballet flats with silver hardware, and faux snakeskin print on the cap toe<br /> 8. Turquoise and cream round-toe t-straps with 2-1/2 inch heel<br /> 9. Turquoise suede slingbacks with pointy toe and 1-1/2 inch heel<br /> 10. .... and my newest addition, the metallic pewter 3-inch wedge ceder city's that Angie blogged about</p> <p>I have more shoes than that, but I'll stop there. You can see I have a lot of round-toe pumps. It's not just that they are comfortable, I do like the style and think they are really cute and, if done right, in no way are they dowdy. </p> <p>I am on the hunt this fall for: Chestnut brown boots and classic pointy-toed pumps with animal textures. I would also not mind adding bright yellow pointy-toed pumps too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73450 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:32:04 +0000 rute 73450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not very good with descriptions so I post here some of my favorite summer shoes:</p> <p><a href="http://s601.photobucket.com/albums/tt93/rute_m/trends%20testing/" rel="nofollow">http://s601.photobucket.com/al.....20testing/</a></p> <p>I love platforms, they are so comfy and it gives me high.</p> <p>For the winter I also have a 3" heel ancle boots (in different colors) as they are perfect to wear with pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73433 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:49:49 +0000 Kristen 73433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will give shoutouts for thin heels and for pointy-toed shoes! I especially love heels, although I avoid the skyscrapers, true stilettos, and platforms -- 3 1/2" is about as high as I can go comfortably. A couple of the things I do to keep my feet healthy in them:</p> <p>1. Rotate shoes and heights daily. I never wear the same shoes two days in a row, and I rotate the height as well. Even 5 days of flats doesn't feel right for me.</p> <p>2. Find brands where the vamp and instep are comfortable, and stick with those. I almost never buy shoes that I don't love running around just in the store, and if I do accidentally buy an uncomfortable one, I end up never wearing it anyway. I could and do easily spend hours on my feet in all my heels, and I rarely have sore feet at the end of the day.</p> <p>3. Check my feet at the end of the day -- and in the store when I am trying them on. If my toes are looking squashed or bent out of shape when they come out of the shoe, then I don't buy them. Or if I did buy them but don't realize how smushed they get until a day in them, then the shoes go to the back of the closet and out of rotation. </p> <p>I have realized since joining YLF that I much prefer a pretty, "girly" shoe over the Clarks/Fluevogs type styles. I do have a few heavier shoes like that in my closet, but my legs and outfits always feel clunkier in them. Which is funny, because that used to be my style for ALL shoes, and now I've gone in the completely opposite direction! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73408 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:51:09 +0000 Maya 73408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I mean dowdy from the perspective of someone like Stacy and other high heel/pointy toe fanatics. Even my "dowdy" closed shoes are definitely painful though. I just deal with it for the time being because I can't just avoid closed shoes entirely. I haven't found a single pair that truly goes the distance though. Still experimenting with shoe doctoring...hopefully some combination of alterations will work... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73405 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:40:36 +0000 planetamy 73405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE shoes. </p> <p>But the ones that are unique in pattern or color really catch my eye in a shoe store. They are a statement piece for me, and sometimes I find that I'll build an outfit from the shoe, up. </p> <p>I love the pop of personality an amazing shoe can give an outfit that would otherwise not be quite as spunky. I have been building my shoe collection for a few years now, and it's one of my favorite parts of my wardrobe!</p> <p>I'll wear heels, stilletos (even if I can't spell it), pointy-toes (it elongates the leg line), peep toes, wedges, boots, flats (usually I go up a size in rounded-toe flats so that my toes don't rub the ends), flip flops. </p> <p>Right now I'm in the market for some awesome, unique-looking gladiators. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73401 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:30:42 +0000 cciele 73401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beauty is in the eye (or foot, as the case may be) of the beholder, no? In and of itself, shoes can be considered abstractly, as works of art and architecture.</p> <p>Flattering is related to beauty, but perhaps one can be a bit more objective -- viewing how they look in proportion to one's outfit and one's body.</p> <p>As far as my personal preferences, my favorite styles are:<br /> - Boots! I love boots. Tough-girl riding boots, funky chic boots, sleek black heeled boots, lace-up boho boots, the list goes on.<br /> - Mary Janes. They fit me better than pumps (I have a narrow heel so my foot pops out without the strap) and I like them better aesthetically.<br /> - Thong sandals. What can I say, I like the ease and the comfort. No plastic flip-flops, though!</p> <p>I don't wear:<br /> - Ballet flats<br /> - Stiletto heels<br /> - Moccasins<br /> - Pumps</p> <p>Like Angie, I refuse to buy an uncomfortable, ugly shoe. Like Taylor, I like unusual designs and details. Brands I like, with examples:<br /> - Frye (their boots are classic!)<br /> <a href="http://www.thefryecompany.com/Product-Women-Boots-Riding%20Boots-77802DBN.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.thefryecompany.com/.....02DBN.aspx</a><br /> - Chie Mihara (really funky, extremely comfortable shoes)<br /> <a href="http://www.joanshepp.com/store/product525.html?source=shopstyle" rel="nofollow">http://www.joanshepp.com/store.....=shopstyle</a><br /> <a href="http://www.endless.com/dp/B001KN4B0Q/ref=asc_df_B001KN4B0Q825717?tag=endlesscj-20&#038;linkCode=asn&#038;creativeASIN=B001KN4B0Q" rel="nofollow">http://www.endless.com/dp/B001.....B001KN4B0Q</a><br /> <a href="http://www.endless.com/dp/B001KN4CIW/ref=asc_df_B001KN4CIW825717?tag=endlesscj-20&#038;linkCode=asn&#038;creativeASIN=B001KN4CIW" rel="nofollow">http://www.endless.com/dp/B001.....B001KN4CIW</a><br /> - Coclico (Beautful, streamlined designs)<br /> <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/suede-odalisk-keyhole-sandal-coclico/vp/v=1/845524441833891.htm?folderID=2534374302029885&#038;extid=affprg" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopbop.com/suede-o.....tid=affprg</a></p> <p>For comfort, I generally stay with a 2" or lower heel (some of the examples above are higher, but the type of heels make the shoes more stable). The heel needs to be a wedge or conical shape. A kitten heel can work too, if it's not too tippy. And I don't like straps rubbing the edges of my toes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73350 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:27:28 +0000 Angie 73350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice quezzie. </p> <p>First of all, don’t believe Maya when she says her shoes are dowdy because they aren’t. We’ve seen most of them and they are super, super cute! Naughty Maya :0). But she does have foot challenges, as do I and so do many others, so comfort is non-negotiable. </p> <p>As much as I refuse to wear uncomfortable shoes, I absolutely refuse to wear ugly ones. So it has taken an incredible amount of time, effort and money to get my shoe and boot collection to wear it is. Here is the run down:</p> <p>Favourite styles of shoes: boots, boots, and more boots. All types, from rugged to uber smart and everything in-between. After that, retro pumps and Chanel-esque ballet flats. Must have sturdy wide heels – flat or one to two inches is best. LOVE gladiators but can’t wear the styles I really love, but that’s okay. I have one pair that does the trick. All shoes must be VERY cushion-y and soft inside. Cream shoes and boots are a favourite. Not wild about black shoes unless they have LOADS of texture. </p> <p>Do not wear thongs, anything boho looking, skinny heels or high stacked heels. Do not wear chocolate brown, but will wear chestnut peds. Okay, that’s it for now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73345 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:57:32 +0000 taylor 73345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love *****<br /> any unusual print, pattern ,color, color blocking, fabric, and a variety in heel design, and toe boxes.</p> <p>I love all beautiful shoes flats and heels. I don't wear flats, but I don't dislike them just because I don't wear them.</p> <p>I wear everything from the witchy pointed toed mary jane heel, to a rounded toed pump... and every style in between. </p> <p>I love beautiful shoes and my shoes are always a statment piece in my outfits.:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73331 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:16:23 +0000 Maya 73331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question.</p> <p>Shoes for me are part of the package. I don't view them on an independent level because I know I can't use them as a statement piece. Unlike handbags or jewelry or a jacket, shoes are a matter of my bodily health! There is no shortage of beautiful shoes out there, but there is a serious shortage of comfortable ones.</p> <p>I usually dismiss almost every bit of fashion advice regarding shoes because most of the people who give this advice are high heel tyrants. There are so many people out there who seriously believe that you simply can't be chic and stylish without depending on heels. Sorry to Stacey London, but she is wrong that all women can and should wear heels, and it is endlessly irritating for me to hear her snarky comments regarding this matter. Personally, I don't usually even find pointy toes attractive (I mean the ultra elongated pointy toes, not the almond shaped or slightly tapered type). They look severe and witchy, and they seem to elongate the foot more than the leg. </p> <p>So with that said, given my comfort restrictions, I have learned not to depend on shoes as a statement item. As long as they are not completely disruptive to the rest of my outfit or totally inappropriate, I am willing to wear what most fashion authorities consider "boring" or dowdy shoes. I guess I don't get around the low heels and roomy toe boxes...I just draw attention away from them.</p> <p>However, that all changes once winter comes around. I love boots. Somehow they are just SO much more comfortable for me, so my choices open up tremendously. The recent addition of the Brulees to my shoe collection has also helped me get through the warm weather shoe season, but any kind of closed shoes (ballet flats or pumps) continue to pose major difficulties for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73326 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:53:10 +0000 Anonymous 73326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love many styles. I just got the Dansko orange sandals and I think they are about the prettiest color I have ever seen. I don't think I could ever have just one favorite shoe style. I probably could tell what I don't like in shoe styles easier than what I do like. I really don't like pointy toes and spike heels very much. I do have a soft spot for T-straps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-shoe-flattering#post-73290 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:53:19 +0000 Mochaccino 73290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>...and beautiful in and of itself. I suspect it varies a lot depending on the kind of shoe. It seems like the typical fashionista's "perfect" shoe is a wickedly pointy, ultra high-heel slingback (the kind of shoe I never wear). What do you look for in a shoe and why? Since I think a lot of you will just say "comfort", how do you get around the low heels and roomy toe boxes, while still looking stylish? What's your favorite style of shoe? </p>