https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:14:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me/page/2#post-168217 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:58:07 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 168217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I fell in love with the Born Lovely flats (<a href="http://youlookfab.com/store/2010/01/08/born-lovely-flat/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....vely-flat/</a>) in mustard yellow both in looks and in comfort. Prior to that I really hadn't worn flats in a loooong time. When I first started working, I wore ATL suits and flats - probably both a bit on the frumpy side. Then I got a makeover courtesy of a work friend and found myself in heels and kicky suits and loved it. Now that my "work" situation has changed (I am a stay-at-home mother) and my "field office" is the playground or children's museum, my shoe needs have changed drastically.</p> <p>I have stick legs and big feet (9 1/2) so I probably look like an "L" wearing flats - I've been a bit afraid to take a picture of me in the flats! But I do wear them with confidence, and hope they give off an Audrey Hepburn vibe (who had a beautiful, delicate frame with good size feet to boot). (NOT that I look like AH in ANY other way, aside from the foot size!!!) lol</p> <p>Anyway, I agree with Angie's advice - pick what you love and wear it with pride. Do try flats if you like, take pix and see if your eyes will adjust - but don't be too disappointed if they don't. There are probably styles we all covet but don't wear for one reason or another. Sometimes it's okay to admire from afar. :)</p> <p>I will say that all the flat-wearing ladies of YLF are what inspired me to try flats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me/page/2#post-168188 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:36:07 +0000 Vix 168188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Agrace -- </p> <p>Don't know if you're still thinking about low heels, but since it sounds like we have the same muscular leg situation wanted to give you a heads up on a possible 1.25" pair I semi-reluctantly bought today.</p> <p>[I love the metallic leather, they are super-comfortable, and I find them cute enough for a casual style. It's just tough for me to give up that extra 1-2 inches since the extra height flatters more. Though I can run for the bus in most of my heels, ha, I currently have no closed-toe and -heel shoes other than hiking boots/sneaks, so....]</p> <p>Anyway: These were on mega-sale at my Marshalls for **$40** and it seems some Dillards have been carrying the brand, so you may check around if you're at all interested -- Zappos has them for $100 and 6 pm for around that, gulp. </p> <p>Casual, 1.25" by my measurement but 1.5" by Zappos':</p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/romika-jackie-12-antik-peralato-silver" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/romika-j.....ato-silver</a></p> <p>My friend called them "Genie Shoes" when I held them up, snort. But she liked them on me, and admitted they were among the most flattering low heels she'd tried on. </p> <p>[She shares the same build/challenges/viewpoint we do re ankles/flats and we were supposed to be shopping for her, whoops.] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me/page/2#post-167732 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:38:29 +0000 klara 167732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's just a confidence thing. We all see ourselves differently from others and if you are not used to wearing flats then it will seem strange and your legs will look different. They are much better for you though I believe. I always wear flats and do not feel comfortable in heels as they make me feel to tall (and also unstable). Flats can suit anyone - I have to find pairs for my wide feet ideally though.<br /> <a HREF="http://www.duoboots.com/products/shoes/detail/width_fitting_shoes_everyday/eliza/294/colour/28-lime_zest_green_snake/">Lime green peep toes</a><br /> There's something quite cute and also practical about flats. You can run for the bus in them (mostly) and they tend to be comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me/page/2#post-160580 Sun, 23 May 2010 12:58:58 +0000 florida 160580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wasn't comfortable in flats at first either, but I've gotten used to them and now find them quite comfortable. A good way to keep them from feeling frumpy is to wear a fun color, also, Ive found that a pointed, rather than rounded toe works.<br /> As far as your calves and ankles go, I'm going to say embrace them!! This will be the second time this week I've referred to the blog Blue Collar Catwalk. This gal's got some gams and she rocks them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me/page/2#post-160572 Sun, 23 May 2010 12:13:04 +0000 stringy 160572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trinny and Susannah seem to think that the type of shoes that suit you best depend less on heels/flats and more of whether or not you've got thick or thin ankles. I'm slim all over, but my ankles are just... bulky... when compared to the rest of my leg. So kitten heels and Mary-Jane flats look horrible on me (like I'm just going to crush the heel, or my ankles are being strangled), while wedge heels and ballet flats or thongs (flip-flops? for Americans?) look just fine. </p> <p>Which is just to say: not all flats are created equal... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160350 Sat, 22 May 2010 21:44:30 +0000 Vix 160350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, you know I hear ya! Below are a couple of styles that have worked for me (or seem like they should!).</p> <p>For flat-flats I will always look for a D'Orsay like the Seychelles Get Outta Town if I can't do a straight-up thong thang or chunky-heeled mule.</p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/seychelles-get-outta-town-nude?zlfid=111" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/seychell.....?zlfid=111</a></p> <p>In other Seychelles news, Angie posted these low wedges; the vamp looks like it has more of a V than a rounded shape and if you're palish the pewter metallic should blend well with your skin:</p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/seychelles-sophia-pewter" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/seychelles-sophia-pewter</a></p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/store/2010/05/18/seychelles-sophia-peep-toe-flat/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....-toe-flat/</a></p> <p>Don't know how sporty you want to go, but the 1.25" Hush Puppies have some nice diagonal detailing as do the Merrell's, which are also fairly open:</p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/hush-puppies-sonnet-pewter-leather" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/hush-pup.....er-leather</a><br /> <a href="http://www.zappos.com/merrell-savannah-tan-leather" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/merrell-savannah-tan-leather</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160291 Sat, 22 May 2010 20:10:32 +0000 Inge 160291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can totally relate too, I just don't have the ankles for them, although - with some convincing of Angie - I am willing to give them another try.<br /> I do know that I need flats with a wider toe box and with some interesting detailing on the nose, if possible a low vamp as well.</p> <p>Like you, I'll probably always feel my best in higher heeled shoes and I absolutely love wedges, because they often provide more comfort and stability. And I just love the look too.</p> <p>You're right though, finding low wedges isn't always easy. So I hear you!</p> <p>Sarah: grin;-)) I've been eyeing some of those myself too.</p> <p>How high a wedge would you prefer for daily MOTG outfits? Would any of these work?</p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/type-z-trendi-green-patent" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/type-z-trendi-green-patent</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/ecco-casual-bouillon-chili-red-poncho-leather" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/ecco-cas.....ho-leather</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/me-too-sweet-red-patent" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/me-too-sweet-red-patent</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/french-sole-zeppa-blue-snake-print-suede" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/french-s.....rint-suede</a></p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3068137?Category=&#038;Search=True&#038;SearchType=keywordsearch&#038;keyword=guess+shoes&#038;origin=searchresults&#038;siteId=fV7QgDWUWe0-tAigHPt09cerVmP2oyjFEQ" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....VmP2oyjFEQ</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160279 Sat, 22 May 2010 19:46:47 +0000 agrace 160279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh, Thanks everyone! I love the diversity here - so many of you can identify and so many feel great in flats. It's good to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I actually walk better and feel more balanced in a bit of a heel. </p> <p>The problem? As a MOTG, there are times when I feel like I should wear flats (park, zoo, for example) but I'm so uncomfortable in them. Low wedges are actually really hard to find. I love a high heel but I can't wear them for daily life. I am trying to build up my low wedge collection though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160271 Sat, 22 May 2010 19:27:29 +0000 sinead 160271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also feel frumpy in flats and I figured out that, for me, the problem is a super short distance between my knee and ankle. Having short shins (and thus, short legs) is always throwing off proportions, so I always go for some heel, even if it's just a slight wedge. Makes all the difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160239 Sat, 22 May 2010 17:13:25 +0000 Kyle 160239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can totally relate. I love the IDEA of flats, especially since I am 5'10." But when I put them on I almost always feel frumpy. And I really have no idea why. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160236 Sat, 22 May 2010 17:10:33 +0000 Maya 160236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, if you're used to wearing heels, switching to flats can be uncomfortable because you have caused your leg muscles to contract. It's not good for your feet, legs, or back to wear one or the other exclusively. I rotate between flats and 2" heels and every length in between. I know some women only wear flats or only wear heels and feel fine, but everyone could benefit from switching it up. </p> <p>I honestly think it is very hard to be objective about your body and see what other people see, and that results in some unduly harsh criticism about things that no one else probably even notices. I once sat in Madison Square Park while I had a long time to kill (before meeting Tanya for pastries), and I spent my time doing a survey of how many women walked by wearing flats vs heels, dividing them into categories by height. Flats won overwhelmingly, and the frequency decreased as the height increased...just as expected. That said, the women who were wearing flats were all different shapes and sizes and had all different types of legs, calves, and ankles...and not once did I even notice. I still don't notice. The vast majority of women in NY wear flats or low heels, and I can't think of a single time I noticed a woman and thought "OMG HER CALVES ARE HUGE." </p> <p>Ok...actually that isn't true. There was one time, but it was more like "her calves are too big for those shoes, it must be so painful!" They were a pair of sandals that were basically more like boots. They had a series of very densely packed, skinny round straps that wrapped around the entire foot and about 1/4 of the way up the leg. There was no breathing space in between the straps at all. Only the toes were exposed. She had the calf equivalent of muffin top going on in those shoes, spilling out over the top of the boot shaft. It was unsightly and looked horrendously painful. She must have had red marks all over her legs. and those skinny straps must have dug in like knives. I wanted to cry just looking at them. And they weren't even cute! Sorry, that was a bit of a tangent... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160231 Sat, 22 May 2010 16:55:35 +0000 shiny 160231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agrace, it's possible that your eye just isn't used to seeing yourself in flats. I sometimes feel as you do, and my calves and ankles are rather slim. If I've been wearing heels a lot, and I switch to flats, it simply takes time for my eye to adjust to the new proportions in the mirror.</p> <p>Also I think choosing choosing the right flat can make all the difference: you want one that is deeply cut (I am forgetting the term here) and doesn't cover too much of the top of your foot. This will elongate your leg. A nude or lighter color will do the same - much better than a black or brown flat. </p> <p>As for sandals, a thong is going to elongate much more so than a gladiator sandal or a slide, because it bares more of your foot. I can't wear thongs, so I do break this rule - but only with nude or light colored sandals. </p> <p>When wearing skirts or clams, you need to make sure the hemline is just right!! At the knee. If any longer, then yes, flats are going to make you look dumpy and stumpy. With heels, you can get away with a slightly longer hemline because you're giving your legs an extra inch or two. </p> <p>As for jeans, for some reason, to my eye at least, it seems that skinny jeans work best with flats compared to bootcuts. I don't know why that is. It may be all in my mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160201 Sat, 22 May 2010 15:57:12 +0000 Vix 160201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agrace, I have the same ankle/calf situation and while sturdy and muscular has its upside, I pass most flats by and stick to the suggestions I've seen for enhancing one's qualities.</p> <p>[I actually pass most flats by unless I'm exercising since I need tons of arch support and my legs are proportionally short. And yes, I am on the Wedge Bench with you there!]</p> <p>IIRC Trinny says: </p> <p>* The more substantial the ankle, the more substantial OR open the shoe. So loafers, clogs, backless sneakery things OR thongs, preferably skintone. </p> <p>* "Not the best" = kitten heels, pointy/skinny toes (fine when heels not flats), or ankle straps.</p> <p>Another tip I've read many places: If you have a wider foot (I do) avoid anything that goes straight across the toe area -- look for diagonal lines instead. And avoid an open ballet shoe look -- go for a flat with a V vamp and more foot coverage on the sides.</p> <p>It sounds ridiculous, but delivering myself from ankle straps and kitten heels made me appreciate my ankles/legs so much more, ha. More gladiators for others....</p> <p>[It's funny because while in other matters I'm not particularly conventional or a rule follower, with proportion-based clothing stuff I find it hard to "go back" now that I can compare and contrast. At most I will usually try to split the difference between "recommended" and "can do better."] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160199 Sat, 22 May 2010 15:53:20 +0000 Refugee 160199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like any other garment, I don't believe all flats are created equal. At least not for the individual. I love flats but but can't wear every style. I like a ballet style best on me. Pointy toed flats are not for me. I also have to be careful that the top does not come too far up on my foot because of my high arch. They can end up digging into the top of my foot. I almost always have to add an arch support as well. What I'm on the hunt for now is the perfect fitting pair of plain flats. Then I want to get some shoe clips to play with so I can change the look up without taking up my limited closet space. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160183 Sat, 22 May 2010 15:07:24 +0000 Angie 160183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My dear agrace, if you feel better in a one inch heel or higher - then that's the way to go! All heel heights are fabulous as long as you are confident and can get on with your day :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160160 Sat, 22 May 2010 14:33:07 +0000 Queen Mum 160160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it can also have alot to do with the outfit. I have a pair of ballet flats that I like best with bootcut jeans. I have worn them with skirts but I'm not as wild about the silhouette. Flat sandals are a different story though-- for me because they are much more foot exposing, they work with jeans and skirts alike. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160125 Sat, 22 May 2010 13:30:53 +0000 Lisa 160125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think everyone can wear flats, but sometimes it takes a while to find the right one's. Sometimes I think a pointy toe is best, for others a rounded ballet flat. I also think how far up the foot the flat falls makes a difference. Some flats are cut awfully low and you start to see the toes, I don't think that works on wider feet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-160037 Sat, 22 May 2010 04:58:35 +0000 Sarah 160037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could have written your original post. I have very muscular thighs and calves, and I'm also very curvy. Flats get lost on me, and the proportions just don't look quite right.<br /> I feel most fab in some sort of heel anyway, so I'm okay with that. I've slowly been buying up the Kenneth Cole wedge sandal collection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159977 Sat, 22 May 2010 03:59:33 +0000 Frances 159977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agrace, I know exactly where you're coming from! I long to rock a pair of chic French ballet flats, but I have thick, muscular calves and they just are not flattering on me with most outfits. (But they do seem to work with my wider-leg hiking pants for some reason.) I know this sounds counterintuitive to most women, but my legs and thighs ache like crazy after a day of walking around in flats, and my mother, who was one of the least style-conscious women you could have met--had the same trouble with any kind of flat shoe. We both just seem to need some kind of arch in our shoes, even a small one. I usually wear heels most days and my legs thank me for it with a pain-free night's rest.</p> <p>That being said, I do have 2 pairs of Clarks ballet flats that I can get away with--maybe because they are not strictly a flat in the skimmer sense, but have just a tiny bit of a heel. Here's one of the pairs:</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-Womens-Demure-Ballet-Patent/dp/B000U60I24/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;s=shoes&#038;qid=1274500570&#038;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-W.....038;sr=8-1</a></p> <p>I can't recall the name of the other or provide a link, but you'll get what I mean if you look at the ones linked to above. The tiny bit of heel helps, but I suffer intensely if I wear them beyond 3-4 hours. And I don't think it's the flats' fault! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159965 Sat, 22 May 2010 03:39:17 +0000 Jamie 159965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't look good in flats either.. Same reason, I have flat, wide feet and thick ankles, so a shoe with a little heel, even 1/4 in is better for me. The only flats I wear are my beloved Havianas (which I know are not popular, given the recent post on flip flops) and my Converse tennis shoes! But, I can rock a pair of heels like nobodys business, while admiring those gals in their darling ballet flats. It is really all about what makes you feel good, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159947 Sat, 22 May 2010 03:10:22 +0000 Michelle 159947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have *very* large calves and thick legs in general, and I siport flats a few times per week because the comfort factor is just so wonderful. Do whatever feels most comfortable for you, and if that means bypassing the ballet-flat trend, so be it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159935 Sat, 22 May 2010 02:54:26 +0000 marianna 159935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, I want to add that I have HUGE feet... as big as they come... and my feet look fine in flats. Also my legs are not slender. That said: ANYONE can wear flats if they want to! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159932 Sat, 22 May 2010 02:52:13 +0000 marianna 159932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the compliment! I don't know why I feel better in flats, I just do. They're girly and pretty and "me." I know my legs don't look a mile long in them, but I don't really care. I don't feel like myself in heels -- that's where I have my mental road-block. To each her own! Wear what makes you feel fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159911 Sat, 22 May 2010 02:14:03 +0000 Kristen 159911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I look all that great in flats either, but I have come to realize that there are so many kinds of flats it's dangerous to make a blanket statement like that. The ballet flats aren't the most flattering to my legs, but I like the Audrey Hepburn attitude they bring to my outfits. That said, I love flat sandals of all kinds, and peeptoes can be adorable. </p> <p>So, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater! Experiment with different styles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159910 Sat, 22 May 2010 02:11:57 +0000 FiestyWife 159910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have thicker calves as well (thanks Dad) and know that heels would make me looker leaner &amp; longer. HOWEVER, I've recently admitted to myself that they just don't work for me &amp; my life &amp; my fussy feet. I can stand them for special occasions but flats just make me happy. I'll be looking into lowish wedges when my spending freeze is lifted. I think you just need to decide what works for you and then be happy with it. I'd love heels (they're so gorgeous) but the difficult search for the perfect flats will make them all the more special! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159909 Sat, 22 May 2010 02:09:41 +0000 kaycee 159909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I have worn flats, and felt ok in them but I do know that they look bad on me. I have very wide large feet (with bunions! Sounding better by the minute aren't they? lol) and thick ankles so my feet distort the shape of the shoe and my ankles turn in slightly leaving an unsightly fat crease there. A bit of a heel works better though I will forgo this occaasionally for the right (casual) "feel"to the look. I think I like the idea of flats but they probably aren't the right look for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159908 Sat, 22 May 2010 02:07:22 +0000 taylor 159908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES!!!!!! I hear you.:) Your~ style~ and proportions, balance, height , perception of yourself.... all play into... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159906 Sat, 22 May 2010 02:05:14 +0000 Steph 159906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have very muscular calves but thin ankles and I look horrible in flats; I look very squat. My calves are so muscular, and when I wear a flat shoe the shape of my calf is very wide. When I wear a heel it makes my calf muscle contract in the back, which makes my calf appear slimmer and longer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159903 Sat, 22 May 2010 02:03:40 +0000 agrace 159903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor, I would wear heels, mostly in the form of wedges, every single day if I could! I do need to post the 'leg match' of my legs in flats vs. some heel. But even if I were to be told I look okay in flats, for some reason I just feel yucky in them. Kinda dumpy. I think it has something to do with this desire i've always had since I can remember to be tall (as it is I'm 5'5) and wearing flats makes me feel, well, flat LOL! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-are-flats-so-unflattering-on-me#post-159902 Sat, 22 May 2010 02:02:02 +0000 taylor 159902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>agrace, I don't own a single flat (and I have alot of shoes). They just don't feel right on me...so I get what you are saying:) </p>