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.
Just my silly bias - please don't let me stop anyone else wearing them

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!!!

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...

What I do not like as a rule are stilettos/spikes, your common "pump", ballet flats or typical "girlie" shoes.

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.

ETA: Since you like the Malibrans (as do I!!) for a summery look they have a peach color and a natural.

I would but these if I had the cash, fo sho.

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.

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!

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.

I'm not fond of dress pants (slacks) at all.

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

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.
I have little interest in dress pants and knitwear. I dont own a single cardigan.