Is it possible? PPL Q - YouLookFab Forum

How much leeway is there with PPL?

I am trying to decide on some shoes, but am running into roadblocks. I did a little experiment with my feet and did some measuring, in addition to experience. On me, flats are generally horribly uncomfortable unless they have tons of support or very deep sole to sink into. I have three pairs of flat or flatish gear shoes with really high arched, molded soles. Then I have a pair of sneakers and a pair of slippers with a 1/2 or greater insole thickness that my feet sink into.

Beyond these "extraordinary measures" flat shoes I am most comfortable in my 2" heel cowboy boots. I measured where my arch naturally relaxes to and sure enough, my heel is generally between 2" and 1.5" from my forefoot. Two and a half is a comfortable stretch. Those are also generally the shoes I feel comfortable in trying on and my newest sandals are 2.5 inches and are comfortable for events (less than 6 hours or so) but I can do a full 8 to 10 without crying, especially if there is sitting involved.

That being said, despite the hopeful trending toward lower heels, I think we all know how hard it can be to find good shoes in those lower heel heights. I think I can manage to stay away from 2.5 inch heels or wear them only with skinnies or skirts. However, I am having a real struggle sticking to only two inch or only 1.5 inch heels. I am trying to get the most versatility out of my shoe and pants options.

I think I will have to designate a pair of jeans (probably straight legs) for flat sandals and fashion sneakers. I would really love to wear the same slacks with the sneaks and a pair of 2" oxfords, but I am not delusional.

The question is--- can I wear the same jeans and slacks with 2" heels that I wear with 1.5" heels? Or will that just make them both not quite right?

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I definitely do; I don't measure my pants and limit myself to shoes. I'd say 1" to 2" heels = same pants.

Kate

I think it depends on the width of the opening. For wide legs I think it needs to be pretty exact, though you might have a half inch of leeway. For skinnies that bunch at the ankle (or even those with no bunch), you can wear pretty much any heel height. Straight legs are an awkward in between, so I think you would need to try on the jeans with the shoes and take some pictures to know for sure

Elly

Thanks-- I am mostly wondering about bootcut jeans and slacks/trousers that are menswear trouser style (not bootcut, but not a really full wide-leg style).

I will admit I am going to self-bump! Probably slaying etiquette rules now.

Queen Mum

one self bump per member per day allowed elly
While it isn't ideal, I do think that with a pair of bootcut jeans you could get away with wearing a 2 inch heel with a pair of jeans hemmed for a 1 inch. Ideally, a half inch air space would be max. You have to try them on and see what you think, but given the horrendous PPL crimes I see every day, not many people would look twice at a hem that is an inch off the ground.. AS LONG AS the pant still covers the majority of the heel. Improper pant length doesn't bother me nearly as much in that case as when the hem is shorter than the top of the heel of the shoe. I think that looks MUCH worse.

Anonymous

I find that I can wear slightly different heel heights with the same length of pants, but it varies with the style and width of the shoe. I think you probably need to try them on and see!

I'd say yes, especially for boot cut jeans. I have a pair that I do this with and I honestly just either hike 'em up a bit on my hips or wear them a tad lower depending on the shoe. This compensation works just fine for a 1" difference!

Aida

For bootcuts/flares I personally only allow a 1/2" difference; 1" is too noticeable to me, but my flares have fairly wide hem openings (19" I think). I think if you hem them so they are really perfect with the 2" you can probably also wear with the 1.5" though they will look just a touch short.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

If you are me - there is NO leeway.

We all have our irrational quirks.

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