Tiddles, I wear pencils, not-too-flared tulips, as well as fuller A-lines. As Angie and others will tell you, proportion makes all the difference --- it takes a bit of trial and error to figure out whic *length* is more flattering for each silhouette, but all of them can work. What I avoid with the apple tum is pleats at the top, which add... uh... excess amplitude!
I have solid columns for legs too and large thighs. But I find a lower-contrast colour of shoe can be worn even with ankle straps provided there is (a) a teensy bit of a heel (I'm a flats girl myself, but I can handle an inch or another half); (b) a daintiness to the strap, so nothing too chunky near the ankle, though a more solid strap near the toes is fine; (c) a lower vamp in the front of the shoe (if you're going with the dreaded ankle strap) or a T-strap to run the eye vertically. Also, too delicate a shoe overall is something I avoid --- so if I have thin straps on top of the sandal, I try for a block or wedge heel underneath.
I've avoided skinnies for years, indeed more than a decade --- but I just went and bought myself red ones! I know with my legs I won't ever look coltish or willowy in them, but I find if the blouse on top is emphatic enough in colour or has a bit of volume (swing or trapeze style, banded blouson), it doesn't look like the whole focus is on my big red legs!
Try out a few and post pics; the ladies here will help you figure out how to wear it --- whatever it is you are hesitant to try. Angie keeps reminding us that almost all of us can wear almost anything we like... as long as we pay attention to fit, proportion and details. And examples of success of 'unlikely' pairings are all over the forums. Try it and you may be surprised!
