AlaskaGirl loving your examples! Flat shoes but not ballet flats...and lots of variety in what you show. There are a lot of flat shoe styles to work with, you just have to start looking.

I like flat shoes; I don't often like ballet flats because of the lack of visual substance. I usually go for a flat with a real sole. Or court shoes.

I agree with the others who recommend pointy toe flats over ballet flats. They pointy toe gives them a little more edge, I think. You might also look for flats with just the tiniest heel so you don't feel so low to the ground!

The BP "Moveover" flat is really affordable and comfortable with a small heel.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp.....h-personal

From your smile in the second photo, compared to the first, it looks like you prefer non-flats, so I say go with what you like best (more substantial shoes with a bit of a heel?).

I actually prefer the flats in both pictures to the photo with the heel. I love flats ...they spell simplicity for me. I have some ballet flats but find them uncomfortable. I like my flats with a pointed toe and not completely covered the whole way round my foot.
I also like my loafers and sneakers. These are my new flats

I love flats on other people but I never feel good in them either. The ones I have I never wear. In the winter I wear boots with a 2 1/2" -3" heel. When I'm at home I wear Dansko clogs. In the summer I wear born platform sandals which give me height and are very comfortable. My legs are relatively short so visually I always feel like I'm standing in a hole in flats. Also comfort-wise they don't generally work for me. My Dansko Ingrid clogs are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned--I've had several pair, but generally only wear them at home.

What I'm seeing is that like me, your foot rolls over in a flat, but not in a slight wedge and probably not in a heel. When your foot rolls, it alters your hips and your posture and probably throws off your visual assessment of your proportions. You might try "dress shoe arch supports" from a fussy-feet store; I have some and they work well in my "dressy" sneakers and riding boots which otherwise would be ouchy.

Wow! So many great ideas! I a,m sorry I am having a crazy day and can't respond yet. But thank you thank you xoxo

I will have to try some of the shoes suggested. I have an easy time with boots and sandals but this between season footwear is hard for me. I go through some version of this every spring.

I do think the comments in my liking cool looking shoes is true and I think I feel like I need some heft to them to balance out my body.

That said I won't give up on the flats but I will try some other versions.

The pants are going though, they never were great and now they are too big and have a stain so... Done!

And kikig - you are absolutely correct! My foot does roll in those. Good eye! And good point.

A pointed or almond toe may help your feelings. I totally understand where you are coming from.