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.

Which is just to say: not all flats are created equal...

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.
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!

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.
Lime green peep toes
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.

Hey Agrace --

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.

[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....]

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.

Casual, 1.25" by my measurement but 1.5" by Zappos':

http://www.zappos.com/romika-j.....ato-silver

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.

[She shares the same build/challenges/viewpoint we do re ankles/flats and we were supposed to be shopping for her, whoops.]

I fell in love with the Born Lovely flats (http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....vely-flat/) 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.

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

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.

I will say that all the flat-wearing ladies of YLF are what inspired me to try flats.