Keeping A Step Ahead
One of my most asked questions is, “What shoes should I wear?” and I’m often surprised at the low numbers of shoes that people actually own. However, this view comes from a self-confessed shoe-aholic. I have always loved shoes since being a small child – when I got new shoes I would put them next to my bed so that they were the first thing I saw when I woke up, and then my favourite Saturday job as a teen was working in the Dolcis (remember them?) concession. My generous 25% discount only fuelled my desire and it because a full-blown addiction that I don’t ever want to be cured of.
After I had my children, I struggled with my new body shape and found my once loved pass-time of shopping a chore; but shoes always fitted. I did, however, continue to be drawn to the pretty, sparkly heels of my pre-baby life so I have been known – only on one occasion, to totter around Asda in some wildly inappropriate heels wielding a full trolly including a nine-month-old whilst chasing a nearly three-year-old down the aisles. I repeat, it was a one-off.
Nowadays, I have recognised that high heels are not a practical option and you are far more likely to see me in trainers, but I still have all my beautiful stilettos. I’ve thought about selling them on Vinted, but it feels like selling a child so, for now, they’re going nowhere.
Anyway, I digress. It’s highly unlikely that I will struggle to find a shoe to match an outfit, but I do understand that other people struggle. It’s important to get it right as shoes are a vital piece of your outfit as they can completely change your look.
Body Shape
What has your body shape got to do with what you wear on your feet?? Well, thanks for asking, quite a lot. For example, if you are of smaller proportions with slim legs then a heavy boot or big platform can look too heavy, or vice versa – dainty shoes on a heavier set person can look a little lost. However, you might have a disproportionately bigger bust therefore a chunkier or bolder shoe can add balance. Often taller people will opt for a kitten heel over a high or wider heel believing that it’ll make them ‘too tall’, but sometimes this looks like the high heel has shrunk!
Personal Style
And then all the above can go out of the window if it doesn’t fit in with your personal style. For example, a petite, dainty person who loves street style clothing therefore favouring chunky trainers will find that whilst it doesn’t flatter her body shape, it does flatter her as a person.
And we can combat all of this through what we wear so if someone who is bigger on their top half wore some dainty stiletto shoes, it could look like they were off balance but if they wore something wider on their bottom half such as wide leg trousers or an A-line skirt, it would balance it out. Or if it was the other way around, you could add a scarf, statement collar or shoulder pads to balance things at the top.
No wonder, I get asked this question a lot!
What Should I Be Wearing Now?
As I always say, whatever you like! But these are the shoes that are in fashion right now, and how to wear them:
Mary Janes – these are usually ballet flat in style with a strap. The most on-trend ones are flat. These suit the girlie-girls out there! Or the ones that want to add a feminine touch. These look great with cropped or ankle grazer trousers/jeans, shorts and dresses.
Ballet flats – I’m seeing a lot of sling backs which gives a smarter look. I love these with tailored shorts and smarter, A-line skirts and dresses.
Loafers – Brilliant for a smarter, androgenous look – perfect for work. Fab with tailored trousers, especially an ankle grazer. I’ve also seen them under a maxi skirt, which looks great.
Kitten heels – beautifully elegant and feminine great for a dressed up or smart look but also really cool with jeans
Trainers – gone are the days when a trainer is reserved for sport. You can literally wear them with anything. The current trend is still for the slimline retro vibe, but if you want to balance a wider bottom and/or big bust make them bold!
Jazz shoes (apparently) – I can see these with capri trousers (yes, they’re in fashion too!) or a straight leg cropped trouser Audrey Hepburn style.
“Birkenstocks” – the kids are calling them clogs, I’d say mules – tomayto, tomato! I’m talking about the closed toe, slip on, usually beige, suede flat shoe. These are still everywhere because they are so damn comfy! Obviously, the kids are wearing them with socks (do they ever not wear socks??) but you can go without. These should be reserved for a casual look with jeans, linen trousers, cargos etc.
Boots – you can wear boots all year round however, I think it’s time to put the big black boots away for the summer and bring out the lighter shades. Slouchy, suede with small heels are looking fresh for spring or western styles worn with maxi skirts or denim.
I hope this is helpful, check out my styling services if you’d like me to come and see you,
‘til next time!
Michelle x
