The Shoes!

Any discussion of style will inevitably turn to the topic of shoes. In 2017 I added several low-heeled shoes after selling or donating many of the high heels from my collection. Styles and attitudes change, and current trends are moving toward kitten heels and platform brogues. I no longer find high heels comfortable for daytime, but I am still working out which low heeled shoes work best.

Very casual, relaxed outfits are the daily look for many people these days, so let’s talk about that style first. My favorite sporty casual slip-on sneaker style is here. I often wear them at home with jeans or loose-fitting knit tops, cardigans, and very casual jackets.

I find a thicker sole to be more comfortable and more attractive than the thin, flimsy sole found on some styles of shoes. When your feet are smaller in proportion to the rest of your leg, a skimpy shoe can make us look larger than we are if we wear dainty shoes. My body is more visually balanced if I wear high heels or a shoe with a thicker sole. Most importantly, I do not find unsupportive shoes with a thin flat sole comfortable to walk in.

Short boots are at the top of the best footwear list because the support often continues up the foot to include the ankle. A pointed toe and a low block heel, as well as a slender shape, make these short boots by Marc Fisher one of my all-time favorites. They look great with bootcut, flare, or straight leg jeans.

Another shoe style that ticks off all the style and comfort boxes are the brogue (perforated) or oxford (smooth). I have several variations inspired by the classic men’s style shoe. (If you would like to know a lot more about proper men’s shoes, visit this link.) The gray suede shoe above is by Marc Fisher. The smooth navy leather shoe is the Jesse Oxford by Paul Smith®. I wear this style of shoe with straight leg jeans or dressy trousers.

Loafers are another great classic shoe that works well with jeans or skirts with blazers or cardigans. I look for slender shoes with pointed or almond-shaped toes. The soles can be lugged, smooth, or stacked, but I like the shoe’s upper to be simple and sleek. If you wear the loafers with dresses or skirts, look for a low vamp style to show as much of the top of the foot as possible to make your legs look longer.

I still enjoy wearing heels for evening events. The suede pump shown above is from Saks Off 5th a couple of years ago. The lower block-heeled Sam Edelman pump works well for business meetings.

Summer shoes can be a challenge when you want to wear a supportive, comfortable shoe with an updated style. I do not wear flip flops, but I wear casual thong sandals with a back strap to keep them on. I wore the caged sandal in pewter by Söfft Shoe Company above, more than any other last summer. The color and the style looked great with the white or faded jeans I like to wear in warmer weather.

You may use the descriptions and photos to find something similar that works for your style and budget.

This week, I am reviewing my favorite items from 2017. The Marc Fisher shoes in the photo above were purchased at the end of the season last year. I have gotten more compliments on those than any others. The coat was from Ann Taylor last year.