Tips For Wearing Flats

As we bid farewell to 2016, I am resharing photos and including more in-depth information about style. Today I am sharing a few of the times I wore flats.

Let’s talk about getting dressed up first. Looks similar to the one below can be worn to most special events during mild weather. This style of pant looks great with flats that show the top of your foot.

While having lunch with friends, I wore Vince Camuto flats (above) with slim-fitting Lisette ankle pants and a jacket from ShopMyFairLady.com. 

When I dress down to do something like going to the Farmer’s Market, I wear pieces such as these from J.Jill, shown in the photos above and below. Loose-fitting, soft, comfortable tops and pants are ideal for wearing while you are relaxing at home. Covered Perfectly now has leisure suits for just that purpose.

Bumping into things in my bare feet is very painful, so I do not walk around barefoot even while I am at home. I wear slip-on canvas shoes or the type of sneakers shown above while relaxing at home. I never wear my athletic style running/walking shoes for any purpose other than exercising, as shown below. Athletic shoes are too bulky and unattractive for casual wear or even with the currently trendy athleisure wear.

A sleek pair of canvas, animal print, or metallic slip-on shoes looks appropriate and comfortable. I am wearing a black pair from Rockport in the photo below.

If your pants bunch on the top of your shoes, it always looks messy and makes you appear more substantial than you are. Wearing athletic shoes with baggy jeans that puddle over the top of them wins the prize for the most unattractive look for anyone (male or female).

The pant leg width determines where the hem should end. Cropped pants should stop at the same spot as your best skirt length (never at the fullest part of your calves). Skinny jeans or slim-fitting ankle pants should be hemmed to the ankle’s top (slim part). Straight leg pants should be hemmed to the bottom of your ankle. Fuller leg pants such as palazzos, flares, and bootcut should almost cover your shoes and be hemmed to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the ground.

I get up and get dressed every day. When I don’t have a long list of things I have to do, I wear something comfortable but smart looking with flat sandals or shoes. I can grab my bag and put on a necklace or scarf, and be out the door in two minutes. The top above is from Covered Perfectly. It takes casual comfort up a notch, and it is long enough to be worn with leggings or jeans. The flat sandals are by DV Dolce Vita a couple of years ago. When I wear sandals, they always have straps to hold them on my foot as I move.

If I am running errands around town, I might wear the look above. The chambray shirt is old from Chico’s. The flats are by Marc Fisher. He is an American designer who makes very good looking women’s shoes. These were named Susan, and they are a pewter/silver color, so you know I had to have them. Notice that when I wear flats, they are never too cushy looking. I always search for a slender silhouette with a pointed or almond-shaped toe, making the legs look longer. Since my legs are short, I still want that lengthening effect. If the weather is mild, I wear flats without socks or with Sheec Socks that do not show.

For a casual family gathering at my sister’s home, I wore white pants with a Covered Perfectly top and flat sandals with a strap that goes around the heel. That low-slung hip belt is old from Chico’s. Wearing a belt in this way with a tunic and flats helps break my body into thirds instead of half. Visually dividing your body in half makes you look shorter and wider.

The only time I ever wear flip-flop style shoes is on pedicure day. I dress in loose, comfortable clothes and the appropriate flip-flops by OkaBe. I take a shower a few hours before my visit, but I shave my legs the day before, which gives any small nicks a chance to heal a little. I skip perfume on the day I visit any service provider or doctor’s office. They may not enjoy my fragrance as much as I do.

This pair of over the knee boots by Vince Camuto is very appropriate since they are flat, and wear them with long tunics and leggings. Here’s a good tip, tuck your pants into your socks before pulling your boots on over them.

The cute flats above worn with black jeans are by Circa Joan & David via Saks Off 5th. I have this same style with white detail on the top, shown below. When I find a style that appeals to me, I often buy every color.

 

The very comfortable neutral flats above are by Halogen via Nordstrom. They are great to wear with khaki or white pants.

The black loafers above are by BCBGeneration. Something more substantial was necessary to balance with the heavier, warmer jacket. The weather determines if I am going to wear socks with flats. Being comfortable and warm are my first considerations. Lace-up brogues and Chelsea boots are also favorite cold weather flats to wear with socks and more casual looks. I am wearing Chelsea boots with warm socks in the photo below.

 

This type of flat with a cap toe can be dressed up or down.