Shoes: Style Tips

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Tina Adams, the owner of Wardrobe Consulting, LLC, is a strong believer in having fewer things in your closet, but items that work overtime for you. When it comes to shoes, she’s picky. No t-straps, ankle buckles or gladiators…and that’s just to start. Now, we admit to breaking these rules, but when you step back and listen, she has a point. And, we 100% agree that if you are going to drop serious money on shoes, make sure those shoes can work in several different ways for your wardrobing needs.

So, we collaborated and ordered dozens of shoes to make this one point: wear what is the most flattering.

Today’s post is not about the “it” shoe and where to buy it. Today’s post is about what to look for, in any shoe, on your next shopping trip.

(Tina’s company is based in Nashville but has started working with women and men in Memphis, Louisville, Birmingham, Knoxville and Atlanta. All photos today are shot by Bridgett Ezzard Fine Art Photography. She is a joy to work with!)

Comparison #1:

DSCF6842 copy — This cute espadrille hits the mark. A pop of color, a nice low wedge. The bow is not too big or too small. It’s easy to wear with pants and skirts alike. The “v” that is created (and you’ll hear a lot about that “v” today) is flattering and elongates your leg.

Now, let’s compare this “right shoe” to a less flattering pair:

DSCF0060 copy — Can you see the difference? The ankle strap pair simply chops your leg off and is not as flattering on your foot.

Winning shoe: Anne Klein “Pointy” for $69.

I can hear some of you doubting Tina’s advice here. But, when I saw the next group of pictures, I swallowed hard and decided I needed to do some shoe shopping!

Comparison #2:

DSCF6894 copy — This pair is okay when worn with long pants or jeans. However, Tina pointed out how unflattering this style is with skirts. Check out the next picture!

DSCF0085 — The nude shoe is FAR more flattering. It elongates the leg and goes with just about everything. The nude shoe is the place to put your money.

DSCF6899 — See? The nude shoe also is great with jeans. Versatile and flattering. That is what we are talking about today. Also to note: see how pretty the soft curve of the toe is on the nude shoe? This is always a more flattering option than a straight line across.

Winning shoe: Vigotti “Eula” for $129.

What about an evening shoe? Can a t-strap be donned then? Tina says no, and here is the proof:

Comparison #3:

DSCF6855 — Here is the type of shoe to look for: a nice heel height (which varies for each person’s comfort level), an inverted “v” at the toe and a metallic color that will go with everything from your Swan Ball gown to your white or dark rinsed jeans. These shoes are gorgeous. They are also a little stretchy which helps gals with bunions or uncomfortable toe issues.

DSCF6866 copy — See the difference? The shoe on the left, though a nice color, is not nearly as flattering as the one on the right.

Winning shoe: Diane Von Furstenberg “Serra” for $280.99.

Now, for the shoe that Tina insists every single person has in their closet…and needs to give away! We have noticed this shoe as well. It will ruin ANY dress/suit/skirt you pair it with. It makes pants downright dowdy. Here is the shoe, any version of which to lose:

Example #4:

DSCF6870 — Tina refers to this shoe as the “baking potato shoe.” And, she has a point. Get rid of it.

What about the soccer field shoe which doubles as the shoe to run all over town wearing? It has a name, the AthletaLeisure shoe. You know the one. Here’s the one to get…just follow the rules!

Comparison #5

DSCF6808 — Do you see it? The one with the ankle strap is far uglier. The one on the right is just as comfortable and just as good on a dewy wet soccer field. That’s the better option. Again, the “v” is on display creating a more flattering look.

Winning shoe: SKECHERS “Bikers-Dream Weaver” for $54.99

Okay, we now need to talk “pool shoe.” Tina is not a fan of the overly blinged out rubber flip flop. She also does not like the grosgrain ribbon (a la J. Crew) rubber flip flop. Here is a shoe that we admit is pretty cute and perhaps a better option than the multiple pairs of black rubber flip flops we own!

Comparison #6

DSCF6830 copy — Don’t buy these. They were $410 anyway. So the question we have is, “WHO buys these?”

DSCF6821 — See, the lighter one on the right is much better!

DSCF6835 — Yes, buy these instead. They run small, so ask for a half to a full size up. They have just a 1 1/2 inch espadrille heel. They just over $100 and they can go to the pool and just about anywhere else you want this summer!

Winning shoe: Vaneli “Karmina” for $118.

Our final comparison is the nude espadrille wedge.

Comparison #7:

DSCF6787 — First off, we are comparing here a “great” option on the left and a “not as great” option on the left. By no means get rid of a similar shoe to this one on the right. Let’s just talk about the differences.

DSCF6779 copy — Let’s compare: the one on the right has two “v’s” creating prettier toes and a longer leg. The straight bands on the right are simply not as flattering. But, a disaster they are not. To make them the most flattering, take the pair on the right and pair them with long jeans or pants and they work very well. For shorts, skirts and dresses, the left option is your better bet.

Winning shoe: Fitzwell “Bailee” for $69.

In the end, we all break these rules. But, knowing them will help you navigate your local shoe store and pick the best and most versatile options for your wardrobe. Now, when you break the rules, you’ll at least be doing it with purpose!

Thanks again to Bridgett for the great photography! www.BridgettEzzard.com and bridgettezzard.blogspot.com.

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About the Author
Liza Graves

As CEO of StyleBlueprint, Liza also regularly writes for SB. Most of her writing is now found in the recipe archives as cooking is her stress relief!