Confession: I’m almost always ashamed of the decisions I make when I go out.
No, not those decisions! Footwear decisions.
As the weather gets colder and BC’s hills seem only to get higher, finding shoes that are appropriate, comfortable, and attractive seems to be an impossible task. We’re forced to either wear the highest of heels and prepare for imminent death or trek out in our boots, prepared for war (oh please, we’ve all done it).
As I rolled out of bed last Sunday morning and discovered my right foot was no longer capable of supporting my weight, I knew it was time to rethink my styling choices. Never again will I wear the wrong shoe.
Here’s some advice on how to wear the four most common types of going-out shoes:
High Heels
You are determined to look good tonight, and I admire that. This is the most natural choice for when you go out, but here are few tips to make sure you, and your ankles, live another day:
1. Stop with the stiletto heel! Not only are these ultra thin heels seriously uncomfortable, they are also on their way out. The upcoming season’s shoes are sporting a thicker heel, and we couldn’t be happier!
2. Pick a shoe that has a platform on the bottom. The closer the ball of your foot is to the ground, the more impact it will feel. Worried about looking like a forgotten spice girl? Check for shoes that have a hidden platform- they exist!
3. Grab insoles! We all own that shoe- the one that fit perfectly in the store, but after an hour of wear seems to be three sizes too big. Here’s for the most earth-shatteringly-perfect cure to foot sliding problems everywhere: insoles! I know, I know, nothing’s sexy about orthopedics, but placing a discreet gel insole into your shoe will allow you to have a much more comfortable night.
Wedges
These will actually become your best friends. They’re stable, loyal, and will always make you look good. They might not send the same “sexy and I know It” vibe as your heels, but you’ll look and feel good. They tend to be more popular in the spring and summer, so to make it clear: these shoes are appropriate for the season make sure they have a covered toe.
Short Heels
Let’s be honest- heels less than three inches high are not as sexy as their big sisters. These shoes take a little more effort, but can actually create a much more flirty and unique going-out look, and are certainly more wearable! Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. These shoes need to have personality. Make them show your quirky, free-spirited side. Get them in a T-strap or oxford-style. Since short heels aren’t as overtly attractive as others, you need to counteract that with a fashion-forward pattern or style.
2. Have fun with these– they’re the perfect way to experiment with a bolder look!
Flats
Yes, you can wear them. A fun, vibrant pair of flats matched with dark skinnies and a cute top sends the perfect “I don’t need to try to look hot” message. Just make sure you’re not wearing those scuffed up, brown, broken in flats we all have in the back (okay, front) of our closets.
The Golden Rule
Chances are, at the end of the night, you’re going to want to take your shoes off. YOU MUST RESIST. Join the cause to stop being a Barefoot Biddy and invest in a pair of foldable, ultra-small flats that fit perfectly in almost any purse.
The most important thing to remember when picking out what shoes to wear when you go out is that, in all honesty, it really doesn’t matter. Wear something that makes you feel good: attractive and comfortable. Hell, go out in Uggs if you want to.
Wait… never do that. Ever.
Photo Sources:
http://www.fashion-infatuation.com/2010/08/feet-killing-to-die-for-stilettos.html
http://www.worldtopjerseys.com/christian-louboutin-wedges-c-343_408.html