Big Feet
Tips for Making Big Feet Appear Smaller
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide
I regularly hear from people who think they have big feet, and want to know how to make them look smaller. If this sounds like you, the first thing I want to share with you is that your feet probably do not look as big to others as they do to you.
For example, in US sizes, there is only about 1/3 of an inch difference between whole sizes. So if you wear a size 10 shoe, and wish you wore a size 8, look at what 2/3 of an inch looks like on a ruler -- does it look like that much of a difference to you? It probably doesn't to others either. So try not to be embarrassed about your shoe size - style is for everyone and every size, and most people probably aren't as critical of your feet as you are.
Where to Buy Large Sized Shoes
Having said all of that, if your feet are truly bigger than what is considered average, you probably have difficulty finding shoes that fit. I've compiled lists of online retailers that cater to men and women that need larger shoes. Armed with those resources and the following advice, you'll have flattering shoes that fit well in no time.
Tips for Making Big Feet Look Smaller
And, if after all I said above you're still convinced your feet look too big, here are a few tips for styles that will make them appear smaller. Interestingly (and problematically for people with long and wide feet), many of the styles that will make your feet look shorter, will also make them look wider. For the sake of this article, I'm concentrating on length, not width.
Heeled Shoes vs. Flat Shoes
While high heels may not be as good for your feet or body, they will make your feet look smaller. The good news is that chunky heels and wedges usually accomplish this better than stiletto heels, and they're typically much easier to wear.
The heel height doesn't factor in quite as much on men's shoes, since there isn't that much of a variance, but typically styles that show just a hint of sole around the upper of the shoe will make your feet look shorter.
Round Toes Instead of Pointy Toes
Pointy toed shoes can make even the daintiest of feet appear long. Since they're usually very close-fitting, they also make the foot look thinner.
Narrow shoe styles might be a good thing if you think your feet look too wide, but if it's the length of your feet that is keeping you up at night, you definitely want to steer clear of slim shoes with pointy toes. The same goes for guys, so bicycle toes should be avoided.
Dark Colored Shoes
Shoes in darker colors will make your feet appear smaller than shoes in light or pastel shades, but don't feel like you just have to stick to black. In addition to darker earth tones and grays, deeper versions of red, blue, purple and green will serve you better than their lighter-toned counterparts.
Avoid Skimpy Sandals
A strappy sandal that exposes a lot of the foot will make anyone's foot look larger, but showing a little bit of your foot can work to your advantage. To break the monotony of just wearing closed shoes, women can try peep-toes, D'Orsays or sling-backs.
Closed Shoes for Men and Women
As a general rule for closed shoes, the more material there is on top of your foot, the longer your foot will appear. A style with an opening that is closer to the toes will not look as big as a shoe in which the foot opening is very close to the front of your leg.
Accents Make Big Feet Look Smaller
For women, bows, buckles, lace overlays, and kiltie detailing will make feet appear more petite, and guys who want their dogs to look smaller should check out shoes with tassels, and straps that cross the shoe closer to the toes than the leg.
Big-Looking Shoes Will Make Your Feet Look Big
My tips above are good general rules, but since there are so many style factors in every shoe, there's really no way of describing which shoes will be perfect for your feet.
The best and easiest thing you can do is take a good look at the shoe before putting it on. A style that looks longer than others out of the box is going to look longer on your feet.
MY THOUGHTS
at 7" to 8", i never really felt that my feet are too large. especially after finding out that there are women with size 12" feet. it's true that those sandals and pointed shoes can make your feet appear longer. and the shoe accents make your feet look shorter. oh, well. what does it matter. it certainly not an issue to me.
Showing posts with label Ankle Strap Sandals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ankle Strap Sandals. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Beautiful Shoes for Long Skirts
The Best Shoes for Long Skirts and Dresses
While there's no doubt that short skirts are sexy, long skirts can be sexy and so much more: romantic, polished, classic, laid-back, or even powerful. But whatever look you're trying to pull together, pairing the wrong shoes with a long skirt can blow the whole effect.
Fortunately, the shoe rules for long skirts are much simpler than you might think. In fact, it's really just a balancing act.
Longer skirts and dresses cover the majority of your body. To create a look that is flowing rather than broken or unbalanced, your footwear will need to accomplish one of the following three things:
1.Visually become a part of the skirt. Think of tall boots that are covered by the hemline of the skirt
2.Add length or height beneath the hemline of the skirt, so that the skirt will seem shorter, or your legs will seem longer. High heels that show a lot of skin work well for this.
3.Work with the lines of the skirt to create a look that is balanced. For example, a chunky wedge heel will work with a fuller skirt, but might be too clunky for a long fitted skirt.
For a closer look at which shoe styles will work best with long skirts and dresses, check out the rest of the photo gallery.
Wedge Shoes
The wedge sandals and flared skirt shown here are a perfect combination, since the casual nature of the sandals are an ideal match for the denim skirt.
Wedges are a great choice for long skirts that have a bit of fullness at the hemline, but they can look too heavy for skirts that are very narrow.
More top shoe styles for long, flared skirts include:
•low cut pumps.
•tall, fitted boots (heeled or flat).
•tall slouch boots (heeled or flat).
•strappy sandals.
Shoe styles that can be problematic with long, flared skirts:
•Ballet flats. They can make your legs seem shorter and heavier.
•Heavy or bulky shoes, as they can often convert to very matronly or clunky look.
Thong Sandals
Here, thong sandals are used to give this full long skirt a laid-back, casual look that's ideal for warm weather, beach vacations, or events that call for a great look that's neither too casual or too dressy.
Flats paired with long skirts can sometimes be a problematic combination, as they can make your legs appear shorter and heavier. But since the skirt here is very long and full, and the shoes are very skimpy, the look really works.
Other top shoe styles for skirts like this are:
•wedge sandals.
•tall, heeled boots.
•strappy sandals with high heels
•Ankle boots that are short enough to still show some leg. This can make your calves look very thick.
Strappy Sandals
Choosing the right shoes for a long skirt is relatively easy if you keep in mind that you want to either minimize the amount of skin that you show (as you would with tall boots), or maximize the amount of skin you show (as you would with strappy sandals).
The strappy sandals shown here are a great example of the right kind of shoes to wear with a mid-length or long full skirt.
Platform Shoes
Platform shoes work well with long skirts because of the additional height under the front of the shoes. But since platform shoes have an inherent "chunky" look to them, it's important to choose a style that complements the skirt instead of one that will trample on it.
Towards that end, there are two good ways to go.
1.Choose a pair of shoes that expose a lot of the foot, like the ones shown here. Other platforms that would work include sandals with thin straps, pumps with a low cut vamp, or other shoes with open toes.
2.In cooler weather, choose a pair of boots that is tall enough to leave no leg showing. This will create a long, lean, and very polished look.
High Heels
As I've discussed on other pages of this gallery, there are some flats that will work with long skirts, but high heels are definitely an easier choice -- especially when it comes to dressier skirts like this one.
In addition to adding overall height and lengthening your profile, high heels also raise the back of your foot, which means more shoe or foot can be seen from the front. As an added bonus, they help to counter the shortening and widening effects of many long skirts.
Your heels don't have to be exceptionally high to work.
Strappy or low cut kitten heels can look smashing with long skirts if you remember the basic rules, and avoid shoes that will create a broken, blocky look.
Women who aren't comfortable in high heels, may want to consider wedge shoes or platform shoes, both of which many women find easier to wear and walk in.
And if you really, really hate heels, be sure to check out my tips for wearing long skirts with flat sandals.
Flat Sandals
http://shoes.about.com/od/womens_shoes/ig/The-Best-Shoes-for-Long-Skirts/Flat-Sandals.-0Z4.htm
Unless you're model-thin or extremely tall, it's difficult to pull off wearing ballet flats or other flat shoes with long skirts.
Heavy, bulky, or closed flats paired with a long skirt can often create a shorter, wider, and overall frumpy appearance -- exactly the look most of us are trying to avoid.
But, if the flats in question happen to be strappy sandals, then it's a completely different story.
Skimpy flat sandals work well with longer skirts because they show a lot of skin beneath the hemline. This actually makes the skirt seem shorter -- or the legs seem longer. But whatever the case, skimpy flat sandals are a winning look with casual long skirts.
Tall Boots
Tall boots and long skirts are a cool weather natural, but there are more options for casual long skirts than there are for dressy ones.
In either case, the safest choice is choosing boots that are tall enough to be covered by the hemline of the skirt. This will keep the lines of your outfit long and lean.
For casual long skirts, let the fullness of the skirt be your guide.
Slouchy, heeled, flat, and even chunky tall boots will work with a fuller skirt like the one shown here, while long narrow skirts work best with heeled and close-fitting boot styles
Dress Boots
http://shoes.about.com/od/womens_shoes/ig/The-Best-Shoes-for-Long-Skirts/Dress-Boots.htm
When you're looking for footwear that works well with long skirts, don't forget to consider dress boots.
While the outfit shown here is too dressy for most flat or slouched styles, tall boots with heels lend a look of continuity to the skirt, while still being dressy enough for nearly any occasion.
MY THOUGHTS
i'm not too fond of long skirts. when i do wear them, i like pairing htem up with the skimpy flat sandals. actually depends on the style of the long skirt.
While there's no doubt that short skirts are sexy, long skirts can be sexy and so much more: romantic, polished, classic, laid-back, or even powerful. But whatever look you're trying to pull together, pairing the wrong shoes with a long skirt can blow the whole effect.
Fortunately, the shoe rules for long skirts are much simpler than you might think. In fact, it's really just a balancing act.
Longer skirts and dresses cover the majority of your body. To create a look that is flowing rather than broken or unbalanced, your footwear will need to accomplish one of the following three things:
1.Visually become a part of the skirt. Think of tall boots that are covered by the hemline of the skirt
2.Add length or height beneath the hemline of the skirt, so that the skirt will seem shorter, or your legs will seem longer. High heels that show a lot of skin work well for this.
3.Work with the lines of the skirt to create a look that is balanced. For example, a chunky wedge heel will work with a fuller skirt, but might be too clunky for a long fitted skirt.
For a closer look at which shoe styles will work best with long skirts and dresses, check out the rest of the photo gallery.
Wedge Shoes
The wedge sandals and flared skirt shown here are a perfect combination, since the casual nature of the sandals are an ideal match for the denim skirt.
Wedges are a great choice for long skirts that have a bit of fullness at the hemline, but they can look too heavy for skirts that are very narrow.
More top shoe styles for long, flared skirts include:
•low cut pumps.
•tall, fitted boots (heeled or flat).
•tall slouch boots (heeled or flat).
•strappy sandals.
Shoe styles that can be problematic with long, flared skirts:
•Ballet flats. They can make your legs seem shorter and heavier.
•Heavy or bulky shoes, as they can often convert to very matronly or clunky look.
Thong Sandals
Here, thong sandals are used to give this full long skirt a laid-back, casual look that's ideal for warm weather, beach vacations, or events that call for a great look that's neither too casual or too dressy.
Flats paired with long skirts can sometimes be a problematic combination, as they can make your legs appear shorter and heavier. But since the skirt here is very long and full, and the shoes are very skimpy, the look really works.
Other top shoe styles for skirts like this are:
•wedge sandals.
•tall, heeled boots.
•strappy sandals with high heels
•Ankle boots that are short enough to still show some leg. This can make your calves look very thick.
Strappy Sandals
Choosing the right shoes for a long skirt is relatively easy if you keep in mind that you want to either minimize the amount of skin that you show (as you would with tall boots), or maximize the amount of skin you show (as you would with strappy sandals).
The strappy sandals shown here are a great example of the right kind of shoes to wear with a mid-length or long full skirt.
Platform Shoes
Platform shoes work well with long skirts because of the additional height under the front of the shoes. But since platform shoes have an inherent "chunky" look to them, it's important to choose a style that complements the skirt instead of one that will trample on it.
Towards that end, there are two good ways to go.
1.Choose a pair of shoes that expose a lot of the foot, like the ones shown here. Other platforms that would work include sandals with thin straps, pumps with a low cut vamp, or other shoes with open toes.
2.In cooler weather, choose a pair of boots that is tall enough to leave no leg showing. This will create a long, lean, and very polished look.
High Heels
As I've discussed on other pages of this gallery, there are some flats that will work with long skirts, but high heels are definitely an easier choice -- especially when it comes to dressier skirts like this one.
In addition to adding overall height and lengthening your profile, high heels also raise the back of your foot, which means more shoe or foot can be seen from the front. As an added bonus, they help to counter the shortening and widening effects of many long skirts.
Your heels don't have to be exceptionally high to work.
Strappy or low cut kitten heels can look smashing with long skirts if you remember the basic rules, and avoid shoes that will create a broken, blocky look.
Women who aren't comfortable in high heels, may want to consider wedge shoes or platform shoes, both of which many women find easier to wear and walk in.
And if you really, really hate heels, be sure to check out my tips for wearing long skirts with flat sandals.
Flat Sandals
http://shoes.about.com/od/womens_shoes/ig/The-Best-Shoes-for-Long-Skirts/Flat-Sandals.-0Z4.htm
Unless you're model-thin or extremely tall, it's difficult to pull off wearing ballet flats or other flat shoes with long skirts.
Heavy, bulky, or closed flats paired with a long skirt can often create a shorter, wider, and overall frumpy appearance -- exactly the look most of us are trying to avoid.
But, if the flats in question happen to be strappy sandals, then it's a completely different story.
Skimpy flat sandals work well with longer skirts because they show a lot of skin beneath the hemline. This actually makes the skirt seem shorter -- or the legs seem longer. But whatever the case, skimpy flat sandals are a winning look with casual long skirts.
Tall Boots
Tall boots and long skirts are a cool weather natural, but there are more options for casual long skirts than there are for dressy ones.
In either case, the safest choice is choosing boots that are tall enough to be covered by the hemline of the skirt. This will keep the lines of your outfit long and lean.
For casual long skirts, let the fullness of the skirt be your guide.
Slouchy, heeled, flat, and even chunky tall boots will work with a fuller skirt like the one shown here, while long narrow skirts work best with heeled and close-fitting boot styles
Dress Boots
http://shoes.about.com/od/womens_shoes/ig/The-Best-Shoes-for-Long-Skirts/Dress-Boots.htm
When you're looking for footwear that works well with long skirts, don't forget to consider dress boots.
While the outfit shown here is too dressy for most flat or slouched styles, tall boots with heels lend a look of continuity to the skirt, while still being dressy enough for nearly any occasion.
MY THOUGHTS
i'm not too fond of long skirts. when i do wear them, i like pairing htem up with the skimpy flat sandals. actually depends on the style of the long skirt.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Beautiful Shoes for Short Shorts
The Best Shoes for Short Shorts
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide
Short shorts can be more flattering than a lot of women think -- especially when they're paired with the right shoes.
Making Short Shorts Work for You
Short shorts have been a summertime staple for several decades. And while many women don't want to wear shorts this length, for others, it's just a matter of wanting to know how to wear them.
Below are some of the best shoe styles for shorts like this, as well as tips on how to make the whole look come together.
Ankle Strap Sandals
Sandals with ankle straps are just plain sexy, and they're an ideal match for short shorts. Dressier styles like the ones shown here are great for twill, linen and other dress shorts, while trendy platforms or sandals with chunky heels are ideal for pairing with denim.
Wedge Sandals
Since they show so much leg, short shorts can handle a more substantial heel, and wedge sandals are a great choice. But since wedge heels are somewhat bulky by nature, you'll want to choose styles that feature thinner straps or single band slides. This will keep your feet from looking too clunky.
Ballet Flats
If you want to spare your feet and back the pain of high heels, then you should love short shorts, as they're perfect for pairing with ballet flats.
Shoes like the ones shown here will lend a dressier touch, but these days it's also very easy to find canvas ballet flats for wearing with casual cotton or denim shorts.
Flat Sandals
Flat thongs, slides and toe-ring sandals all look great with short shorts. And with styles ranging from basic rubber flip-flops to crystal-encrusted metallic dress slides, there is no shortage of options.
When pairing short shorts with flat sandals, you nearly can't go wrong. The only thing to watch out for is flat sandals that have lots of really wide straps or really thick, sporty soles.
Unless you're very thin, heavy sandals can make your calves look very thick and squat, while skimpier style like the one shown here will give your legs a longer, slimmer appearance.
Canvas Sneakers
Canvas sneakers are far too casual for dressier shorts, but they're a super-cute partner for casual styles. A sneaker that shows a lot of foot will make for a more feminine look, while a lace-up sneaker will have an edgier vibe.
Espadrilles
A summertime favorite, espadrilles come in a variety of styles, and having rope-covered heels, they look great with shorts of nearly any length.
The style shown here is more on the classic side, and offers a very cosmopolitan look combined with the comfort of a low heel. If you can wear a higher heel, espadrille wedges with skimpy straps are also a great match for short shorts.
MY THOUGHTS
i should have read this article when i was younger. short shorts for me now are for strictly private.
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide
Short shorts can be more flattering than a lot of women think -- especially when they're paired with the right shoes.
Making Short Shorts Work for You
Short shorts have been a summertime staple for several decades. And while many women don't want to wear shorts this length, for others, it's just a matter of wanting to know how to wear them.
Below are some of the best shoe styles for shorts like this, as well as tips on how to make the whole look come together.
Ankle Strap Sandals
Sandals with ankle straps are just plain sexy, and they're an ideal match for short shorts. Dressier styles like the ones shown here are great for twill, linen and other dress shorts, while trendy platforms or sandals with chunky heels are ideal for pairing with denim.
Wedge Sandals
Since they show so much leg, short shorts can handle a more substantial heel, and wedge sandals are a great choice. But since wedge heels are somewhat bulky by nature, you'll want to choose styles that feature thinner straps or single band slides. This will keep your feet from looking too clunky.
Ballet Flats
If you want to spare your feet and back the pain of high heels, then you should love short shorts, as they're perfect for pairing with ballet flats.
Shoes like the ones shown here will lend a dressier touch, but these days it's also very easy to find canvas ballet flats for wearing with casual cotton or denim shorts.
Flat Sandals
Flat thongs, slides and toe-ring sandals all look great with short shorts. And with styles ranging from basic rubber flip-flops to crystal-encrusted metallic dress slides, there is no shortage of options.
When pairing short shorts with flat sandals, you nearly can't go wrong. The only thing to watch out for is flat sandals that have lots of really wide straps or really thick, sporty soles.
Unless you're very thin, heavy sandals can make your calves look very thick and squat, while skimpier style like the one shown here will give your legs a longer, slimmer appearance.
Canvas Sneakers
Canvas sneakers are far too casual for dressier shorts, but they're a super-cute partner for casual styles. A sneaker that shows a lot of foot will make for a more feminine look, while a lace-up sneaker will have an edgier vibe.
Espadrilles
A summertime favorite, espadrilles come in a variety of styles, and having rope-covered heels, they look great with shorts of nearly any length.
The style shown here is more on the classic side, and offers a very cosmopolitan look combined with the comfort of a low heel. If you can wear a higher heel, espadrille wedges with skimpy straps are also a great match for short shorts.
MY THOUGHTS
i should have read this article when i was younger. short shorts for me now are for strictly private.
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