Style Advice for Shoes
A great heel can change the shape and line of your leg muscles, making your legs look shapelier, more toned, and very attractive. The right shoe is the essential finishing touch to creating a perfect outfit.Shoes should blend with your outfit through color, tone, and shape. They should be in the same color family as your outfit, but don’t necessarily have to be an exact match. Your bag and shoes don’t need to match either but they should be in similar style and proportion.
As a general rule, your shoes should be darker, not lighter, than your outfits (note the exceptions if you are going for a monochromatic look and want to use just one item to mix it up or if a fabulous nude pump makes your outfit pop).
Black shoes may be too dark if you’re wearing a very light or pastel outfit. There are other neutral colors (pewter, pale grey, and taupe) that will work better. Balance the weight of your outfit with your shoe style. If your ensemble is light and delicate, your shoes should follow suit. Thin straps, possible open toes, or strappy sandals with thin heels could all be options.
Heavier fabrics like wool, tweeds, and corduroy need a sturdier shoe in order to offset the fabrics. Avoid bright white shoes; they’ll make your feet look bigger. White pumps almost always look cheap, no matter how expensive they are. Try dark creams, taupes, and tan.
Buy expensive shoes in neutral colors and classic styles so you can wear them for many seasons and they will go with most of your wardrobe. A slim heel will make you look taller and more elegant than a heavy, chunky heel.
Excerpt from Pulling it all Together by Paul Wharton. Available on Amazon.