Types of Shoes
Apart from being stylish, shoes and handbags are very important accessories which should be comfortable and match your life style, body type, outfit, season and occasion.
Toe styles
Pointed toe
Professional setting, slim silhouette, authoritative vibe, powerful image, uncomfortable, best in stilettos
Almond toe
Tapered oval shape, elegant, most popular, business and casual settings
Round toe
Spacious, comfortable, glrly, feminine, casual settings, mostly found on ballerinas
Square toe
Masculine appearance, mostly found on sandals, slippers, loafers etc.
Open/Peep toe
Opening at the toe box, mostly found on heels and sandals, retro and vintage styles, dressy settings
FLATS
These shoes are ideal for wearing with work-appropriate clothes, as well as with casual separates, with any outfit on any day. It’s no secret flat shoes have evolved and more than ever we have so many options for both comfortable and stylish flat shoes. You can try to match your shoes to one color of your outfit or you can also wear a contrasting color—just make sure that the tone or saturation are the same.
How to wear Flat shoes?
One of the most important style tips to consider when wearing flat shoes is how your outfit works proportionately. When we wear flat shoes, everything is closer to the ground, it becomes much easier to look shorter and therefore wider in flats. Therefore you should definitely avoid any length of skirt, dress or pant that finishes on your calf , because this makes you look even shorter. Ankle length capri pants, bermuda shorts or knee length or above the knee skirts are ideal for these type of shoes. Also avoid flats with skinny pants unless you have narrow hips. Otherwise, you risk making your legs look disproportionate.
Another factor to consider is the length of tops and jackets. Again, we want to avoid the eye falling too low down the body shortening the lower body, therefore avoid too long tops that cover your bottom, that will elongate the upper body, makes the lower body looks shorter.
Chunkier shoes also draw attention to downwards, if you like to look taller, than try to look for a style that exposes some of the upper foot. For example, a slip on loafer or ballet flat rather than a lace up. By exposing the foot, the shoe will look less heavy and also contribute to a bit of an elongated leg.
The pointed toe shoes will help to add length to your legs, the elongated toe creates longer appearance particularly when no heel is involved. They are dressier than a round toe and more flattering on the leg.
If your legs are already on the shorter side, it is recommended that you wear a flat shoe style with a bit of a lift (think 1/2 inch to 1 inch heel). Also avoid, ankle strap style shoes which is creating the illusion of a shorter leg. Ankle strapped shoes will go perfectly with a higher hemline paired with the monochromatic look, the shorter hemline creates the illusion of a longer leg, while the monochromatic look allows for some visual consistency.
Leaner body shapes can usually pair these flats with wide leg or extremely loose trousers. Go for a monochromatic or neutral look. This creates continuity between your shoes and pants, which does not create a division from your feet up. For more curvaceous figures, these types of flats look best when paired with knee length or long skirts and dresses and slightly more structured bottoms, which do not add additional volume.
Also choose neutral colour shoes rather than dark colours, a heavier shoe in a neutral colour will look less ‘chunky’ in a light colour. Using minimalist shades tend to blend in with your outfit. This allows the shoe to serve as an extension of what you’re wearing and makes the path up your calf less severe.
If you pair fancy shoes with a fancy outfit, you will look overdressed. Instead, consider pairing simple flats with a fancy outfit, or fancy flats with a simply outfit. This will create a nice contrast, and prevent your outfit from looking too busy.
Types of Flat Shoes
Ballerina
Light weighted, low cut, flat shoes made of soft leather or satin, usually with a closed round-toe resembling those worn by ballet dancers, sometimes features ribbon like straps passing over the instep. You can pair with any type of jeans, shorts, t-shirts, skirts, business outfits or summer dresses.
Sliders
Flat sole, backless slippers featuring a suede, leather or plastic upper with an open toe, they may consist straps or other details. Can be worn with any casual summer outfits.
Brogues
Lace up, chunky sole, round toe shoes characterized by multiple piece, sturdy leather uppers with decorative perforations and serration along the pieces' visible edges. They have masculine look and sit between Oxford and Monk shoes. Can be worn either with formal outfits or casual outfits such as distressed jeans, harem pants, modern jeans, skinny pants, leather jackets, trench coats, flowy skirts and dresses.
Canvas
Light, comfy, usually rubber or gum soled canvas shoes, initially made for sports but now they are used to pair with casual and sporty outfits. They come in different designs, colours and patterns.
Loafer
Low cut, low heel, rounded toe shoes that do not have a lacing or fastening system, usually have vamp extends down the top of the shoe to the tip of the toe box, features straps, tassels or metal decorations on the front. Can be worn with casual and smart casual outfits such as chinos, skirts, shorts, capris, jeans, cardigans, knits and casual style dresses.
Derby
Lace up shoes with rounded toe caps that are characterized by quarters with shoe lace eyelets sewn on the top of the vamp (open lacing), while on Oxford the shoelaces are attached beneath the vamp. They usually made of leather with various colours. Can be worn with both formal and casual outfits such as trousers, skinny or straight jeans, leggings, flowy skirts and dresses.
Dockside
Lightweight, flexible , comfortable shoes with rubber, non-slip sole, the vamp is separated from the toe cap and the side quarters, usually have side lacing around the top-line, made of leather, canvas or suede. You can pair with casual and smart casual outfits, jeans, chinos, pleated skirts, crop tops and summer dresses.
D'orsay
The vamp and the sides of the shoe are cut away, revealing the arch of the foot. You can pair with formal and casual outfits, any length dresses, skirts; skinny or straight pants and jeans.
Espadrilles
Light, close toe and back summer shoes, usually made form canvas featuring a plaited flexible sole made of jute or rope. You can pair with casual outfits such as cropped pants, shorts, flowy skirts, mini skirts, light weighted summer dresses.
Flip Flop
Open toe sandals with flat sole held loosely on the foot by Y shaped strap or thong that passes between the first and second toes and around both sides of the foot. They have different colours, patterns and embellishments such as gems and beads. Can be worn with any summer casual clothes and beach wear.
Gladiator
Close heeled, open toe sandals consisting of a sole held to the foot by straps, a T bar runs down the front of the shoe. The straps can cover just the ankle or can go as high as the knee. Can be worn with casual or dressy outfits such as jeans, long skirts and long flowy dresses.
Jelly
Semi transparent shoes made of rubber or plastic. They have variety of colours, styles, and heels. You can pair with casual summer outfits.
Moccasin
Flat, snug, comfortable rounded toe shoes that have no laces or buckles, the vamp extends into the tongue and separated from the toe cap with the seam, they come with some embellishments and made of soft leather, suede or deerskin. You can pair with casual or smart casual outfits such as jeans, capris, shorts, t-shirts, mini skirts, polo shirts, trench coats, cardigans and blazers.
Monk
Pointy toed shoes with no lacing, closed by a buckle or one or two straps, made of suede or brogue. Can be worn with semi formal and casual outfits, trousers, skinny or straight jeans, printed t-shirts, leather jackets.
Oxford
Classic, plain, lace up shoes with rounded toe cap which are characterized by shoe lace eyelet tabs are attached under the vamp (close lacing) , made of leather, suede or canvas. Can be worn with formal or casual outfits such as trousers, skinny or straight jeans, short or knee length skirts or dresses.
Running
Lightweight, air cushioning sport shoes provides flexibility without compromising structure
Sandal
Open shoes, held the foot with straps attaching the sole, over the instep and around the ankle. They have variety of colours and embellishments. You can pair with any casual summer outfits.
Slip-on
Low cut, lace-less, flat shoes that covers half of the instep, the tongue usually extends into the toe cap. You can pair with casual, sporty outfits such as cropped or skinny pants, shorts, mini skirts and t-shirts.
Sneaker
Primarily designed for sports or other forms of physical exercise, but which are now also widely used for everyday casual wear.
Training
Comfortable sport shoes with flatter sole that designed for multi-directional movements. Although they are made for work out, you can use them for your daily casual outfits.
HEELS
All women simply love wearing heels. Heels not only make us look taller but enhance our posture and give grace and elegance to our walk as long as they’re worn the right way. For example, try not to wear jean shorts with stilettos, if you must add a little height, do so with wedges, or do not choose flared pants with peep toe heels, try wedges or platforms instead. Also never use heels with gym clothes, such as sweatpants.
If your legs are on the shorter side, avoid ankle strap style shoes and heels that are more than four inches tall which is creating the illusion of a shorter leg.
Wear oval-shaped or square-toed heels if you have large feet. Avoid tapered or pointy heels that may end up making your feet look even larger.
The black statement pumps are a must-have shoe for every woman. It goes well with almost everything.
Pair stiletto heels with clothing that already helps elongate your leg, such as pencil skirts and slim pants. The stiletto creates the illusion of further length, making your legs look even more slender and attractive.
Kitten heels look appropriate for the office while still looking feminine enough for a night out. Closed-toe, low-heeled pumps work best for office and formal events.
Strappy, high-heeled shoes and sandals are best options for little black dresses or similar evening wear. Higher heeled sandals make your legs look especially long, thanks to both the heel height and the extra skin showing on the top of your foot.
The combination of heels and jeans is smart, stylish and chic. Peep toe heels are always awesome and would look great with skinny jeans. Jeans and heels is a combination that you can try at the office too. Wear a formal top and a couple of accessories to complete the look for the office. You can pair them up with heels in bold colors and you are ready for the party. For casual look, pair up with blocked, cropped jeans, leather jackets and pants.
Also, if you have long feet, opt for a more rounded toe or a shoe with horizontal seaming to make your feet look smaller. If your feet are very small, opt for a pointed toe or a shoe with vertical seaming to make them look longer.
Downside of the heels is that your feet might get sore after wearing time for a long time, therefore thicker heels are easier to walk in and wear for longer as they distribute the weight evenly.
Types of Heels
Ankle Strap
Has a strap that completely encircles the ankle. They shorten your legs, so be careful with this look when your legs are short. You can pair them with formal and smart casual outfits, flowy, circle skirts and dresses.
Block Heel
Thick and chunky heel with a rectangular or round shape. They have different heel lengths,, open or close toes, small blocks to more chunkier ones. they take a little pressure off the front of your foot, which results in a more comfortable stand and add retro touch to your outfits.
Clog
Thick wooden soled shoes with an open heel that cover the instep and toes. Can be worn with light weight wide leg pants and jeans, tunics, shorts, mini skirts and long flowy dresses.
Cone Heel
Thick, triangular heel shaped as an inverted cone like an ice cream cone which starts wide at the sole and tapers narrower. You can pair with formal and semi formal outfits.
D'orsay
The vamp and the sides of the shoe are cut away, revealing the arch of the foot. They create elegant and luxurious look, you can pair with formal and semi formal outfits such as any length dresses, skirts; straight and flared pants and jeans.
Flared Heel
Has a flared shape, a slimmer base that gradually widens towards the bottom. They are type of column heels and very comfortable as well. Can be worn with formal and semi formal outfits.
Kitten Heal
Short, slender heel, usually from 1.5 to 3.5 inches high with a slight curve. Can be worn with formal outfits.
Rubby Slipper
Cinderella's crystal shoe shape, medium height heel that rear part is concave while the front part moves from the hell to the ball of the foot. Can be worn with vintage and formal outfits.
Marry Jane
Rounded toe, closed, low cut shoes with one or more straps across the instep. You can pair with feminine, flowy skirts and dresses with circled hemlines, printed dresses.
Mule
Pointed toe, backless shoes that covers the instep and have no straps. They have different heel heights from flat to high. Can be worn with casual and dressy outfits, any length skirts and dresses with high heel ones; jeans, shorts with low heel types.
Espadrille Wedges
High heel version of flat espadrilles made form canvas featuring a plaited flexible sole made of jute or rope. You can pair with casual outfits such as cropped pants, shorts, flowy skirts, mini skirts, light weighted summer dresses.
Open Toe
The tip is cut away to leave all the toes exposed, available in a range of styles such as flats, high heels and ankle boots. Can be worn with semi formal, smart casual or casual outfits, mostly skirts and dresses.
Peep Toe
The tip is cut away to leave the large toe partially exposed, available in a range of styles such as flats, high heels and ankle boots. Can be worn with semi formal, smart casual or casual outfits, mostly skirts and dresses.
Pump
Defines any elegant shoe with heel. Timeless set of black or nude pumps will quickly become your go-to all-rounder, can be effortlessly combined with a pair of jeans or a cocktail dress for social engagements.
Horn Heel
Curved and somewhat resemble a horn, they have edgy appearance. Can be worn with formal outfits, any length skirts and dresses.
Platform
Pump with thick soles at least 4 inches in length, the heels are raised higher than the sole, they come in different toe styles. Can be worn with formal and dressy outfits such as pencil skirts, leggings, stylish dresses.
Wedge
Occupies the entire space under the arch and heel portions of the foot and raises the shoe. They are easier to walk in and comfier to wear and extremely versatile, can be worn with casual and semi formal outfits.
Court
Low cut, pointed toe heels without any fastening. You can pair them with business outfits such as pencil skirts, trousers and formal dresses.
Sling Back
Backless and with a strap that crosses behind the heel or ankle. They come in variety of heel styles from stiletto to wedge, flat to high heel as well as open to close toe styles. You can pair with formal and smart casual outfits, any length skirts and dresses.
Spool
With a heel wide at the base, narrower at the middle and widens slightly at the end resembles hourglass shape resembles the spool of an old spinning machine. Can be worn with formal and semi formal outfits such as knee length skirts, dresses and trousers.
Stiletto
Tall, slim heel starts near the insertion of the sole of foot and downs right with minimum height of 2 inches. They are extremely versatile, feminine and can be worn with formal and casual outfits..
Pin Heel
Its very feminine,tall an thin and slims the figure by adding visual length to your legs. Can be worn for formal outfits and dressy occasions.
T-Strap
Shoes which have a strap running vertically up the foot towards the ankle. They create elegant and very feminine look. You can pair with formal and dressy outfits, such as any lenght skirts and dresses.
Wedge Sandals
Heeled sandals can range from kitten to stiletto and have a any form of styles like platform, wedge or ankle straps. You can pair with both formal and casual outfits, mostly skirts and dresses.
Lobstar Claw
Created by Alexander McQeen and has a shape of lobster claw, usually carved from wood, they are not popular for commercial use.
Platform Pin
Very high heels can reach heights of up to eight inches or more, usually equipped with a platform in the front in order not to overstretch the foot and make the walking experience more comfortable. Can be worn for night outs and dressy occasions.
BOOTS
Ankle boots are probably the most popular type of boots to wear on a daily basis. They are generally easy to pair with lots of outfits . Booties end right at the ankle while ankle boots can end one to four inches above the ankle. If the boots go any higher than that, they would be a mid-calf boots.
Ankle boots with high heels look great with jeans. Shorter heels in ankle boots can give you a strong cowgirl type look while higher and more delicate look will go well with skinny jeans and a casual blouse or even a t-shirt. Classic ankle boots have round toe or pointy toe which is more flattering.
Most booties come in the skinny high heel or the low block heel and you can wear them year-round. You can pair booties with skinny ankle jeans or with a long flowy dress or sleek trousers and a button down for the office. You don’t want booties to cut you off any higher than a couple of inches above your ankle because it can make you appear shorter.
You usually want boots or clothing to end at the slimmest parts of your body, but mid-calf boots end right at the thickest part of your calf and if not worn correctly they can make you look short, stumpy. Cowboy boots, rain boots and ugg boots are among the most popular styles of mid-calf boots.
Combat boots are especially famous among girls because of their edgy and sporty vibes. They offer great versatility and you can pair combat boots with many different outfits, such as shorts, thighs, leggings, ripped jeans, pleated skirts, jeans, plaid shirts, graphic tees, chunky/over sized sweaters, knit jumpers, skater dresses, leather jackets. Option to pair them up with complementing colored pieces and matching accessories.
Knee high boots tend to keep you warmer, and they’re much better at keeping rain, sleet, and snow from getting inside your boots. They can have buckles or straps, are typically zippered, and come in a variety of color. They usually have a super straight and stiff shaft with minimal design and no slouching of the fabric. Knee boots with thicker stacked heel are more common instead of skinny heels. The thick heel balances the high shaft of the boot and looks balanced, perfect for everyday wear with jeans, leggings, trousers, and skirts. Most common ones are brown and black suede or leather boots.
The higher the shaft of the boots the feminine the boots get. Over the knee and thigh high boots are like ankle boots and booties, the only difference is a couple of inches. Over the knee boots have anywhere between a 20 and 25-inch shaft while a thigh-high boot has over 25 inches. You can also tell the difference between how the top of the boot ends. In thigh high boots, the shaft gets larger towards to top so they truly go up to your thighs. Non-shiny black leather or suede thigh high boots are more common. They are sleek and chic, cover your entire leg and helps you look tall and lean.
Knee-high to over-the-knee flat boots are are great for the winter, and can help legs look more slender. The challenge, however, lies in how to wear them in such a way that is both classy and chic.
Shorter hemlines tend to be a perfect fit with these shoes. If you are wearing a longer skirt, make sure that there is no skin showing between the hem of the skirt and the top of the boots.
Types of Boots
Ankle
Low, blocked heel boots that cover ankle. They are stylish, sturdy and versatile. You can pair with semi- formal or casual outfits such as boy friend, straight or skinny jeans, flowy circle skirts, over-sized knits, mini skirts, leather jackets and trench coats.
Wedge
Wedged heel, comfy boots , usually with suede surface and come in different styles. You can pair with casual or dressy outfits depending on the style.
Army
Lace up boots made of leather or nubuck with thickened upper parts to support the ankle and grooved flat sole, have eyelets made of metal and a long tongue. You can pair with denim, khaki or sporty pants, patterned shirts, hoodies, sweaters and sports jackets.
Biker
Low heeled boots with a loose fit shaft that stops above the ankle but before the middle of the calf, usually have adjustable straps passing over the instep and around the ankle.You can pair with casual outfits such as leather jackets and pants, jeans, tights, leggings and t-shirts.
Chelsea
Close fitting ankle high boots with an elastic side panel and rounded toe cap, no laces or zippers. Can be worn with casual outfits such as skinny or cropped pants and jeans, shirts, t-shirts.
Desert
Light weight, ankle high suede boots with flat soles, open lacing with 2-3 pairs of eyelets and rounded toe. Can be worn with semi-casual outfits such as shirts, jackets, skinny or straight pants and jeans, oversize knits and sweaters, trench coats and leather jackets.
Combat
Laced heavy, chunky boots with a grooved flat sole and a rounded toe cap. You can pair with any type of jeans, mini skirts and grunge style outfits.
Cowboy
Country style pointed toe boots with a short boot shaft that stops at the middle of the calf, has a low angled heel, no lacing, may have decorative stitches. Can be worn with bold casual outfits such as long or mid length printed, flowy dresses or skirts with denim jackets.
Chukka
Ankle high leather boots with suede or leather uppers, rubber flat shoes and open lacing with 2-3 pairs of eyelets. Can be worn with casual jeans and pants, cozy sweaters and cardigans, loose fir light weight layers, casual skirts and dresses.
Platform/Chunky
Statement boots that have thick soles, heels and variety of colours and designs. You can pair with casual or eye-catcher outfits.
Frye
Characterized by a harness belt around the ankles and mid calf shaft with handles on the sides, has 2 inch heels, ankle or knee high length. The harness includes straps and metal ring. You can pair with casual outfits such as jeans, shorts and long, circle skirts and dresses.
Snow
Waterproof boots with wool lining. The most famous ones are moon boots. They come in with different styles and colours. They can be worn with casual and sports outfits.
Lita
Statement boots with chunky high heels and thick/sturdy texture. They come in variety of colours and can be worn with dressy outfits such as any length dresses and skirts.
Lace-up
They are the boot versions of flat shoe styles such has oxford, brogues and derby shoes. The elegant ones are with stiletto heel, pointed toe and long laces up to the top at the front. Can be worn with chic and dressy outfits.
Shearling
Loose fit flat boots made from sheep skin and assembled with the fleece on the inside. Can be worn with casual outfits, jeans, loose cut coats and sports jackets.
Hiking
Water repellent and proof all over snug fit boots with rubber soles to protect feet and ankle during outdoor activities. Can be worn with casual and sports outfits.
Riding
Low heeled (1 inch or low, which was used to prevent the foot from sliding out of a stirrup, rounded toe), knee length with a rounded top edge, leather boots fit tightly around the calves, have a zipper running down the back of the boot shaft. You can pair with down coats, rain coats, sheepskin coats, polo thirsts, fitted jackets, skinny pants and leggings.
Rain
Waterproof boots made of rubber or plastic, have chunky rubber sole. Can be worn with casual outfits.
Slouch
Have unstructured shaft that falls into folds, usually made of suede or other foldable textures. You can pair them with casual or dressy outfits such as jeans, leggings, mini or midi circle skirts and dresses.
Cuff
Have a fold-over upper, variety of heels, lengths and styles. You can pair them with casual or dressy outfits such as jeans, leggings, mini or midi circle skirts and dresses.
Knee High
Boots that rise to the knee or just below, tighter around the leg shaft and ankle, made of leather or suede. They are very versatile and can be worn with any styles, mostly jeans, leggings, any length skirts and dresses.
Over the Knee
Boots reach over the knee, usually tighter around the leg shaft, made of soft leather or suede, variety of heels. They have anywhere between a 20 and 25-inch shaft. You can pair them with casual or dressy outfits such as jeans, leggings, mini or midi circle skirts and dresses.
Thigh High
High boots that reach up to the thigh, stretch the legs, usually made of suede. Their shaft is approx. over 25 inches and gets larger towards to top. Can be worn with mini skirts and dresses, skinny pants, leggings, mid length coats and jackets.
Sock
Heeled boots with the top of the boot fitting to the leg like a sock, made of suede, leather or neoprene. You can pair with any styles from casual to dressy.
