Simple Guidelines for Summer Shoes

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Can You Spot A Fake?

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http://www.dianaprefers.com/books/handbag.html

Love all the great summer shoes that are available this season but aren't sure which styles are right for you? You're not alone. We're just a couple of weeks into warm weather here in the Mid-Atlantic, and I've already seen enough footwear faux pas to last me through the season. Ugly feet, unflattering straps, wrong colors - you name, I've seen it.

If your lazy days' wardrobe includes barely-there shoes, take some time to ensure that you're casting your tootsies in their best light. Because when the feet are exposed, people look. Make sure you give them a pleasant eye full.

The best place to start is with feet that are worthy of attention. Cracked heels, untrimmed nails, and hairy toes all spell careless foot care, and are undeserving of summer's pretty sandals. Smooth, trim, and polish your feet before slipping them into those skimpy styles, or treat yourself to a pedicure to make sure your tootsies are in show-shape. If you have a small budget for such little luxuries, check out the beauty schools in your area. You can usually get the students to practice on you for a fraction of what it costs at salons.

Look for styles that flatter your legs and feet. Remember the rules of proportion: the larger the foot, the heavier the shoe, the smaller the foot, the lighter the shoe. Dainty styles on large, wide feet will make the foot look larger and wider, just as heavy styles on small, narrow feet will make them look smaller and narrower. Wide straps across the foot will make a wide foot look wider, and ankle straps will make a short leg look shorter. Don't just buy the latest fashion without a second thought. Always take stock of your particular situation and buy the styles that flatter you the most.

Newport-News.com

Spiegel.com

Heavy heel looks great on
wide feet and legs with
thick ankles

Dainty shoes look better on
small feet and legs with
small ankles

It's fun to wear bright colors on your feet in the heat of summer, but there are two things to keep in mind before you reach for those hot pink or lemon yellow shoes:

Bright colors (or outrageous styles) call attention to your feet. Make sure they can stand up to the scrutiny.

Colors tend to "chop up" the body visually. If you're tall and want to look shorter, this will do the trick. If you're short and want to look taller, it won't.

Spiegel.com

f you're looking for one pair of sandals to see you through the season, opt for a flesh-tone color to maximize your versatility and visually elongate the leg and foot.

Shoes that fit correctly are the same length and width as your foot. Your toes shouldn't spill over, your heel shouldn't hang off. If the length is correct by the darn things flop around when you walk, then the strap is too wide. Either leave them at the store, if you're thinking about buying them, or see if a shoe repair shop can somehow shorten the strap.

Nothing is worse than shoes that pinch, bind, or rub. If you've ever had a special occasion ruined because of uncomfortable shoes, you know what I'm talking about. Always try shoes on when buying, and walk around in them as much as possible to test for comfort. If something feels funny or pokes you strangely, leave them at the store. Otherwise, you'll wear them once and then promptly relegate them to the back of your closet. That money is better spent elsewhere.

While many companies relax their business dress codes in the summer, make sure skimpier shoe styles are included on the list for your company. They may not be. Traditional businesses like banking, accounting, and law call for closed toe and hosiery year 'round. Also, depending on your line of work, there may be safety issues involved with exposing your toes or wearing less-than-sturdy styles. If you're looking for something a little lighter than pumps or flats, opt for slingbacks or mules instead - provided they're included in your company dress code, of course.

Spiegel.com
Summer Slingbacks

Finally, don't wear shoes that are broken or there may be safety issues involved with exposing your toes or wearing less-than-sturdy styles threatening to break. Not only does it look bad, it's dangerous. Either repair them appropriately, or toss and buy another pair.

In short, take some time to make sure that your feet look as good as the rest of you this summer. Skimpy styles that flop around on feet that look tired and worn won't do anything for you but generate a few snide remarks behind your back. It may be "the lazy days of summer," but that doesn't mean you should neglect how you look.

Need some other great tips to see you through the season? Download a copy of WARDROBE MAGIC,

http://www.WardrobeMagic.com

to see how easy looking great can be.