Shoe Styles: Flats vs Flip-Flops

Like most girls, I am a shoe addict. My obsession puts Carrie Bradshaw to shame. While most rational people buy shoes to go with an outfit, I buy clothes to go with whatever fabulous new shoes catch my eye on an impulse buy. Wherever I go - nightclubs, work, even elevators and grocery stores - I am checking out other people's shoes. What I've learned from all of my shoe-gazing is this: The wrong shoe choice can ruin an entire outfit. Let's have a look at a few currently popular shoe styles, and some tips for how (and how not) to wear them.

Pointed-Toe Pumps

It is currently fashionable to wear pumps with jeans. This, however, really only applies to the more modern styles of pump with very, very pointed toes that will be visible under pants. You won't look quite as fashion savvy if you pair your jeans with the old black rounded-toe standbys that you've had in the closet since your first office job. It's a great look of you can pull it off, just be sure to study some current fashion magazines for what looks right in terms of what types of jeans work best for this look.
It's also important that you do not make an ugly trip back in time to the 80's by wearing contrasting crew or cuffed socks with pumps. For comfort, odor and sweat absorbence, and discretion, try some itty bitty nylon half-socks that cover just inside the shoe. You can find them for just a few bucks at any shoe store, and it beats having to wear full pantyhose or slouch-prone knee-highs with jeans. Finally, make sure that your heel height is compatible with the length of your jeans or pants. You'll be tripping over the back of your pants if the heel is too short, and too-short pants with a high heel can look freakish. You'll want the pants to cover most of the top portion of your foot, with no skin and only a few inches of the toe of the shoe showing.

Open-Toe Shoes

Open-toe slides with a "kitten" heel aren't just for formal wear anymore. Now, they're worn with pants, jeans, and casual skirts. With these styles, you want your entire outfit to have a consistent "flow." Is your top sleeveless or strappy? Perfect. Are you wearing a sweater or long sleeves? Choose another shoe. You also shouldn't wear a shoe that has a satiny, formalwear finish with casual clothing. And by no means whatsoever should you ever, ever wear stockings or socks with an open-toed shoe. If your dress code at work requires stockings, just pick a different shoe. If your significant other finds stockings and open toes sexy, just wear them at home. You want to show off your pedicure here, not look like your great grandmother.

Flip-Flops

When flip-flops (aka "thongs") became popular again, I was somewhat disgusted by the idea of colored foam rubber being fashionable. Fortunately, there are now more "dressed up" versions of the flip-flop than ever before. Many looks are available, from Steve Madden's leather and animal print platforms to suede, studded, or decorated straps. The wide range of colors available in standard foam/rubber flip-flops make do-it-yourself embellishments tempting, but can lead to color overload. Neon colors like lime green and yellow can look tacky. Think about the statement you're making: "not only am I wearing rubber shoes, but they're neon too!" As with open-toed shoes, the outfit will flow better if you stick to basic colors like black, brown, red, and even some shades of pink. You'l also want to consider the fabric in your outfit. If you work in an S&M den, it's perfectly okay to mix foam/rubber/plastic with leather, satin, or lace. For most people, though, flip-flops work best with cottons and cotton blends. Sweatshirt? No. Tank top? Yes. Also remember that chunkier soles lool best with skirts or capris. The longer the length of your hemline, the flatter your sole should be.

Flats

Great news! Flats are back! The even better news is that you can wear them with practically anything now. Ballerina flats are the newest trend. These go with everything from cute little dresses to dressed-down denim. And you can embellish basic flats just like you can flip-flops (think beads, appliques, paint, whatever). The cutest thing I've seen this Spring is sneaker ballet flats with a mary jane strap paired with Dickies capris - fashion love!

Chunky Shoes

Chunky shoes include those with extra-thick heels and/or soles. When flats and pointy toes came in, chunky went out. If you're one of those people still holding on to your chunky boots and sandals, waiting for the trend to return (as they all eventually do), please keep a couple of things in mind. First, unless you are an exotic dancer (or just want to look like one), avoid chunky heels or chunky-soled stilettos with short skirts. Also avoid chunky shoes with skinny pants.

Now you have some shoe-choosing basics. Don't be intimidated. Try a lot of different looks. You'll know if it's right. And if it's wrong, but you like it and you feel good in it, then go for it!