It’s a Shoe Thing, Part One

When it comes to summer dressing in skirts and shorts, most of us are quick to scratch our heads - wondering if we have selected the correct shoe to give our outfit the needed umph or finishing touch. For most of us the dog days of summer mean grabbing our Old Navy flip flops to pair with a cotton sundress or Bermuda short. Really, summer shoe options are endless and much more fun than a non-supportive rubber flip flop.

Summer shoes tend to be less expensive due to the reduced materials and workmanship required, and also offer multiple color and fabric variations. For these reasons alone, we try to extend our summer shoes well into fall. Summer is lighter on the feet and our shoes can express that sentiment. When selecting a shoe keep in mind just a few rules of thumb:

·      Choose shoe styles according to the occasion that you feel you will wear them most. Example: A shoe that completes a go-to cotton skirt, worn with a t-shirt during the day and loose fitting prairie style top for evening.

·      Balance the weight of your garment with your shoe. Example: A Bermuda short is worn with flats or espadrilles.

·      Matching this summer’s brightly colored shoes is tricky. Having a hint of the shoe’s color in your outfit is helpful, but blending the tones is much easier. Our grandmother’s ways of matching the shoe and bag to the outfit is no longer necessary. Example: A coral or dusty blue color linen skirt looks best with a natural color wedge with a raffia or rope heel.

What About Shorts?

Shorts are similar to bathing suits - they have to fit properly. Wearing ill fitting shorts, whether too short or too tight, can’t be saved by wearing a cute pair of shoes. Make sure the shorts are appropriate for your body shape and lifestyle. Pleats and prints will make you appear heavier, and wide legged shorts will do just the opposite. Plus size women should avoid pleats and cargo pockets. Petite women look best in a short with a 5-inch inseam, and not a longer style. Remember that fitted shorts look best when hemmed at or right above the knee, and not at the widest part of your knee.

Shoe Options for Shorts and Capri’s

Bermuda or tapered leg: Opt for a thong sandal, wedge, or color Converse for that urban twist.  Skimmers (ballerina flats), neutral driving moccasins, or boat shoes are also flattering, relaxed styles for a longer style short.

Cuffed or rolled shorts: Look for a strappy, thong, or Grecian style sandal with open woven patterns or a canvas flat, like Tom’s. 

Dress short: For a sassy look for a dressy day or night wear, stick to open toe strappy shoes or peep toe pumps. Platforms with chunky heels help elongate your leg and keep the dressy look consistent. Anything embellished or that has rivets on the shoe offer a trendier option. This is when balancing the fabric of your clothing to the shoe is most important.

Capri’s: Capri’s come in all lengths, from right below the knee to three inches above the ankle. The possibilities are endless as long as you keep the look light and not heavy with a completely closed toe shoe. Stay away from Croc’s, clogs, and cross trainers as frumpy is not a word you want to be remembered by!