Black shoes vs versatility

Last week I created a question box on my Instagram Stories asking for blog post suggestions and ideas related to style and the wardrobe.

I was surprised with a number of questions related to shoes! In fact, shoes are such an important part of the outfit overall. I honestly see shoes as your vehicle, they don’t only need to look good, but they need to be supportive for your needs.

So, let’s dive in!

The first thing I want to address is the title of this post. Are black shoes the most versatile shoes?

No! Black shoes are not the best go-to option for everyone, and I dare to say… it’s not the best option for most people. The idea of “black shoes go with everything” is a myth. Let me explain…

Often dark shoes will add too much visual weight to the bottom portion of your body. They will work best if you have black hair because you’re repeating something that’s already present on your body, creating harmony. Remember, two black items in an outfit is always better than one.

Otherwise, shoes that blend into your skin tone are a much better go-to option. They can be paired with almost any color in your wardrobe, so you don’t have to worry about your shoe color every time you pick out an outfit.

Another piece of universal advice when it comes to shoes and leather goods in general, is to look for pieces that repeat your hair or eye color. For example: if you have hazel eyes and vivid brown hair, cognac brown leather goods will beautifully melt into your outfits. If you have light or medium blonde hair, adding tans or light browns in different parts of your outfit, like jackets, shoes, or handbags, will blend with your hair and work well with multiple outfits.

Question I received on Instagram: When to wear loafer, pointy flat, or kitten heel?

The answer depends on what is important to you and what you want to evoke with your choices. People can feel harmonic and feel good wearing different things. Some people don’t care as much about feeling slim and long as other folks. So if its important to feel slim and elongate your legs, I would avoid pairing loafers with pants that sit right over them. I would prioritize melting loafers with shorter bottoms like ankle length, mid calf, or shorts (see photo). I would wear pointy shoes for pants that sit right on the shoe. The long toe will provide that feeling of longer legs and balance out the length of the pants. As far as kitten heels- It’s a very easy way to elevate an outfit. I would wear them every time I want to feel slightly more elevated than if I were to wear flats.

Example of too long vs right length (photos from Pinterest)

Question I received on Instagram: Finding shoes that are comfortable? I live in Birkenstocks.

After COVID, brands have really been working on mixing comfort and style. Even Birkenstocks came out with styles that are more polished- mixing metal buckles, animal print, and different leather finishes. Be experimental, because there’s lots of options out there!

I recommend taking photos of your outfits so you can look at them after and pinpoint what you loved and what you didn’t. That will keep you from repeating outfit formulas that didn’t work well for you in the past. If it still feels tricky to figure all this out on your own, seek help! I’m happy to provide personalized assistance on your wardrobe needs.

If you have any other questions related to footwear, leave them in the comments so I can address them!