Right to Shoes
The only thing that can kill the high of purchasing a great new garment is having no idea which shoes to pair with it. No matter how figure-flattering, hot-off-the-runway or functional the piece may be, without a pair of complementary shoes it becomes useless. You can spin around in front of the mirror in your fabulous find all you want, but the garment can't really show off a trend until you discover a footwear match.
Local stylist Christie Moeller helps us pinpoint which shoes make the most sense with some of the trickier trends out there today. Likewise, we tackle some of the new shoe looks that can really complicate getting dressed in the morning. Take a look at the matchmaking.
A PERFECT MATCH
1. Knee-length sweater dress: Ankle boots. "I love the look of heeled booties with this," Moeller said. "Wear leather to contrast with the sweater and throw on some textured tights."
2. Leggings: Cozy wedge boots and ballet flats. The key here is to pair your leggings with an of-the-moment, non-'80s shoe style, otherwise you wind up looking like an extra from an old Cyndi Lauper video.
3. Wide-leg pants: Very pointy heels. A pointier toe will offset the pant's volume and won't get lost in the width of the leg. By all means, avoid clunky shoes here. They will only weigh down the rest of the look.
4. Sequin shift dress: Metallic strappy heels in gold or silver. "Just don't overdo the bling on the shoe," Moeller warned.
5. Bermuda shorts: (with tights) closed-toe heel; (without tights) ballet flats. The former will help take the long shorts into the office and the latter puts the chic in casual chic.
6. Black pencil skirt: Round-toe retro heel in patent leather. "Think sexy film noir babe," Moeller said.
7. Graphic print trapeze dress: Feminine metallic heel. Moeller recommends a more feminine look since the trapeze silhouette can rob a girl of her curves.
8. Skinny jeans: Pointy pumps or boots. If your jeans run a bit longer than normal, you can slide them down over your heels to lengthen your leg. Both the pumps and boots, coupled with the narrow jean, give a recognizable yet updated nod to the '80s.
Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0477.
dare to wear Tall, flat boots: Whether it's the punchy rain boots just coming on the scene or the riding, leather boots we've seen for a couple seasons now, this trend tends to intimidate shoppers. Just think simplicity for the rest of your look. Worn over a pair of slim, narrow jeans and coupled with an understated chunky knit sweater, these boots get the spotlight they deserve. "Or with cropped pants (they) give your outfit that equestrian flair," Moeller said. Sporty ballet flats: Half ballet flat, half sneaker, these shoes can get tricky. If you snagged them purely for comfort reasons, let them peak beneath your favorite pair of worn-in jeans. If they appealed to you for their look, show them off. "I love these with Bermuda shorts or capri pants," Moeller said. "Very nautical chic on holiday look."
