“Yours are the only shoes made to walk your journey.” – Charles F. Glassman
“I need to stop by the mall to get me some heels”, I said as I sent in my report for the week.
“Yemi, you just bought new shoes last week! Are you setting up a mall?” My colleague, Tonia, asked. Looking at me like I have two heads.
“I have a date! I hope that answers your questions. And stop staring at me like that,” I responded, wondering how I became friends with Tonia who never gets why a lady needs to have shoes.
“Yemi, you don’t have to get shoes for every date with every man you encounter”, Tonia continued, trying to change my stance.
“I am the real life Cinderella!” I responded sassily, flipping my hair. “I need to get shoes for every prince I meet.
“Take a walk in my shoes and you’d probably understand why.”
It is easy for everyone to judge my love for shoes as unnecessary but just like clothes, shoes are an essential part of my outfit — it completes the whole look, and makes me feel confident and bossy, like, I could conquer the whole world if I want to.
A great pair of shoes has a great impact on looks and can elevate your confidence; it represents YOU.
Just like Yemi, every stylish woman out there knows the importance of shoes in an outfit. It not only helps to complete the look, it also helps boost your self esteem:
Shoes elevate your look and that gives you confidence.
2. IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE
Wearing the right pair of shoes can improve your posture. Anyone with back problems knows that a lot of problems are due to slouching and wearing the wrong shoes.
3. COMPLETE AN OUTFIT
Simply put, shoes complete an outfit. They represent the icing on the cake. A little black dress can be dressed down with some flats, or alternatively, dressed up with great heels. A change of shoes is all you need to go from smart to casual or vice versa.
4. THEY TELL A STORY
There’s a great old saying that you can tell all you need to know about a person by the shoes that they’re wearing. Tell a story, play on it and go elaborate by adding some drama to your outfit.
5. IT’S THERAPEUTIC
It has been proven that buying new shoes increases the shopper’s dopamine levels by an unusually large amount. A natural high that makes you feel good and have self-confidence? Count me in!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHOE — a shoe style guide
As a woman, finding the right shoes to go with the right outfit can be a bit of a task in itself. Because there is a lot to consider while choosing a shoe for an outfit. With so many styles, colours and heel heights to choose from, finding the perfect footwear can be a bit of a nightmare.
Here is a list of options to consider when choosing a shoe for an outfit:
1. THINK ABOUT THE OCCASION
This is the premise of your whole appearance — this is the first factor that needs to be considered. Is it a formal event, or just a casual dinner with friends? This will affect the corresponding shoe choice.
2. CHOOSE SHOES ACCORDING TO DRESS LENGTH
It’s important to consider the length of your dress before you pick out the perfect pair of shoes. When it comes to formal occasions, you’re better off choosing an open-toe shoe with a significant heel if you’re wearing a floor-skimming number, like Toke Makinwa is in the picture below. The heel will give you that extra lift you need to prevent you from tripping over the train of your dress.
Maxi dresses work better with casual sandals, whether they are heeled or flat, whereas short, laid-back dresses are more versatile. In these instances, boots, flats, sandals, or even sneakers, are acceptable.
3. COLOURS
Choose shoe colors that match your clothes instead of colors that compete with your clothes. The keyword here is ‘match’ — it doesn’t have to be the same colour with the cloth. For example, if you have on a dress with a bright or bold pattern, a simple black heels or flats is the right combo. You can also consider a neutral color like ‘nude’ pumps or flat.
The color rule in fashion is:
Patterned or multi color should be paired with a plain color. Pairing a multi color with another multi color will be overwhelming and confusing cause there is too much going on. And, vice versa. That is, a plain color can be paired with a patterned/multi color.
It is okay to play with colours, you just have to be make sure it is the right blend.
CASUAL SHOES
Whether it’s a walk in the park or a trip to the local coffee shop, ladies’ casual shoes are very versatile – ideal for many occasions.
– BALLET PUMPS
A pretty and practical solution to comfort. Ballet pumps are a flat slipper type shoe ideal for women who want something they can wear anywhere. These versatile shoes come in every print, colour and pattern imaginable, from classic nude to wild animal prints.
When choosing a look for the office, team your coloured chinos with a pair of classic ballerina pumps. By picking out different colours, textures and detailing, you can mix up your look daily.
– WEDGES
A wedge heel can give an outfit a more polished look, without having to sacrifice comfort. They are far more comfortable than traditional heels, especially a lower wedge, and can help complete a variety of outfits.
– MULES
Mules are open-backed shoes with a closed front. Lady’s mules are suitable for slipping on and off and generally far more casual than closed shoes.
– TRAINERS
These are more supportive for your feet and comfier than any other shoe for exercising. They are perfect for use at the gym or yoga studio, or simply just as a fashion statement.
“One shoe can change your life.” – Cinderella
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