14 DAY TRIAL // Summer shoes are meant to be open, comfortable (well, most of them anyway), and at the very least, allow our feet to breathe. It's up to our personal style whether we decide to wear high-heel sandals or spend the sunny summer months in flip flops - however, our personal preferences should always be based primarily on the size and shape of our body frame and the size and shape of our feet. It's always good to sport the latest show trends, but it's not good to wear them without first taking into account what looks good on us, what types of shoes flatter our feet and help us make the most of our best features. Here are some little bits of advice about choosing your summer shoes.
The best way to approach this problem is to consider the size and shape of your feet and your body. If you have thick ankles and calves, it's not a good idea to wear ankle strap shoes, as they will only make your feet look even bulkier. The same goes for flat sandals. The best choices for you are heavier weight shoes, such as wedges or (even better) platform shoes and sandals. The latter will balance out your feet nicely and if you're looking to add some length to your stature, go for an open toe style. Ballet flats are also a more comfortable option; however, you need to wear them with skirts or dresses that finish above the knee, otherwise they will only seem to add to the bulk.
If you are petite or have short legs, there are several types of shoes you should avoid. Chunky, wide-strapped gladiator styles are first on the list. You should also regard flat sandals suspiciously, and if you come across a pair you simply cannot resist, make sure you never wear them with skirts or dresses that finish at calf length or you'll risk looking like your grandma out on a shopping trip. Platforms are a good option for you, as they provide the added height, which allows you to carry off any outfit successfully.
If you are tall, don't shy away from high heels - not too high if you happen to have big feet, but otherwise, you can pretty much pull off any shoe style. Choose embellished ballet flats in vivid, bright colors or go for any other pair of rounded or square-toed shoes you like. Metallic flat sandals - gladiator-style included - are also versatile enough to provide the "catch" element for any summer outfit. Wedge heels provide a more comfortable alternative to stilettos as long as the toes are not enclosed. Don't be afraid of more flashy styles - this season, you can definitely afford to allow your imagination to go wild.