Recently in Shoes Category

Q. Is it okay to wear a black suede peep toe 3.5” heel in June? I’m standing in a wedding. We were asked to buy our own floor length black dresses.

A. We love putting old fashion rules to rest: suede is no longer reserved just for fall and winter and can be worn year round. What’s more important than the color or fabric of your shoe is the style. For instance, a knee high black suede boot would be too heavy for warm weather. Since your black suede shoes have a peep toe, they are perfectly appropriate and comfortable for warm weather. If they look great with your black gown, then wear them!

Q. I know that a nude/neutral shoe is on trend for this season. Honestly, I’ve been searching for a great classic nude/flesh tone shoe for a couple of years and have yet to find one that I really love. I am tall, with long muscular legs and bigger ankles. I know this shoe would be great for my legs.

Do you have any other feedback on where to find classic, basic pumps (peep toe/sandal prefered) in a true nude?

A. It’s hard to say what exactly is a “true nude” since nudes can be any range of light tan, blush, sand or light beige with yellow or pink undertones. The good news is, nearly any of these nude or light beige tones will have the same leg lengthening effect, even if it doesn’t match your skin tone perfectly.

A pump, d’Orsay or sling back style is your best bet; avoid any straps or details which will draw attention to your thicker ankles. Here are some of our favorite nude pumps that will help make your legs look great:

More Nine West…

Q. I am wearing this white dress to my husband’s military ball. I don’t want it to look too bridal, so I would prefer not to wear matching shoes, but what color would look best? I would like the shoes to go with the overall soft, feminine look of the dress.

A. What a pretty, feminine dress! In keeping with the soft look of the dress, you should look for pretty heels in nude, gold, silver or a soft champagne color. Here are a few affordable options:

Chinese Laundry Weekend Metallic Sandal $69 - DSW

Nina Women’s Clova Sandal $79 - Endless.com

Every $79 - Nine West

Kelly & Katie Vegas Satin Sandal $70 - DSW

Calvin Klein Petal Appliqué Dress $178 - Nordstrom

Q. I’m tall - really tall. I love it, and I don’t shy away from wearing heals, however I draw the line at chunky platforms that add several more inches and can make me look ridiculous. However, I love the new clogs trend, and really want to get a pair. Is the big wooden platform an essential part of this style? Do you know of any cute clogs that aren’t quite so sky high?

A. When it comes to the new fashion-y clog (and not the traditional comfort clog), unfortunately, a high heel with a chunky platform is the most coveted style. However, you can still get the look of a clog with one of these variations on this season’s clog (which is in itself a variation of the traditional clog!) featuring wood soles but with a more manageable heel height or thinner platform:

More Swedish Hasbeens…

Q. I bought a few pairs of gladiator sandals last summer, can I still wear them?

A. You’re in luck! Grecian-inspired sandals continue to be a huge trend this season. We especially love them worn with dresses and skirts. Here are some of this season’s stand-outs:

Blowfish - Laco Black Gladiator Sandal $49 - Jildor

Luichiny Freak In Gladiator Sandal $70 - DSW

Braided Gladiator Sandal $15 - Forever 21

HAIDEE High Leg Gladiators $50 - Topshop

Ash Marrakech Studded Gladiator Sandal $272 - My-Wardrobe.com

Sm Dani Gladiator $90 - DSW

Se Boutique Grenda Gladiator Sandal $99 - DSW

HARBOUR Gladiator Jellies $24 - Topshop

Kimchi Blue Gladiator $38 - Urban Outfitters

Guess what? Gladiator sandals aren’t the only spring trend you already own.