Recently in Shoes Category

Q. I’ve been eyeing the Tuxxedo shoes from Steve Madden for a while now. I absolutely adore them in black and white, but I wonder if they’re too formal looking for every day wear? How I could I rock them or the ones in cognac?

A. Menswear-inspired Oxford shoes can be worn casually many different ways. Take a cue from Selma Blair, Taylor Swift and Sienna Miller by pairing your Oxfords with everything from dresses and skirts to skinny or boyfriend jeans.

The black and white Tuxxedo does have a slightly more dressy feel, but you can still wear it casually - and it would look great with a boyfriend blazer and leggings. If you’re unsure about whether you can pull it off or not, then go for the cognac color like the pair Taylor Swift is wearing above.

Q. I work in a business casual atmosphere where there is a lot of flexibility in appearance. I’m always annoyed with my shoes by the end of the day, even my flats. Are there fancy sneakers that I can wear to work with trousers or something equally comfortable?

A. Your appearance matters, even in a business casual office, so it’s always important to look neat and professional. Therefore, we are not fans of sneakers with trousers. If your usual shoes or flats are uncomfortable by the end of the day, you can try some of the many gel insoles available, like these from Dr. Scholl’s.

If the insoles don’t work, we recommend investing in a pair of Cole Haan shoes with Nike Air technology. They offer a huge range of stylish shoes that contain low profile cushioning. In other words, they look like a shoe but feel like a sneaker.

Q. What is the best way to wear booties?

A. Not only are ankle boots a huge trend, but they’re also extremely versatile. You can wear them with jeans or leggings or in place of a pump with dresses and skirts. Since booties range from super low (sometimes called shooties) to heights that are well above your ankle bone, how you wear your boots depends on the style of boot.

Shooties or shoe booties look best with skirts, dresses and long skinny jeans or leggings. These are the most flattering style to wear since they come down low on the leg, making them look longer than with other styles of boots. Booties that come up a bit higher on the ankle can also be worn with skirts and dresses but look best on women with slim calves. Another option for ankle boots is to wear them with skinny or boot cut jeans or leggings. Here are some celebrity photos for inspiration:

Katy Perry, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart and Rihanna all wear booties with bare legs and dresses or skirts, though tights would also be a great addition to any of these looks. Note that all of the hemlines hit well above the knee for a flattering leg look.

Q. Can short girls wear riding boots? I’m 5’1” and 140lbs. Will wearing flat boots make me look shorter or wider? I like the look and love the comfort but I want to look stylish and not stocky.

A. Flat boots can be tricky for petite women to wear. The most important tip is to choose a shaft height that works with your proportions (the shaft is the part of the boot that covers the leg, measured along the inside seam of the boot). Anything too tall will make you look shorter. The most flattering boot would hit 1” or more below your knee.

Wearing your boots with similar colored tights, leggings or jeans will also help create a flattering look for your legs. A short dress or skirt will also help to lengthen your legs. For more tips, read:

Advice for short, curvy girls about knee high boots

Frye Harness boots for a petite figure?

In search of riding boots that aren’t too tall

Q. I absolutely love Hunter Welly boots! But I haven’t seen many women wearing them this season, and I’m afraid I missed the trend! Can you still wear them this year, or is that so-last-season?

A. It’s funny to think of a boot that has been around for over 50 years as a trendy item, though the last few years have spawned fashion-forward versions of the classic Hunter Wellington boot. Not only will they keep your feet dry on the rainiest day, but they look great with jeans, dresses and skirts. Whether they are this season’s trendy must-have or not, we still say there’s nothing better for puddle splashing. Whether you spend $100 on the original or opt for a more affordable version from another brand, we consider these to be a wardrobe basic that every girl should own.