Recently in Shoes Category

Q. I am crazy in love with Stylebakery.com! I just ordered these gladiator sandals by Nine West. Can you give me some outfit suggestions?
-Standing Tall

Nine West Heech sandals, $92.95 at zappos.com

A. You want to be sure you don’t add anymore “weight” to your outfit so keep the pieces light. Wear trouser jeans to balance the wedge heel or skinny jeans cuffed or long to reveal the full sandal. As for skirts, an A-line or a pencil style that has a hem that hits around the knee will be most flattering. It’s a strong shoe that you can balance with softer pieces on top unless you kick it rocker chic and add a modern cut jacket.

1. Sleeveless sash tunic, $44.50 at gap.com
2. Kimchi & Blue Floral Cutout Top, $42 at urbanoutfitters.com
3. Striped boatneck T, $22.99 at gap.com

4. Lux Hi-Waisted A Line Skirt, $58 at urbanoutfitters.com
5. Lux Carousel Circle Skirt, $68 at urbanoutfitters.com
6. Cuffed denim capris, $29.95 at fashionbug.com
7. Theory Strani Pant, $225 at shopbop.com

Q. How long can you wear boots for into spring?
-Boots On

A. While I’ve been surprised to see women wearing boots in 95 degree heat in Florida and California in the summer (how stinky and sweaty!), I still have high fashion hopes that most women know that boots are for cooler temperatures. Typically, the season is late September through March.  You can squeeze in April if your city gets hit with the occasional freak snowstorm or cold snap.

Q. I recently bought an amazing python-skin sheath dress. The problem is, I do not know what type or color shoes to wear or what type of accessories would be best to show off this magnificent dress.  I am 5’2" and a size 4.  I love heels.
-Bare Feet Chic

A. Well, enjoy these suggestions from full pump to open toe to strappy heel depending on where and when you plan to strut your sassy self in your hot new dress.

1. Steve Madden Treason, $90 at piperlime.com
2. Cynthia Vincent Anna, $350 at piperlime.com
3. BCBG Max Azria Maroca, $230 at piperlime.com
4. Charles by Charles David Muse, $79.99 at onlineshoes.com

Q. I read with great interest almost all of the shoe related questions on your site. While I did learn a lot, thank you, I could not find the answer to my question. We are going to my Niece’s wedding in mid-January. I found a lovely burgundy, sweetheart neckline, velvet skirt suit. I just love it. I have a pair of black velvet pumps, but they just don’t look right. I’ve seen some burgundy suede wedges that I like and also black patent leather mid-heel pumps. Could you please  share your expertise on  shoe  color and material(s) that would go best with that burgundy skirt suit? 
- Shoe Stressed Aunt in Michigan

A. Velvet and velvet is too much velvet. And don’t get yourself stuck trying to match burgundy colors, feel free to play up a different burgundy hue. My suggestion would be a black or bronze heel with a satin, suede or patent leather fabric or perhaps something in a pattern with an added detail on the front of the shoe. Skip the wedge, if you plan to dance, wedges don’t allow a person to really strut their stuff.

Q. I need help to figure out what type and color of shoes to wear as a bridesmaid for a beach wedding in Key West.  My dress is a tangerine color and is from JCrew.
-Tangerine Dream

A. Beach weddings are always tough in the sandal department. We all want to look our best and heels guarantee a good looking leg, but sand impedes that choice. The other way to look at it is you get to be more casual and dance barefoot. So before you kick off your sandals and go barefoot for the reception, choose a flat fancy sandal with a little gold embellishment.

1. Mystique 1919, $130 at piperlime.com
2. Nine West Rosmarie, $82.95 at zappos.com