Recently in Shoes Category

Q. I’m attending a formal fundraising gala this winter in Cincinnati with clients and colleagues and want to make sure my attire is appropriate. I haven’t been able to find a flattering long dress for my size 14 figure so I’m thinking about opting for a shorter black spaghetti strap dress with a metallic floral print. The dress has a fuller skirt and hits just below the knee.  Does that seem OK or should I keep looking?  If I go with this dress do I need to wear hose? What type—black sheer? What about shoes? Thanks in advance for helping a young staffer look appropriate in a sea of philanthropists.

-Formal Search

A. Stop looking and go with the black and metallic A-line dress. Put on a strapless bra for support and choose either black sheer hosiery or go bare legged. If you choose hosiery, then opt for a black satin, black patent or silver metallic pump. If you go bare legged, then you can choose a strappy heel or peep toe.

1. Via Spiga ‘Dama’ Pump, $225 at nordstrom.com
2. Kenneth Cole Reaction Rags to Riches, $82.95 at zappos.com
3. Steven Fanci, $113.95 at zappos.com
4. Façonnable ‘Josie’ Pump, $195 at nordstrom.com

Q. Thank you for all the help you’ve given me in the past! I LOVE your website. I have noticed that my shoes, especially my leather ballet flats, have started to have a less than pleasant odor.  How do I clean them and prevent the smell without ruining the leather?
-Smelly Situation

A. Simply head to your local pharmacy and pick up a shoe deodorizer spray or powder. If that doesn’t help then ask your neighborhood shoe repair guy for a suggestion (perhaps a deordorizing insole you can put inside the shoe) or make an appointment with a podiatrist if perhaps you have a continuing foot smell.  Constant wear of shoes with bare feet will inevitably mean you’re transferring foot sweat into the fabric of the shoe. Be sure to give the shoes a day of rest in between wearings.

Q. I am stuck on what shoes to wear with this dress..it is winter!  Is this white/ivory dress okay to wear in December?
-Dress Distress

A. I do think the dress is a bit light in fabric for December and probably best kept for spring through summer unless you’re headed to a location that is warm. But if you really love it, then pair with sassy, embellished evening shoes like the ones I picked and just dash from the car to the party in a warm coat.

1.  J. Reneé ‘Stardust’ Sandal, $89.95 at nordstrom.com
2.  A. Marinelli ‘Rella’ Sandal, $94.95 at nordstrom.com
3.  Martinez Valero ‘Desiree’ Sandal, $139.95 at nordstrom.com

Q. I am a faithful reader of your advice column and now I have a question of my own.  I work as a pharmacy technician and I’m on my feet for 6 to 8 hours straight, mostly standing and typing.  I’m in search of comfortable shoes that are still cute and can be worn with jeans or nicer clothes.  It seems like everything made for comfort is lacking in style and most shoes I’m attracted to are not practical for work.
- Standing Strain

A. We’ve all had long standing days that lead to aching feet. First tip is to skip pointy shoes and obviously high heels, but it isn’t necessarily a good thing to wear completely flat shoes either. Look for shoes that have extra cushioning, padded insoles, a small heel and breathable leather fabric or a shoe that bends a bit with the movement of your foot. I’ve picked out some shoe styles that meet those requirements while allowing you to move between jeans and nicer clothes.

left to right:
1. Aerosoles Best Intentions, $79 at aerosoles.com
2. Fitzwell Elaine, $69.95 at zappos.com
3. Geox D Ascot 1, $283.95 at zappos.com
4. Prari Candace, $299.95 at zappos.com
5. Martinez Valero Andie, $148.95 at zappos.com
6. Aerosoles Blind Sight, $79.99 (sale) at aerosoles.com

Q. I recently purchased a cute pair of grey suede booties. My problem is, I really don’t know what to wear them with besides black. Can you give me some suggestions that are age appropriate for a 39 year-old?
-Booty and Black

A. I think of grey as a soft neutral, which means you can pair your new booties with plenty of other options. Pairing with just black can be boring unless you wear them with a black sweater dress and patterned tights. Try dark jeans, navy wide leg pants, a plaid skirt, grey tweed trousers, a mini dress in plum, olive, teal or midnight colors and add opaque tights. If you wear them with a skirt or dress, make sure the length doesn’t hit more than three inches below your knee. Booties have a tendency to make people look shorter in height.