Recently in Shoes Category

Q. I just bought a pair of platform-wedge espadrilles that lace up the ankle with grosgrain ribbons. They’re lovely, I just can’t figure out how to tie them! I have small ankles and tying the ribbon into a bow looks hilariously floppy. Is it OK to just tie a knot? In front or back? Is there some other clever way to fasten them? Help! You’re the best!
-Tie it Up

A. I bought some wedge espadrilles last summer and waited two months after their purchase to finally put them on due to the tie-up issue.  Every time I put them on, I felt a little silly.  Ultimately, I wrapped them criss cross style around my leg and tied them in a bow in the back of my calf and skipped (sort of) out the door to receive many compliments.  Try tying them as expected and end with a bow, which you can double knot, so the bow appears smaller on the back of your calf (and so you don’t feel like a 5 year old with a bow in the front.) You can knot the ribbons if you wish, but you may end up with long dangling ribbons, risking the chance of stepping on them and tripping.

Q. I love leopard print shoes, but have no idea how to wear them. I work in an office, but don’t know how to wear them so that they aren’t too showy or inappropriate. How can I work this?
-Grrrrrr

A. Isn’t the idea of wearing leopard print shoes a chance to add a little panache to your outfit? Simple tips for wearing your leopard shoes in a professional office:

1. Don’t wear other animal prints
2. Keep the rest of your outfit classic
3. Don’t wear more than one other pattern or print
4. Don’t be shy about showing off your style

A pair of animal print shoes can make a classic outfit like a black or chocolate suit look more stylish.  And don’t assume that your top has to be white—choose other colors like burgundy, deep green, bronze, black or chocolate in silky blouses with a bit of shine.

Check out some of our favorite animal print pieces

Q. What color shoe should I wear with Winter White pants?
-Shoe Color Confusion

A. Play off the color of your top or jacket.  White is a neutral so anything will work, but keep it toned down.  If you’re wearing winter white from head to toe, then look for caramel, latte, soft metallic pinks, pale autumnal colors, even opt for patterns like animal print or plaid. Of course, black and winter white is always a chic combination. Some suggestions:

Claudia Ciuti Rum
slingbacks
$285.95 at zappos.com

Vigotti R1969
Pump
$37.95 at zappos.com

Giuseppe Zanotti
E5703 Pump
$185.95 at zappos.com

Q. I live in a cold climate that guarantees snow from October through April.  I need a good pair of boots (usually two) to get me through the winter season.  Usually I purchase flat black ankle boots and sexier high-heeled black knee high boots for skirts or my longer pants when I need some lift.  However, seeing the new fall boot styles (like in your fall shoe guide), I’m thinking of branching out.  Most of the fabulous fall knee high boots are so pretty, it seems a shame to cover them up with pants. How do I wear these lovely boots?  Is it acceptable to tuck my jeans in them to show them off? Or am I still supposed to wear them completely under the pant leg?  I’m especially interested in those cozy casual boots!
- Boot Camp

A. That’s what is so fun about boot-wearing this season, you can wear your boots both ways.  Pants tucked into your boots look hip and cool, while long pants worn over the boots so just the front of the boots show is sleek and chic.  Be sure to choose a skinnier-style pant when tucking in (no loose fit or flared styles). To keep pants inside your boots wear socks that are tall enough and thin enough to fold and tuck your pants or jeans into.  You can also find many textured and colorful socks to fold up over the top of your boots to add even more style.

shown right: Faux Fur Collar Stilleto Boots, $66.50 at asos.com

Q. I have homecoming in a couple weeks and I bought a chocolate brown dress with gold sparkles and I was wondering what color heels I should wear?
-Color Curious

A. Simple answer - gold. Metallic will always dazzle ‘em.  Trying to find the right hued brown heels can lead to a frustrating and endless search. Look fab in gold and wear gold dangling earrings or carry a small gold clutch.  You can find plenty of inexpensive styles these days:

RSVP Gold Metallic
$69.95 at zappos.com



Nine West Accolia
$72.95 at zappos.com