Recently in Shoes Category

Q. Joie makes some boots for fall that I love love love, but I can’t justify the price unless I can think of a bunch of ways to wear them. Can you recommend a couple of different ways to style these? Is it possible to wear them in a business casual office?

A. Lace-up boots, both tall and short, are a huge trend for fall. We’re loving them with everything from dresses and skirts to skinny jeans and leggings. You can certainly wear them to your business casual office with anything you would typically wear with a tall boot.

The military-inspired Joie Refugee boots you love are a bit of an investment at $535, but they’re sure to be your go-to boot this fall and winter if you do take the plunge. The great news is, there are many similar boots available for a lot less money if you like the look but aren’t too attached to the brand name. Check out these more affordable alternatives:

More Steve Madden…

Q. I found this beautiful green dress to wear to my father’s wedding in July. It is a daytime wedding in New York City so the style is a sort of summertime chic. I am not sure what shoes fit with this dress. Black seems too nighttime and wedges seem too casual. Also most of the styles I find have ankle straps and I don’t want to cut off my already short legs. Any suggestions?

A. Your best bet is a barely-there strappy sandal in a light or metallic color. Here are some leg lengthening options that won’t break your budget:

Every $79 - Nine West

Kristyna Champagne Satin $79 - Steve Madden

Calvin Klein “Kandace” Asymmetrical Evening Sandals $98 - Bloomingdale’s

Menbur Women’s Twret 41070A87 Platform Evening Sandal $105 - Endless.com

Nine West Shoes, Champagne Sandals $69 - Macy’s

Michael Antonio Amadore Metallic Sandal $44 - DSW

Sheila Dress $193 - Yumi Kim

Q. I have an animal print (cream and brown) mid calf length dress that i need shoes for. My legs are heavy in the calf area and I am relatively tall (5’7”). I am not overweight but certainly not skinny.

A. You’re best shoe option is a nude colored heel or wedge sandal, without ankle straps. These will help to lengthen and visually slim your leg, while pairing beautifully with a cream and brown animal print dress. You may also want to consider hemming your dress so it falls closer to your knee (either at, below or just above the knee) since a mid-calf length tends to make calves look larger.

Here are some nude shoe options for you:

More Nine West…

Q. Well, here I am, 75 (and a half), and still not exactly a fashion plate and increasingly wondering what IS appropriate attire for my age. Even my favorite - jeans - seem to have been taken over by the very young, very fit, who can wear the low waistlines I could wear years ago. I love, love, love flat knee high boots but have never owned a pair. I’m 5’5”, 130 pounds. Would I look ridiculous stepping out in a pair of those boots I’ve so long longed for?

A. Yes! You can absolutely wear flat knee high boots. In fact, a classic riding boot can be a very sophisticated look, suitable for someone of any age. Avoid styles with trendy embellishments like studs or excessive hardware, as these tend to look more youthful. Try pairing a simple, clean boot with slim jeans (yes, you can wear those too!) or pants and a button front shirt and blazer for a gorgeous age-appopriate look. Now is the perfect time to shop for knee high boots which are not usually considered a summer item, so there will be many styles available on sale.

Liz Claiborne Women’s 14910041 Tall Shafted Boot $149 - Endless.com

Women’s Classic Button-Front Shirts $24 - Old Navy

Frill Day Blazer $98 - Anthropologie

Tall Modern Metropolitan Straight Leg Jeans $88 - Ann Taylor

tall riding boot

Q. Ok, this is another “I love how this looks on other women, but can I pull it off?” question. Gladiator sandals- love ‘em! My concern with wearing them is that I’m a curvy gal with curvy legs and thicker ankles. I’ve always gone by the fashion book of never wearing sandals that cut off my leg line. Does this mean that gladiator sandals are a no-go for me?

Specifically, I’m considering purchasing these (holla at my plus-size online outlet Fashion Bug!), but since they’re pretty ankle-restrictive I’m considering giving them the Roman thumbs down.

A. You’ll have to keep your Roman thumbs down, I’m afraid. Your instincts are correct that ankle strap gladiator sandals are a no-no for curvy women with thicker ankles. However, that doesn’t mean you have to forego the trend entirely. There are plenty of gladiator options that don’t climb up your leg, offering a more flattering alternative. Instead, look for slim straps that hit around your ankle bone or lower. And since the gladiators you were looking at were such a great price, we’ve found some equally affordable picks for you - all under $50:

Madeline Women’s Angi Sandal $39 - Endless.com

Kehrer $40 - Aldo

Luichiny Tyrka Leather Gladiator Sandal $75 - DSW

Madden Girl Women’s Angalina Gladiator Sandal $49 - Endless.com

Madden Girl Women’s Jitter Gladiator Sandal $49 - Endless.com

Jenn Gladiator Sandal $39 - Delia’s

Dv By dolce vita Dori Gladiator Sandals $59 - Lord & Taylor

Diamond Gladiator Sandal $14 - Wet Seal