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Fashion Questions: What Type of Shoes and Footwear to Wear

Cathie Answers
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Fashion and Style Questions

I am going to a wedding 1st week of May and have a medium blue cocktail dress that is about 6-8 inches below the knee. Wedding is in NJ.. What color and type of shoe should I wear & also what color stockings?

          

With a medium blue dress you have several options. You can try metallic, beige, off white or black patent leather.

Since the wedding is in New Jersey and the weather may be cool you can wear a sling back or pump style shoe with nude color hosiery. You can wear sandal style shoes but without stockings. Today the young women do not wear hose. You look dated and web footed when you wear hose with sandal or peep toe shoes. If you decide to go with sandals get a pedicure and apply bronzer to white legs.


What color shoes to wear with a navy dress and colored blazer?

         

You can wear black patent leather shoes and a black patent leather handbag. Of course you can wear navy shoes with a navy dress and colored (red, green, pink, etc.) blazer. You can then carry a navy handbag or a bag that is the same color as the blazer.


What type of shoe should I wear with this classic style brown & white polka dot dress ?

        

A ballerina style shoe,  peep-toe flats or a sandals with low heels will look great with this dress. Also low wedge style shoes will work.


I'm going to a wedding in Texas the first week of March. I'm planning to wear a little black dress with a wrap. I don't know if I should wear sandals or pumps and what color of hosiery I should wear, black or nude?

     

You can wear pumps or sandals with your “LBD.” Since it is spring choose nude color stockings. As far as shoe style black or silver metallic* shoes can be worn. If the weather is cold and you may want to wear sheers and black pumps. Sandals are perfectly correct also but you don’t wear stockings with sandals. (You will get a web footed look with hosiery.)

Other choices would be sling backs with nude sandal foot sheers or peeptoe style shoes without stockings.

If you decide on sandals or peep toes get a manicure and use a bronzer on white legs.

Always look in the mirror to decide which combination looks best on you.

* If you want to wear silver metallic go with sandal style shoes. A silver metallic pump might be too much.

I'm trying to find a good all around shoe that can go with many things. I usually wear open toed, 2-3 inch heels max, never really worn pumps, but am trying to find a shoe with a sophisticated, yet stylish look that will go with jeans, slacks, etc... I've been told a tan/beige colored pump type shoe should go with almost anything. Is this true? I'm also looking for some comfort, I tried a very cute pair of Jessica Simpson sling back type shoes but they were just too high for me, so I returned them. Any ideas in picking the best all around shoe? Thanks!

     

A pump style is a good basic style shoe that you can wear with pants (jeans & slacks)or skirts. I would pick a basic color (black, brown, navy). If your wardrobe basic color is black choose a quality style black pump. A nice black pump will work with navy, gray and even brown.

You need several pairs of shoes to keep your feet healthy. A tan shoe is very versatile and will go with many outfits. Tan shoes can be an alternate for your wardrobe. They tend to look better with lighter colors like beige, gray, etc. If your wardrobe basic color is brown they might work, but in general they don’t look as good with dark colors like black.

As far as brand of shoe, feet are very different and you have to find a brand that fits you well. The fit of shoes is very important so you don’t ruin your feet. Buy the best you can afford.

The Taryn Rose shoe brand was founded by an orthopedic surgeon. This brand has a reputation for fitting well but are very expensive. If you have a narrow foot there are Munro, Stuart Weitzsman and Ferragamo brand shoes. You have to find a brand that fits you well and is within your budget.


I'm wearing a jewel tone dress with a black patent belt in early March. I have a great pair of black patent peep toe heels. Can I wear black tights with the
peep toe pumps or do I need to wear a closed toe shoe?

It is very stylish to wear black tights with peep toe style shoes. Be sure to try your dress, tights and shoes on, check in the mirror and be sure it looks good together and flattering on you.

       


I have a navy blue top that I plan to wear with white pants. What style and color of shoes should I wear with this color combination?

                            

You have a number of choices. You can wear skin tone shoes with a matching purse, black patent leather shoes and matching handbag, or a metallic shoe with a navy handbag or matching metallic handbag. Navy shoes and a navy, navy & white or white handbag would also work. If you can find shoes in white that match your pants exactly you can carry a colored handbag like red. Wear white shoes in warm weather climates and spring & summer seasons.

You can wear a classic pump or platform pump style anytime. If you are going someplace fancy you can wear sling backs, peep-toes, or sandal style shoes. Let me know if we can be of more help.


Is it all right to wear pantyhose with a sling back shoe or a backless shoe?

Yes, it is all right to wear pantyhose with sling back shoes. Choose "sandal foot" type hosiery. Sling backs look great (sexy) with neutral or skin color hosiery. They are a great dressy shoe style for cold weather since you can wear stockings with them.

Our company Xmas party is in January and I plan on wearing a black dress that is sleeveless with sequins around the neck. I bought it at Express and they had it on display with black tights so I bought the tights too. My question is what kind of shoes should I wear? I am about 5"8 and not sure about wearing heels or what color. Thank you VERY MUCH for your help!

 

Black shoes would be your best choice. Dressy black flats (patent leather, suede, etc.) or low heeled black (black peep toe or pump style) shoes would work with your black dress.  A colored or metallic shoe will just call attention to your feet.

Since your dress has trim around the neck wear some statement earrings and call attention to your face area.


How do I coordinate my slacks, socks, & shoes?

In general when in doubt wear dark shoes and socks with dark pants and light color socks and shoes with light colored slacks. If you match the color of your slacks, socks and shoes you can't go wrong. This will give you a put together look.

If you want to wear striped or patterened socks be sure the socks have a color of your slacks in them.

These socks/knee highs would look good with black, matching red or denim pants. Black shoes would look the best. Always check in the mirror to see if your choices look good on you.

 

 


If I am wearing a black dress and silver shoes what color hose should I wear; black, silver, or nude? The dress has a slit on the sides that comes up to the knee. I need a quick response.

Nude stockings would look the best with silver pumps or silver sling backs.   

Today you don't wear sheer stockings with sandals (you get a web footed
look). You can wear black tights with silver peep toe shoes or go without stockings.


 

If you wear peep toe or sandal style shoes without stockings get a pedicure and
apply bronzer to white legs.


I am wearing a black pencil skirt above the knee, emerald green sleeveless silky top, and black open toed pumps. Wondering which hose would be best, nude or black? This isn't a formal gathering. I will actually be one of the few in a dress. I also have some black fishnet with small openings as an option. I do feel nude show off my legs more. Please help:)

Most stylist would say not to wear sheer stockings with peep toe shoes. Your black fishnet or black tights would be very stylish with your peep toes.

You can also try a black stockings with a pattern. Fishnet or patterened stockings will call attention to beautiful legs.

Make your final decision after trying the different options on. Wear what is the most flattering.

What color of stockings and shoes should I wear with a dark red satin cocktail dress?

       

With a dark red dress you can wear black shoes and black sheer or nude color stockings.

If you have attractive legs and would like to call attention to them try wearing dressy stockings with simple style black shoes (pumps or slingbacks).

You could also try black suede shoes with sequins or other decorations with sheer stockings. Again you will draw attention to your leg and ankle areas.

Metallic shoes might be an option also. Try some different combinations to see which is most flattering on you.

Sandal style shoes would also work but you can't wear stockings with them without looking web footed. If you want to wear sandals with the dress get a pedicure and wear a bronzer on your legs if they are white.

If the weather is cold wearing a closed toe shoe will be more comfortable.


I am wearing a Nicole Miller knee length silver dress to a black tie event. What color shoes would look best with this?

You have a number of choices as far as color goes. However since it is black tie (formal), try silver metallic or black. Choose a dressy style shoe like sandals, peep-toes or sling backs.


Can I wear black tights with suede peep toe pumps to an evening wedding in December?

 

 Yes you can wear black tights with suede peep toe pumps to a December evening wedding.

 


What type of shoes or boots should I wear with a sequined skirt for New Years Eve?

       
You have a number of choices. You can wear pumps, sandals (with heels), peep toe pumps, sling backs or possibly dress booties. Stay away from anything that looks too heavy. When you decide on the top, try a few different style shoes with your outfit to see which style is most flattering.

I am wearing a black dress with dark purple shoes to a wedding. What do you recommend in the way of hosiery?

                                  

You have a number of options. Black tights, or black opaque stockings would look good with your black dress and dark purple shoes. Another idea would be sheer black hosiery. Try on the different options with your dress and see which looks best.


I am wearing a navy blue cocktail dress to a wedding in October. What style/color of shoe would look best?

As far as styles go, you can wear sandals, sling backs, peepholes, or pumps with a cocktail dress. Choose colors like silver (in sandal styles), black suede, black patent, or black satin.

Sandals are appropriate to wear all year long. However it is out of date to wear hosiery with them because you get a web footed look.

Black sling backs, peepholes, or pumps are stylish with navy blue. Black and blue combinations are very “now”!

Sling backs are more dressy than pumps but you can wear hosiery with both of these styles.

Also black opaque or sheer hose can be worn with with peep-toes or pumps.

Try different shoes and accessories on with your dress. See which
looks best and wear what you feel most confident in.


What type of shoe should I wear with cuffed pants?

You can wear a closed toe or peep toe style shoe that has a comfortable heel height. You might try a pair of ankle boots or pumps.


What are shoes called brogues?

Today brogues usually refer to low heeled oxford shoe styles with perforations. Brogueing refers to punched patterns (perforations) along the seams and outer layers of the shoe uppers.

Shoes with heels can have brogueing (perforations) for decoration like the ones pictured.


I will be attending a very fancy evening wedding on Labor Day weekend. I have a beige dress with sheer over jacket. The dress is mid calf length. The jacket has some bead work and is about 4" shorter than the dress. I need to wear low heels. What color shoes and hose should I wear?

Low heeled metallic or beige sandals sound perfect. You might want to buy a few pairs and try them with your dress to see which look the best. You shouldn't wear stockings with sandals or you'll look web-footed. If you want to wear hose wear beige (match your dress) or metallic sling back shoes with skin color hosiery.


My daughter makes fun of me when I wear socks with my tennis shoes and shorts. What am I suppose to wear with my tennis shoes and shorts? I'm a young, petite 59 year old.

Today it is more stylish to wear sandals, flip flops, or flats with shorts. However if you prefer to wear tennis shoes with your shorts get some golf or tennis socks ("footies") and you'll look more up-to-date.

I am the maid of honor in my sister's wedding this June. What color heels should be worn with a soft yellow dress? Dying shoes is out of the question!

Since the dress is a soft yellow I would try a soft silver metallic first or soft gold metallic and see which looks better with the dress. Stay away from any color that is too bright or strong. A big trend this season is metallic sandals with embellishments. Also, you might try a white sandal! Sandals or sling back styles are more festive looking than pumps. Pick up a few pairs of these colors and styles and try them with your dress. Pick the pair that looks the best and then return the others.


I am wearing a little black dress to a nightclub. I want to wear thin black tights. Is it OK to wear silver metallic peep toe shoes with this combination?

You can wear silver metallic peep toe shoes if your have small feet or you want attention drawn to your foot area. In general you don’t wear stockings with peep toe shoes. You can wear opaque black tights if you can pull it off and look good. You might want to wear black sling backs or black pumps and wear some groovy jewelry that calls attention to your face area instead. Try wearing your outfit with different shoes and/ or jewelry. Look in the mirror and decide what looks best on you.

What heel height is best to wear with straight leg classic slacks?

Straight leg classic slacks may be worn with any heel height. The hem of your slacks should cover up most of the back of your shoe. This will give you a longer slimmer look. You need different length pants for different heel heights or you have to commit to one length for all of your pants.

Is it appropriate to wear python shoes (snakeskin) all year long?

You can wear python all year. Many designers have python shoes/sandals in spring/summer collections.


I am wearing a sweater dress for the holidays. It is above the knee and somewhat A-line. It is a short turtle neck style. It reminds me of the "Twiggy" days. My question is this....would black opaque tights and flats look good with it? If so, what kind of black flat? (Patent leather, suede, etc.)

The black opaque tights with black flats would look good with the sweater dress you described. Patent leather would be my first choice if they are plain (without too much decoration) but black suede would look good also. They should be plain like a ballerina flat. Another option would be black knee high boots and black tights.

I am going to a formal banquet and planning to wear a sleeveless, black dress, cut low in the front. It comes just below my knees. I am 5'1" tall. Can I wear it with black boots?

Since this is a formal dinner banquet, boots will be too casual. I would wear black sandals, sling backs or pumps. If you are wearing sling backs wear nude color hosiery. If you are wearing black pumps you can wear black or nude color hosiery. If it is warm enough for sandals get a good pedicure, use some bronzer on your legs and you can go without stockings.


Can I wear black stockings with open-toe shoes?

The experts say never wear nude (skin color) stockings with open-toed shoes or sandals. It gives you a web footed look. However you can wear black opaque stockings or tights with open-toe shoes. Sheer black stockings look best with black pumps or black flats.


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