I have this pair of shoes, kind of like the one pictured, that I have never worn. I love these shoes and store them carefully in the hope that one day I might wear them. The thing is, they make my legs look fat. I know it’s fairly shallow but I just can’t seem to make myself wear them. What can I say? My legs are fat and I’m sensitive about it so anything that exacerbates that look I just avoid. Shame really because they’re gorgeous shoes.
Shoes, like everything else we wear, create an optical illusion on your body. They can lengthen, shorten, highlight or fade into the background depending on what it is you’re looking to have them do. Knowing what will work and what won’t will help you find the best shoes for your body shape.
I HATE MY …
As with anything on this website, it’s only an issue if you’re sensitive about it, otherwise wear what makes you feel good.
Short Legs: Extend the line of your leg so that you look taller.
- Avoid any shoes with straps or anything else that’s going to cut off your legs as they effectively separate your feet and legs and make your legs look shorter again.
- Choose open shoes that show the top of your foot to extend the line of your leg.
- Heels make you look taller, however if you’re petite maybe stick with a kitten heel as it can make you look like you’re playing dressup.
- A nude heel is a great choice as it will make you look taller again.
- A more pointed toe extends the line of your foot and makes your leg look longer, and you therefore taller.
Madden Girl Halliee Pump,Black Patent
Michael Antonio Loveme-Pat Pump,Yellow
Long Legs: Make your legs and feet separate with straps or embellishments.
- Avoid nude heels as they’ll make legs look even longer.
- Do choose heels – there’s no reason to avoid them if you can shorten the length of your leg.
Betsey Johnson Iconnn T-Strap Pump,Blush Multi
Miz Mooz Women’s Gina Mary Jane Pump
Heavy Legs and Ankles: Take emphasis away from your ankles and legs by extending the line and keeping things simple.
- Avoid ankle straps or embellishments of any kind other than on the toes.
- Extend the length of the leg the same as for short legs above – if your legs look longer they look less heavy.
- Choose a sturdy heel – a thin heel will highlight the heaviness of the leg. A wedge is a good option.
Betsey Johnson Women’s Maggi Platform Pump,Denim Multi
Thin Legs: Make your legs look shorter therefore wider.
- Embellishments and t-straps are the best bets for you.
- Go for a slender heel as a heavier heel highlights how slender your leg is.
Chinese Laundry Women’s Haylie Pump,Blush
Curvy Bodies: A curvier body looks better with a curvier shoe.
- Peep toes and rounded toes are sexy because they echo your curves.
Madden Girl Women’s Karlla Open-Toe Pump,Black Paris
Angular Bodies: An angular body can carry off the drama and flair of straigher lines.
- Pointed toes echo your shape but with the right embellishments / design you can carry of most anything.
- That said, be careful with wedges as they may highlight less curves.
Nine West Women’s Booboo Pump,Black Metallic
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
So that’s how shoes interact with our bodies. The best idea is to experiment with lots of different shoes to see what works for you and what doesn’t, and as important, what you like and what you don’t.
