Some of the shoe mistakes women frequently make are due to the comfort factor - it’s tricky to find shoes that look fabulous and are comfortable.
But more often than not it’s simply a matter of choosing unsuitable styles - which not only make you look shorter and heavier but can change the entire mood of the outfit as well.
The rule of thumb in buying shoes for the workplace is “You get what you pay for”!
Of course that doesn’t mean you can’t shop for a deal, but super cheap shoes – while great for cute weekend wear – should not be the footwear of choice for work. If style isn’t enough to sell you on quality footwear consider your comfort and the long term effects of inferior construction.
In general, the older you are the more care you should take in choosing the best shoes for your style and career.
Here are a couple of things you need to know about the state of your feet.
Bunions: A bunion develops from swelling at the base of a toe usually due to ill fitting shoes that are too tight. Bunions typically develop in the biggest or smallest toe, and cause the toe to turn inwards. If not treated correctly, bunions can lead to arthritis in the joint, so care for your feet now!
• Women are nine times more likely to develop a bunion than men.
• Purchase shoes with about a half inch of space between the end of the shoe and your longest toe.
Corns: Corns develop from calluses that result from poorly fit shoes. Being too big is just as damaging as being too small, so always try both shoes on and stand in them to check for comfort. This is the easiest way to avoid developing painful corns.
• Getting a pedicure or exfoliating calluses with a pumice stone at home will prevent most corns from forming.
Here’s some tips to help you make the right selections.
• Visit a shoe store or shoe department with personnel who can actually measure your feet (both of them) and answer questions.
• Don’t try on shoes with sheer hose if you plan to wear them with socks. The thickness or thinness or your socks make a big difference, particularly with athletic or sports shoes.
• Always buy the best quality that you can afford, even if this means buying offseason. This rule is very important when choosing shoes for work.
• Don’t settle for an uncomfortable shoe or one that doesn’t fit properly.
• Don’t wear extremely high heels just because they are “in”. Choose a fashionable yet comfortable shoe. A small difference in heel height can make a big difference to the way your shoes feel, and being able to walk and stand comfortably for long periods of time.
• Pointed toes will make your legs look longer, but extreme styles will be difficult to walk in.
• Shoe styles change a little from year to year with overall trends changing less frequently. But there comes a time when the cycle is over. (But, guess what? It will come back again!) The same applies to toe styles and heel heights and shapes.
• When trying on shoes you need to walk around and get a feel for fit and comfort. Walk fast, walk slow and stand awhile. If the shoe slips on your heel or pinches your toes, leave them in the store.
• If you walk a lot in your job or stand for long periods of time, make sure your shoes are comfortable shoes and fit well. They should feel like you haven’t even got them on.
• Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause bunions, corns, or calluses and these are a painful price to pay for ill-fitting shoes.
• Shoes are part of your overall image so it is important that you take care of them. If the heel is wearing, have it repaired.
• Never buy shoes just because they are on sale. Shoes can be a great way to express your personality, but keep your overall image in mind.
• Don’t wear big clunky shoes with a suit or dress.
• Avoid high heels with shorts or capri pants.
• When wearing pants, wear shoes in the same tonal colour to extend your leg length.
If you want to know more about shoe styles, bags, accessories and fashion do's and don'ts, continue your education at the fabulous Online Style University - www.become-stylish.com
With more than 30 years worldwide marketing experience at the corporate level and with start ups, one thing Annette has frequently encountered is that women often have difficulty marketing themselves.
Lack of confidence, poor body image, and little understanding of how they come across to others, are all issues which can hinder growth and success.
Annette has tapped into her national and international network of image stylists, personal development coaches, recruitment specialists and etiquette consultants and founded the world's only style university.
The www.become-stylish.com team has helped thousands of women around the world discover their true beauty and learn how to be thoroughly stylish, charismatic and confident women.