Picking the right shoes to wear with an outfit can be a daunting task. After all, you want your shoes to complete your look, not clash with it. So how do you find the right shoes for the job? It’s all about knowing what to look for and what will work best with the clothes you’re wearing.
That’s why we’ve put together seven tips that will help make finding the perfect shoes a breeze.
The overall look you’re going for
Do you want to look sophisticated? Playful? Elegant? Or do you just want to be comfortable? The first step in finding the right types of shoes is to decide what kind of look you’re going for. This will help narrow down your choices and make it easier to find a pair of shoes that fit the bill.
Additionally, think about the event or occasion you’ll be wearing the shoes for. Are you dressing up for a wedding? Or are you just looking for a pair of sneakers to wear to the gym? Knowing where and when you’ll be wearing your shoes will also help determine what type of footwear is best.
You can also use your shoes as an opportunity to add a pop of color or personality to your outfit. If you’re wearing a simple and understated outfit, choosing a pair of shoes with some flair can elevate your look.
The type of clothing you’re wearing
The type of clothing you’re wearing will also play a role in finding the right shoes. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, for example, you’ll want to avoid shoes that are too bulky or clunky. Instead, opt for a pair of sandals, pumps, or ballet flats.
For pants and jeans, the options are pretty much endless. You can wear sneakers, loafers, boots, or even dress shoes, depending on the look you’re going for. Just make sure the shoes you choose complement the bottoms you’re wearing.
If you’re unsure what type of shoe to wear with a particular piece of clothing, a good rule of thumb is to keep it simple. A pair of black or nude pumps are always a good choice and will go with just about anything.
Your body type
Your body type is also something to consider when choosing shoes. If you’re petite, for example, you might want to avoid wearing chunky shoes that can make you look even smaller. These shoes include platform sneakers, clogs, and heavy boots. Instead, go for a pair of heels or flats that won’t overwhelm your frame.
If you’re tall, you can pretty much get away with wearing any type of shoe. But if you want to create the illusion of looking even taller, opt for a pair of shoes with a slim silhouette, such as stilettos or ankle boots.
For those who are curvy, it’s best to steer clear of shoes that are too dainty or delicate. Instead, look for shoes with a bit more coverage and support, such as wedges or platform heels.
The color of your shoes
The color of your shoes is also an important consideration. If you’re wearing a colorful or patterned outfit, you’ll want to choose a pair of shoes that are either neutral or match one of the colors in your ensemble. For example, if you’re wearing a green dress, you could pair it with nude heels or black pumps.
But if you’re wearing a more understated outfit, you can have some fun with your shoe choices and opt for a pair of shoes in a bolder hue. Red heels, for instance, would be a great choice for an all-black look.
On the other hand, if you want your shoes to blend in with your outfit, choose a pair of shoes in a similar color family as your clothing. So, if you’re wearing a navy blue dress, you could opt for shoes in a shade of blues like cobalt or periwinkle.
The season
The season is also something to keep in mind when choosing shoes. In the summer, for example, you’ll want to avoid wearing closed-toed shoes that can make your feet sweat. Instead, opt for open-toed sandals or flats. In the winter, you’ll want to choose shoes that will keep your feet warm and dry. This includes boots, booties, and even some sneakers.
Of course, you can also find season-neutral shoes that can be worn year-round, such as classic black pumps or white sneakers.
Your style
Your style is also worth considering when choosing shoes. If you tend to dress more formally, you’ll want to avoid casual sneakers or flip-flops. Instead, opt for dressier shoes like loafers, pumps, or even heels.
On the other hand, if you have a more laid-back style, you can get away with wearing casual shoes like sneakers or sandals. Just make sure they match the rest of your look.
Choosing shoes that reflect your style will help you feel more confident and put-together. If you don’t feel comfortable in stilettos, there’s no need to force yourself to wear them. Instead, find a pair of shoes that make you feel good and that you can see yourself wearing again and again.
The evergreen piecesÂ
Last but not least, it’s important to have a few evergreen pieces in your shoe collection that will never go out of style. These are the shoes you can wear year after year, no matter what the trends are.
Some examples of evergreen shoes include classic black pumps, white sneakers, and brown leather boots. These are all versatile shoes that can be worn with a variety of different looks.
Of course, these three go in the category of shoes that everybody should have in their closet. But if you want to get more specific, here are a few evergreen shoes that would work well for different personal styles:
- For the fashion-savvy: a pair of statement heels or an on-trend bootieÂ
- For the minimalist: a pair of white sneakers or black pumpsÂ
- For the tomboy: a pair of loafers or Chelsea bootsÂ
- For the bohemian: a pair of gladiator sandals or ankle boots
No matter what your style is, certain shoes will always be in style. So make sure you have a few pairs in your closet that you can rely on, no matter what the trends are.
Now that you know what to look for when choosing shoes, you’re ready to start finding the perfect pairs for your outfits.
With these seven tips in mind, you’ll be able to find shoes that not only look great, but that also feel comfortable and reflect your style.
