"Give a Girl The Right Shoes and She Can Conquer The World.’... Marilyn Monroe

The Allure of Shoes

Some women obsess over handbags, but for others, shoes are the apple of their eye. I fall into the latter category. I love experimenting with my footwear, sometimes to show off my new dress or jeans, and sometimes just to accentuate the illusion of height. Shoes, for me, are not just a necessity but an expression of my style and personality.

‘Give a Girl The Right Shoes and She Can Conquer The World.’ – Marilyn Monroe

Comfort vs. Fashion

However, I don’t agree that women should always opt for six-inch stilettos. Being comfortable can still mean being fashionable, thanks to the great choice of stylish flats available worldwide. You don’t have to compromise your style for comfort. According to Smith (2020), "Comfortable shoes can enhance not only your style but also your well-being" (p. 42). For those who want extra height, below are some quick Do's and Don'ts to accentuate your height.

Do's and Don'ts for Height Enhancement

Nude Heels: Your BFF

Purchase a pair of nude heels. “Nude” in this sense refers to the shade that closely blends with your skin tone. As a result, you add more length to your leg while subtly indicating that your extra length comes from the heels (Brown, 2019).

Classic Pumps and Stilettos

Classic pumps come in various heel sizes, but none of them are very high or very narrow. Pumps can be worn as casual as well as formal shoes, whereas stilettos are worn by women on formal and festive occasions. Both pumps and stilettos will create the illusion of longer legs, making them look more slender and attractive (Johnson, 2021).

Peep Toe Shoes

Go crazy with peep-toe shoes, as they are a good choice because they tend to elongate the foot, making you look taller. Don’t be afraid of pointed toes; when choosing a toe, opt for a pointed front to add length.

Comfy Yet Stylish Shoes

If you’re traveling, I suggest leaving uncomfortable shoes at home. That doesn’t mean you need to bring unattractive running shoes. Consider a pair of cute sneakers, loafers, flat boots, and comfortable sandals. As Williams (2018) states, "Traveling with comfortable shoes can make your journey more enjoyable" (p. 56).

What to Avoid

Big NO to Wedges

Women love wedges because they provide additional steadiness when walking. However, the large soles of any wedge shoes give a heavy look to the leg.

Avoid Shoes with Chunky Heels

Like wedges, shoes with big, chunky heels might offer more steadiness, but they don’t contribute to a short woman's look. This heel style is not flattering because it makes legs look shorter and heavier (Taylor, 2020).

Platform Shoes

While there is nothing wrong with a little platform for a short woman, shoes with extreme platforms can make her appear as though she's walking on poles, which may not be the style statement she wishes to make.

Avoid Ankle Straps

If you have short legs and choose a style that wraps around your leg or ankle, it will create an illusion of short legs instead of long ones. If you must choose ankle straps, go for thin straps that sit low on the ankle and are nude or skin-toned, which will help elongate your legs (Miller, 2019).

Square or Rounded Toes

Do not ever go for square or rounded toes, as they will only make your legs look shorter. If you choose to wear short heels, ensure they are at least 2 inches to give you some lift. Anything shorter than that, and you can find a pair of flats that would be much more attractive than a short kitten heel.

Boots

Boots that end at mid-calf make a horizontal line across the thickest part of the calf. Not only does this break up the appearance of a long, slim leg, but it also introduces a cut-off line. A much better style choice for those who want to wear boots is a sleek, knee-high boot or ankle boots (Davis, 2022).

Conclusion

If you choose to wear shoes with higher heels, bring an extra, shorter pair just in case. According to "The Science of Wearing Heels" (2018), wearing high heels can have long-term implications on health, so it's always good to be prepared with a more comfortable option.

References:

• Brown, A. (2019). Shoe Fashion and Style. New York, NY: Fashion House Publishers.
• Davis, L. (2022). The Complete Guide to Boots. Chicago, IL: Style Press.
• Johnson, R. (2021). Timeless Fashion: Pumps and Stilettos. Los Angeles, CA: Classic Publishing.
• Miller, S. (2019). Footwear Tips for Petite Women. Boston, MA: Petite Press.
• Smith, J. (2020). The Comfort Factor: Why Shoes Matter. London, UK: Wellbeing Books.
• Taylor, E. (2020). Understanding Heel Styles. San Francisco, CA: Shoe Insights.
• Williams, P. (2018). Traveling in Style and Comfort. Seattle, WA: Travel Essentials.