The Year of the Flat

I've lamented many times about the condition of my feet, and I don't know which has been more painful: squeezing my hammer toe into a pair of Ferragamo's or giving away my Ferragamo's to a friend because the TOE makes it unbearable to wear them. I do enjoy seeing them on my assistant, Theresa's, feet though.

The good news is flats are back in style for fall (part of the 80's fashion redux) so I can give my feet a break every once in a while (I will never totally go heel-less!) and slip into a pair of comfortable flats.

Flats are tricky however, and don't go with everything.To really make your outfit "pop," look for flats that are made out of different colors, materials and textures to help jazz up your look. Basic black is a good staple, but there are many fun styles out there. J Crew has a neat ballerina style cheetah print flat that I'm sure I'll be seeing on a lot of feet (if not mine).

If you must wear the basic black, make up for the simplicity by prettying up your outfit with ultra-feminine wrap tops, flared sleeves and layered shirts to help convey a head to toe "ballerina" look.

Things to beware: Having no heel on your shoes makes legs appear shorter, so wearing flats with a long skirt can make you look frumpy. For skirts, shoot for a hemline that is above the knee, to elongate your legs.

I've been told that capri pants and flats are a match made in heaven if you are tall enough to carry off the Capri look.  Make sure your capris are the right length for your legs (see my Letting Go of Closet Guilt Fashion Fit Video Series) and if you're wearing long pants, make sure they aren't too long. Having the hem of your jeans or slacks drag the floor, not only looks sloppy, it's also a great way to ruin a pair of pants not to mention the frump-factor. Instead, find a pair of pants with a slight flare to the leg with pointed-toe flats for an ultra-stylish look.

Comments

[Susan LEVINE]

I die every time I put on anything with even a small heel. Bunions are my adversaries. I've checked into surgery. I just don't have the patience to recover. (Whoever wants to be down for the count?)

But I found a site which has been the answer to my prayers, one which recommends shoes for the foot (or should I say "feet") -challenged. Footsmart matches my feet to the shoe which will allow me more than a few steps without agony.

I've decided to forfeit higher-heels (though not style) for greater comfort. Maybe then, I won't look so utterly ridiculous trying to hobble around.

[Pammella]

I agree with the above comment that hobbling around is not attractive....I've come to love my flats with the right outfit...there are also several great shoes with lower, comfortable heels.