If the Shoe Fits (What to Put on Your Feet for Spring)

If you're anything like me, which if you're reading this then you probably are, you are anxiously awaiting the time to get a pedi and show off your toes, or at least carefully apply some sunless tanner and put your gams out there without being restricted by tights or boots! Personally, I find myself easily overwhelmed (and overspent) when it comes to a new season of shoe shopping. Let's face it, after a drab winter, any wedge, peep toe, or sandal in color or print with cutouts and details is fair game. I'm sure we've all bought an insanely cute pair of shoes, brought them home with the best intentions of wearing them with a sparkly mini dress or when we go to the pool at a resort or on a cruise. Alas, without a sparkly mini dress or any plans to visit a resort or go on a cruise, we are then left wondering, "What the heck do I wear these with?!" Then, they sit in our closets until they're sold in a garage sale or given to a friend or family member. It's a sad but all too true tale. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of outfits you will be wearing through these warmer months.  I think we can easily classify some categories of bottoms and determine a few different options of appropriate footwear dependent on your personal style. 

1. Wide Leg/Flared Jean

Be it jeans or even chinos, ensure that you have a substantial shoe to weigh down the magnitude of this style. Therefore, a platform with a thick or wedge heel is necessary...think wood platforms. Keep the stilettos, kitten heels, slides, slingbacks, or strappy styles in the closet! Also, make sure that your pants are long enough...they should graze the floor. My choice for this season are at by Frye for $115 at Zappos.com.

 

Or these below are from Target for $18.

2. Knee Length Pencil Skirt

This notoriously versatile and flattering piece is an essential in your work day wardrobe. When completing the look with this skirt style, keep it streamlined and form fitting with a peep toe. Of course, it's perfectly acceptable to wear those black pumps; however, that option would keep you in the fall and winter mindset. Even if your skirt is black, to update it to the spring and summer, it's necessary to invest in a pair of nude peep toes to leave your options of colors and patterns endless and most importantly, make your legs look miles long! These Nine West beauties are $79 and available at Zappos.com.

3. Shorts 

Each of you know shorts. The three to five inch inseam variety in jean or chino are the weekend warriors of warm weather. You will wear them with tunics, tanks, button downs, sports tees, bikinis, etc. Now, I am a huge fan of flip flops, especially Havaianas, but would it be such a stretch of the imagination to bring some East Coast sailing style into the mix with Sperry Top Siders? They immediately prep up an outfit and infuse your spirit with thoughts of sea side living. I have to say that without a doubt, they are the Uggs of summer due to their comfort, sustainability, and color options. I've seen them everywhere from Famous Footwear to department stores for around $80.

4. A-Line Skirt

The many varieties of this shape in skirts and dresses have been resurrected in prints, solids, and stripes ranging from mid thigh to knee and down to mid calf, especially this season. Regardless of the option you intend to rock, the shoe should always be the same - an espadrille! Although they began as a flat soled shoe created in Catalonia int he 14th century (thank you, Wiki), the one worth your investment in is a strappy, heeled wedge. The pair below are by Steve Madden and available at Piperlime.com for $80 and are a dead ringer for the uber popular (but expensive) Stuart Weitzmans.  

Or these below are at Target for $25 and getting solid reviews for comfort.

 5. Maxi Skirt

As featured previously, the long length in skirts and dresses is more "in" than...well, anything else this season, in my opinion. In order to own this reincarnation of a carefree flower child look, you need to keep your feet flat on the ground, literally, with gladiator sandals. They need to be strappy, detailed, colorful, animal print, beaded, or metallic. Maybe all at once! Go for more with these since they will most likely be worn with a solid skirt that will need a pop of something. I have a pair of Sam Edelmans from a couple years ago in leopard print with beading detail and they have gone with everything (even prints) and have definitely worn well. Try this option by the designer for $100 on Zappos.com. You will not be disappointed!

6. Slim Cropped Pants

After all those rules and regulations, I have some good news. The cigarette pants, as it's also known, goes with any of the shoes we've discussed! Keep the length at or just above your ankle and you're good to go with a wooded platform, nude peep toe, Sperry Top Sider, espadrille, or gladiator sandal.

Happy Shoe Hunting!