“Shoes are just a pedestal. What interests me is the power of the woman who wears them.”
A good pair of flats can not only save you from achy feet but really make an outfit casual chic. I love a cute pair of heels as much as the next girl but I have found that the right pair of flats can compliment your look by giving it a more relaxed yet sophisticated semblance. Flats may not give you the same sexiness factor that heels do but there’s something to be said for a woman who can still exude the same kind of confidence in the way she carries herself. So in some way, it’s kind of liberating.
In big cities like Miami and Los Angeles, its not uncommon for women to wear heels everyday. Some are even required to wear them to work but it seems brands have recognized the consumers desire for more versatile shoes. More women are exploring footwear designs for everyday wear that offer a more modern and styled look. Futhermore, our generation is significantly more aware of their overall health (Yes, they’re cute as hell but heels are not good for your feet, back or posture). Perhaps you’ve discovered the beauty of flats long ago but I for one am finally appreciating all different varieties of flats other than just my combat boots and Uggs these days.
Substituting flats for heels took some getting used to but I’m glad I’ve diversified my shoe collection for many reasons. Flats are a favorite amongst many because they’re so low maintenance and easy to throw on but there are some guidelines to be aware of depending on the height of the shoe itself (ex: sandals, ankle booties, knee-high, etc.) and shape. Once you have that figured out, you can concentrate on styling your outfit.
For a casual chic daytime look, try pairing your flats with some distressed denim and fitted blouse or solid color tee. I really like these Charles David slip on’s because the low cut elongates the leg and has a slimming effect. This will also work well on heavier set women but beware if you already have long feet. The space between the cuff of your pants and top of your shoe can exaggerate the length of your foot.
Showing a little ankle is tasteful and sexy but be careful not to choose a pair of pants that have too wide of a leg or it will make your feet look oddly skinny. For this reason, I love ankle skinny jeans. And since bell bottoms are making a gradual comeback, might I recommend wearing them with some moccasins or thong sandals.
If it’s too warm for pants, a skirt or pair of shorts could also work. Long flowing skirts tend to look better with shoes that show a bit more toe so you’ll want to opt for a shorter skirt with closed toe flats. Perhaps the exception for this would be a pair of low cut ankle booties…do they ever do any wrong?
Pencil skirts and a loose top or blazer make a killer combination with flats for the work place or lunch with the girls. On more casual days, a nice pair of sneakers can look quite nice with a pair of tailored pants. Fortunately our weather in California can allow such an outfit, even in summer!
Summer dresses just might have been invented for cute flats. Free-flowing dresses with flats are a great match but remember, just like with the floor length skirts, open-toed shoes tend to pair better with longer cuts.
Don’t be afraid to get wild with colors and cuts! Sometimes just a simple pop of color on your shoes can really make a neutral outfit seem more fun and au courant, so get to shopping and tag your favorite looks with #DeziStyle on Instagram so I can see your creations!!
Photography by Devin Anderson (My not so lil bro!)
Blouse by F21 | Jeans by O2 Denim | Shoes by Charles David
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