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Tips on how to choose a flattering shoe

Did you know that the size of your bones plays an important part in deciding which shoes suit you?

Take a moment to look at your wrists and ankles. If they seem proportionally delicate to your arms and legs, then your bones are fine and you have "thin" ankles.

On the other hand if your wrist and ankles are proportionally less distinct to your arms and legs, then you probably have large bones and "thick" ankles.

Keep in mind that the size of your bones has nothing to do with your weight. A large woman can be small boned just as a slim woman can be large boned.

Here are some basic rules for choosing a flattering shoe:

If you have thick ankles avoid:

  • Ankle straps that direct attention to your ankles and cut off the length of your foot (not to be confused with Mary Jane styles where the strap lies across the foot).
  • Shoes that are cut very high at the back so they cover the thinnest part of your ankle.
  • Low and delicate kitten heels that can make the shoe appear too small for your foot.
  • Flat shoes with pointed toes.

Instead look fabulous in:

  • Styles with detail at the front below, that draw attention away from the ankle.
  • Court shoes and Mary Janes preferably where the heel comes straight down from the base of the shoe giving your ankle shape.
  • Sling backs and open backed shoes like "Cache" below, create the illusion of lengthening the leg making the ankles appear slimmer.
  • A more substantial shoe in proportion with your ankle - a platform shoe, a chunky loafer or wedge.
  • Styles with bold details like "Heet" below - buckles, patterns, flowers and bows.
  • Ankle boots. They disguise thick ankles, don't care about the size of your calves and under jeans and pants give the appearance of long boots without the added bulk.
  • More substantial boots with solid heels or wedges and bold detailing.
  • Round toed ballet flats.

wedges

If you have thin ankles avoid:

  • Heavy, thick or stacked heels.
  • Wedged heels - as they will exaggerate thin ankles by making the foot appear bigger.
  • Chunky shoes such as clogs and mules with high fronts.
  • Round toed ballet pumps.
  • Shoes with large details which may overpower a delicate ankle.

Instead look fabulous in:

  • Ankle straps and Mary Janes like "Glamorous" below, to show off your ankles to their best advantage.
  • Slender rather than chunky heels - for example a slim stiletto like "Sasco" or "Wideyed" below.
  • Pointy toed flats that flatter the leg, or kitten heels.
  • Small/fine details (textured shoes, fine bows and buckles).
  • Mid calf or tall slouchy boots worn with skinny jeans and a loose fit knit to balance the top and bottom.
  • Fine heels and boots with minimal detailing.

At Shoe Show you'll always find a flattering shoe as there are so many different styles to try at your leisure.

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