Shopportunities: Clues About Shoes

What to know about colors and heels when shopping for your footwear.

"I’m in the market for several new pairs of shoes. I don’t want to get carried away and end up with shoes I’ll never wear—what key styles should I look for?"—Michelle N., Bonita Springs

Start by taking stock of the garments in your closet, noting your go-to pieces and predominant color families. You certainly don’t need a shoe to match every color—it’s much more contemporary to team neutral-hued shoe with a brightly colored outfit, or pair a shoe in a bold color or texture with a base-color ensemble.

You will, however, need a variety of heel heights. Block heels flatter heavier legs and look great with this year’s favorite wide-leg trousers. Try a chunky, mid-heel mule with a cropped pant or a dress. The new, heeled loafer is a great pick for transitioning into early fall and entirely appropriate for the workplace. And for evenings and dressy occasions, consider this year’s mid-heel stiletto as an alternative to a sky-high heel. All you need to do now is put your best foot forward and enjoy your shoe shopping.

Cheryl Lampard, founder of Style Matters International, answers your questions each month. If you have a question for Cheryl, send it to cchilds@gulfshorelife.com.