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My big problem at the moment is finding a “fashion sneaker†– something I can wear with my sand-color chinos (Vashon modern fit chinos from Eddie Bauer.) I think old school sneakers, like Converse All Stars, look very cool, but they are just too flat for me and make me look squat with big thighs. I have some white New Balance running shoes, but they look so “gym teacher†with the chinos. I'm short but not really petite, with a big bust, short legs (in proportion to my torso) and big feet (in proportion) - it requires an engineering degree to balance it all out. I haven't worn a skirt in years as I HATE my legs - too short with huge calves. I look horrible in the ubiquitous summer "cute skirt with ballet flats." I know most fashion experts rail against clunky heels and platforms, but it's what works best for my body. For instance, I love my Born Merriam sandals - they give me a little height and the platform is more comfy than a heel. However – I'd love to find a comfy sneaker, or at least a shoe with a covered foot. Pumas are adorable, but again – very flat and make me look squat and emphasize my thighs. I don’t care for Mary Janes, as they tend to make my big feet look larger. I was thinking of something like a loafer with chunky heel, but that’s not a very summery look. (I live in sunny California.) This feels impossible! Can you offer any advice? Thank you so much.
Tara is right about several things--her running shoes are not the best look with her chinos, and chunky loafers aren't very summery. But that doesn't mean she can't find great, retro-inspired athletic shoes, or even cool summery shoes that will keep her legs in proportion. If she's looking for tennis shoes, Simple makes wonderful, substantial athletic inspired shoes (they're sneakers, sure, but you wouldn't want to go running or play tennis in them). They're a nice old school look but they are also supportive and comfortable. (Simple Uneven, available at Zappos for $78.95.) Tara could also opt for classic K-Swiss court shoes, or for a great pair of Tretorns, which still look like they did in the 1930s. Because court shoes typically have a thicker sole, they will give her some balance. And they look totally cool.
Tara could also choose a sandal, something with a fairly substantial heel, but not necessarily a platform or chunky shoe. For summer, chunky shoes can be very heavy, even with pants. Instead, she can look for a bright colored slide with a substantial sole. I like these Kork-Ease wedges because they are a good balance of pretty and practical, but they don't look orthopedic or heavy. They would go well with chinos or capri pants or a skirt (yes, Tara, a skirt!). Keep in mind, though, that pants that will be worn with heels--even a wee little heel--must be properly hemmed for those heels. So the chinos that Tara wears with her court shoes may not also go with her wedge sandals. Instead, she could opt for a chino capri, something that hits her just below the widest part of her calves, and wear them either with cool athletic-inspired shoes or with a summery slide sandal. (Kork-Ease slide, available at Zappos, $128.95.)
Finally, Tara could opt for an espadrille, which has a nice wedge heel and either a closed toe or a peep toe (I'm partial to the peep toe, frankly). This is a slightly dressier look than an athletic shoe but will still give her some height and substance. The peep toe is terrific for bigger feet; a closed toe can make large feet look even larger, especially when we're talking about summer shoes, but that little glimpse of toe can slim a long foot. And espadrilles have a fantastic old school look that is both glamorous and Preppy. They are the classic summer shoe. (Naturalizer espadrille, available at Zappos for $51.95.)
Susan Wagner
