I can’t say that I’m a fashion’expert, ’ but I do love my shoes. It all started in high school wherein I had to wear a uniform and the only way to express my creativity or more commonly, my personality was through shoes. Being from California, here are some shoes that a person should have in their closet.
- A pair of cheap thong sandals. They break easily, but they’re comfortable and the’California style.’ Buy a pair of black ones that fit comfortably no matter if they come from Target or Saks, and know that they’re not meant to last a lifetime and you can always afford to replace them.
Actually, I found that one only needs like 2 types of shoes: dressy and not dressy, and they come in various shapes and sizes to fit your preferences.
- I believe in the boot. Whatever you prefer, a Doc Marten(my recommendation because they’re good quality, they last forever, and they keep you dry. Get a pair of 1460 in black because they match everything) or a Timberland(but don’t get the one that JLo made fashionable unless you’re ready to buy into a trend). Just something very durable and rugged so that you can go hiking at any possible moment. I also love UGGS because they’re warm sheepskin lined. They’re great for winter and floaty skirts.
Which reminds me, always but always MAKE SURE YOU BREAK IN YOUR SHOES. If you know you’re going to be wearing like stilettos to prom or your wedding, make sure to get used to them by wearing them around the house beforehand.
For girls, one should also have a pair of dressy boots sitting on the shelf next to the hiking-like boots. Something sexy but not overly trendy. There’s no way you could get me to wear the pointy boots - my feet are too wide! And I won’t wear anything too trendy because I can’t wear them next season. I think a good black leather with a heel and makes you feel sexy while comfortable is a good idea. I like Keneth Cole, personally.
Comfort shoes that make you feel like you’re back in college. Addidas shell toes or Puma Californias. They come in varying shades so that you can let your whim decide. I’ve seen a surge of the 80’s style trainer by Reebok, Nike, Converse, and Addias-the high-top-and I think they’re fabulous. They’re spunky and colorful. I also recommend a pair of Converse All-Stars. Although I’ve seen them mostly on’artsy’ or’punk’ kind of people, they’re really cute. I don’t have a pair personally, but I know that they’re the best way to let your creativity reign by a change of laces or writing all around. They don’t last very long though, so you’d have to take very good care of them. Ever since Nike bought the style and moved production of it from the USA to China, I’ve seen the quality go downhill.
Dressy shoes that are also comfortable. I mean, not the heel and not the slippery loafer. I was more thinking the Doc Marten 3-eye oxford or TUK’s Mary Janes(but TUKS are very hard to come by unless you know where to look for them). They’re heavy, but they’re versatile enough to match anything. Snub the knockoffs made by other designers like Sketchers. They won’t last you the amount of time that these brands will.
A dressy shoe. Girls can have a multitude of these ranging from strappy heels to stilettos to anything in between. Something that looks feminine and light, but nothing too slutty or school marm-ish. Make sure they somehow match what you wear. You can’t really go by brand with these. When you see them, you just know. Don’t be afraid to go cheap.
For guys, something that you’re comfortable in, something shiny in black or a dark rich brown. Something like dressy loafers or lace up a bit. Something that you can stand to wear and are really timeless and durable. I would go to like Nordstroms to find something. Buy it from somewhere that knows dressy shoes. The’handmade’ kind from Italy or Spain or somewhere sophisticated sounding. I want you to step in these shoes and feel damned confident. Don’t be afraid to buy something expensive because it’s an investment that you don’t want to make more than once. If you go out and have to seriously dress up a lot, make sure they last about a year or two. If they’re of exceptional quality and you take care of them, they will hopefully last 5 years.
- My best advice is to buy shoes that you think are trendy. Shoes that you fall in love with and you know you’re going to wear. I love shoes that are special to me. No matter if they’re shoes that won’t last long, just something that varies from the monotony of the everyday. I see shoes made of transparent rubber. If you like to show off your socks, you should get a pair. Don’t be afraid to stand out.