Put Your Best Shoe Forward

Accessories are coming on strong nowadays. Shoes range from ballet flats to wafer-thin wedges and squashed heel pumps to stiletto-spiked heels.  They come in a host of colors that are jellybean bright and are available in linen, leather, patent leather, lizard, or snake.  Handbags are equally varied in style and color.

Women are concerned, however, about the high price of shoes and bags.  One woman wrote, “I can’t afford as many shoes as I used to.”  Is there a best color that will go with everything? And what about style?

For many of us who are used to owning several pairs of shoes in different styles and colors, their high price is a hard reality to face.  As inflation is about to hit, it may have to last a little longer and coordinate with a variety of clothing.

Contrary to tradition, black and white are not your best color choices for basic shoes.  Both scuff easily, and white really shows the dirt.  If they are not exactly color-coordinated with your outfit, black and white become extremely noticeable, because they are the extremes of dark and light.

A color somewhere between those extremes is better, one neither so light as white nor so dark as black.  Navy blue, rust brown, and burgundy will meet the need and are considered wardrobe neutrals because they harmonize with the largest variety of other colors.

If not perfectly coordinated with your clothes, the difference is generally not as great as with black and with and therefore not as noticeable.

For that one “best” color, I recommend a rust or cinnamon brown, sometimes called “luggage.”  It is a neutral-looking earth tone, goes well with any color you can name, and is appropriate all year around.

If funds are limited, four pairs of shoes will do nicely.  Select them in leather or a leather-like material.  Stick to classic styles, which you won’t become readily out of date.  Medium-height heels are attractive, yet comfortable.

You might choose closed pumps or a T-strap for the day, sling-back pumps or a low ankle strap pump for the evening, possibly a stacked heel-version for walking, and a loafer to tied-style for casual wear.

We’ve seen the popularity of low and flat-soled shoes, so the selection should be easy if comfort is what you’re after.  Tuxedo pumps and demi-wedge flats are lovely for dressy day or eveningwear.

While they don’t have to be matched, handbag colors should coordinate with wardrobe items as well as your shoes.  Again, cinnamon brown is the most versatile color, and leather bags will provide the required durability.

I recommend a shoulder bag or a purse with a handle.  Your hands are all too often occupied with other things and you don’t want to be overly concerned about your handbag.  If a clutch bag is preferred, a detachable or collapsible handle may satisfy the need for a handle.

Plan ahead for your purchase.  Keep an eye out for the style and color of your choice.  While leather shoes and purses may seem too expensive, consider the cost-per-use over the life of the item.  The price may then be a wise investment in your future.

Note: This article was previously published in the printed issue of The Corporate, Guide and Style for Professionals Magazine.