I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m a small-scale person. My mom always called me a “sample.” And because of my scale, wearing oversized clothing and accessories can sometimes be a challenge. Perhaps you’ve experienced similar challenges. We all have natural characteristics that we have to take into account when getting dressed.
Outfits also have a scale, ranging from skintight to very voluminous, and the key to flattery is to make sure your shoes are close in scale to your outfits. Sounds simple? It is, but it’s a detail that’s often overlooked and it plays such a key role in putting together flattering outfits.
To put it simply, sleek outfits call for sleek to medium shoes. Oversized outfits call for medium to chunky shoes. Medium width outfits can be paired with almost any shoes.
Nada Manley
Now that we’ve done an overview of this concept, let’s see these principles illustrated.
Sleek Outfits
Whether you’re wearing something skintight or merely fitted, stay close to the scale of the outfit when choosing shoes. That means classic streamlined pumps and ballet flats, delicate sandals, streamlined boots, etc. You can also go more medium in scale with cowboy or riding boots, a block heeled pump or sandal, or a loafer.
Structured Outfits
These are the easiest and most flattering outfits to wear at any age, but especially over 40. These outfits are tailored and slightly fitted, but not skin-tight and definitely not oversized. Because they fall in the middle, they are the most versatile when it comes to shoes, and can work equally well with sleek or chunky shoes, depending on the details of the particular outfit.
Oversized Outfits
Oversized is in, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with challenges. An oversized outfit calls for shoes that can support it in visual weight, so choose shoes that are medium to chunky for best results. Delicate shoes can get drowned out and look out of place. Choose chunky boots like lug soled styles, platform shoes, and chunky sneakers and loafers.
So what do you think of this concept? Is it something you’ve thought about before or is it brand new? Let me know in the comments!
Nada Manley says
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you found that post helpful!
Beth Costume says
I loved your post about how to pick flattering shoes for an outfit. I found it to be very inspirational. I loved that you mentioned that you don’t know what scale an outfit is on, but that this is something you just naturally do.