Keilexandra popped this question into the suggestion box:
I’d love to see a post on how to “balance” foot size, both small and large. Especially small! At 5’2.5″ and 120 lbs, I feel like my size 5 feet are disproportionately small. This is especially apparent when I wear heels or high-vamp shoes (e.g. oxfords, TOMS), and even more so now that I am finally spending money on good-quality shoes in my size rather than a size too large. Wearing shoes that fit is much more comfortable, but it also makes my feet look smaller… and unlike most women, I think my feet are already small enough!
When I was a teen, I, too, wished to make my feet appear larger. I had a girlfriend who carried most of her weight in her bust and belly, and wore very tight, skinny jeans, and shoes that made her feet look tiny. Honestly, it worked for her. But seeing how she handled her dressing and footwear choices made me reevaluate my own and decide that I’d rather err on the side of shoes that made my feet look actual size or even a bit larger in order to balance my hips and shoulders. So I passed on Keds and reached for Doc Martens.
Women who have feet they feel are disproportionately large also struggle, I know. Some will go so far as to wear floor-sweeping skirts as often as possible to keep their feet minimally visible. And here’s the thing: All feet are fine. You’ve got yours in their current size because of your own unique biology, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. It is entirely up to you if balancing your foot size is a figure-flattery priority. None of my figure-flattery advice posts should be considered gospel, including this one, and I fully expect you to read them with a grain of salt. Style “rules” are merely guidelines, no matter who is dispensing them. I trust you to use your judgment. And I trust you to take what applies to you, discard the rest, and assume positive intent.
For those who do wish to balance their natural foot size a bit, here are some tips for both ends of the spectrum:
To make small feet appear larger
Almond and pointed toes: Generally, you want your feet to seem longer in the length, so toe styles that add a bit of visual length will help. You don’t have to go full pointy and veer into elf territory. A chic almond toe will help somewhat.
Platforms: Heft on the sole might not add to perceived foot length, but it will still add to the illusion. Again, no need to break out the disco stompers – a small platform and chunky heel will do the trick.
Large soles: Most women’s shoes feature soles that fit well beneath the shoe body, but some styles of flat boots and rugged footwear include soles that protrude a bit. My Fluevog Lancasters, shown above, boast this feature.
Bootcut pants: Pant styles that are slim to the ankle and foot will make dainty feet seem daintier. Bootcut openings have a bit more leeway since they flare a bit, and can make feet seem a bit larger.
To make large feet appear smaller
Rounded toes: On the opposite end of the spectrum, you’ll want a toe style that makes your feet appear as compact as possible. Rounded toes are generally a good bet.
Dark colors: Shoes in light or pastel shades will add a bit of perceived length, so stick to darker shades like gray, navy, brown, and black.
Avoid strappy sandals: Showing lots of foot against thin straps will make that foot seem bigger, so stick to wider straps and a bit more coverage. Or try peep-toes, D’Orsays, or sling-backs.
Originally posted 2013-03-06 06:06:44.
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