joreenfashionandlifestyle: January 2017

1. Kitten heels

Nowadays, kitten heels are dubbed “trainer heels”, since they are perceived to be the best first pair of heels for any young lady. However, easy to walk in and elegant, kitten heels are not only suitable for the younger generation. Feminine and delicate, they’re also the perfect ally for office outfits and they can be worn all year round with anything from cropped pants to pencil skirts. After proving they can be both chic and practical, kitten heels made countless appearances on the catwalk under famous signatures such as Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin. What to keep in mind when investing in a pair of kitten heels? Take your time and look for a feminine shape, steering away from chunky heels. A pair of closed-toes made out of black suede will look stunning with skinny pants in the winter. If you’re shopping for spring or summer, opt for an open-toe pair of kitten heels that has an ankle strap.

2. Cone heels

With a self-explanatory name, cone heels are wider at the sole and slimmer at the base. This heel can have different heights, ranging from 1.5 inches (3.5 centimeters) to 6 inches (15.25 centimeters). They are found both in shoes sand sandals, with or without a connected platform. With an upside down triangle or ice cone form, these heels also vary in thickness and can range from pencil thin heels to thick, round cones. Cone heels have a few subcategories: If you don’t have slim calves, cone heels are the best choice for you. Hourglass silhouettes with generous hip lines are beautifully complemented by cone heels, which add a touch of toughness. A rounded toe suits a large bust and balances out any outfit

. 3. Stiletto heels

We’re all familiar with this kind of heels because we all own at least a pair of stilettos. And this is not because they’re the epitome of comfy and versatile shoes, but because they’re striking and ooze sex-appeal. Most often found in closed-toed pumps or boots, stiletto heels are worn at work, on business meetings, at weddings and parties. They suit slimmer figures and they’re a must-have among petite framed gals. Stilettos make a terrific job of giving the impression the wearer is thinner, accentuating the legs, especially the calves and enhancing confidence. Stilettos make the wearers so appealing because their posture is completely altered: the calves flex, while the bust is more prominent. Undoubtedly a show stopper, the stiletto heel best suits short skirts and dresses, as well as cropped pants. The length of a pair of stiletto heels ranges widely. They usually start at around 2 inches (5 centimeters) and can go up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) when the shoe comprises a platform.

4. Pumps

A staple in any woman’s wardrobe, a pair of black, classic pumps will instantly boost any outfit, whether we’re talking about ripped jeans or cocktail dresses. Similarly to stilettoes, a nice pair of pumps will slim down any silhouette, creating the illusion of longer, more toned legs. Because the heel length varies and there is a slew of styles to choose from out there, pumps have become versatile and suitable for most body figures. There’s a simple test you need to keep in mind when you’re on the lookout for the pumps of your dreams. If your calves are on the muscular side, you’ll want to go for a chunky pair of pumps with a hidden platform that will suit your legs and ankles. On the other hand, if your legs are long and slim, choose a pair of shoes that look delicate and have a thin heel. What about the length of the heel? It all boils down to personal preferences and your endurance level. If you’re a seasoned high heel wearer, nothing’s stopping you to go bold with an 8-inch pair of pumps. If your style is better defined by dainty and pretty, stick around the 4 to 5 inch area. This will give you a stylish look and won’t overwhelm your outfit. Black high heels look good with mostly anything: dressy casual, office or glam, it’s up to you how you style and wear your pumps.

5. Wedge heels

The partner in crime for novices and a familiar face for high heel veterans, wedges are extremely popular and well-loved by everyone. We don’t have to look too far for the explanation. Wedges are found in boots, sandals and shoes, from casual footwear to edgy or classic styles. Effortless to style, unpretentious about body figures, wedges do a great job at distributing the entire weight throughout the sole, conveying a slimmed leg and flattering the whole figure. Platforms with narrow wedges are ideal for short ladies, while thick, chunkier wedges suit fuller silhouettes, like hourglass or pear body shapes. Wedges are very permissive and can be worn all year round with anything from LBDs, maxi dresses, jeans, pantsuits or shorts. Whatever style you go for, make sure you keep an eye out for proportions and don’t forget about balance. What does this imply, specifically? You want to create a flowing, homogenous outfit in order to achieve the appearance of a taller body figure. To do this, pair a chunky pair of wedges with softer materials for a fluid silhouette. A subtler, more neutral wedge makes for a more lenient footwear choice. This can be paired with bright, bold patterns, without risking looking too busy.

6. Prism heels

Prism heels comprise of a triangle made of their three sides. They’re usually bold and loud, created to be noticed and to complement minimalistic outfits. Prism heels vary in length and thickness, which makes them easy to adapt to sundry body shapes. They offer stability and they are very comfortable, especially when they are paired with a stable hidden platform. Unpretentious, prism heels can easily be dressed down or dressed up and they look beautiful next to jeans, tailored pants, maxi dresses and shorts. Found in sandals, shoes and boots, the prism heels have a singular charm about them and they are reminiscent of the 60s. In addition to being chic and elegant, they’re also suitable for new high heel wearers. They are comfortable and stable, which makes them ideal for a lot of walking around. If you’re looking for a pair of boots made for walking, but you don’t want to sacrifice heel length, opt for a pair of prism heeled booties that will keep your feet warm and elongate your frame

. 7. Spool heels

Not the first choice for contemporary fashionistas, spool heels sport an hourglass silhouette that is wider at the top and narrow in the middle, only to flare out again towards the bottom. Evoking Baroque nostalgia, this type of heels occasionally pops up in random fashion collections, integrated in sandals, boots or peep-toed shoes. Spool heels start at 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) and can go up to 4 inches (10 centimeters). They are extremely comfortable to walk in and they are also known as Louis heels or French heels, since they have their roots in the vintage style of 1600s France. Smooth, rounded and with a triangular shape at the bottom, spool heels are often dismissed as dated. However, fashion enthusiasts who incorporate spool heels into their outfits can’t praise them enough for their comfy fit and classy feel, especially when they are paired with a hidden platform

. 8. Sling back heels

With a strap around the heel or ankle, sling backs are comfortable and sexy, particularly if they’re on the taller side. Sling back heels are seen in sandals and open or closed shoes. The strap varies from chunky buckles to adjustable and elastic bands. Great staples for hot summer months, sling back heels are easy to put on, easy to slip off and, provided you have the right fit, they’re incredibly comfy. The wide range of styles and designs doesn’t disappoint and caters for all needs: from formal sling backs that excellently complement a pantsuit to smart casual sling backs, which can be paired with loose trousers or a loose top. Not to mention evening wear, another field where sling backs excel: perfect companions for little black dresses, a sparkly pair of sling back heels will add enough spice to a sophisticated outfit. Regardless if we’re talking about sandals or shoes that sport a sling back heel, they were designed to be put on display and they’re always ready to steal the show. With this in mind, don’t hide your sling backs behind flared jeans, but rather show them off with mini and demi skirts or cropped and short pants. You might also want to steer away from socks. If the weather doesn’t allow you to sport your favorite sling backs, you’re better off leaving them at home and choosing other footwear rather than accessorizing them with socks.

9. Platform heels

I'm not exaggerating when I’m saying platforms are super stylish and daring. This is one of the reasons why they’re not the easiest shoes to wear. However, the length and slimming effect they add to your legs makes them irresistible. This might come as a surprise to many, but platforms have nothing to do with the style, thickness or length of the shoe’s heel. Instead, platforms refer to the part of the sole that rests under your toes. Did we mention they’re comfy and you practically feel like you’re wearing flats? Nothing says street style as well as platforms. If you’re not afraid to stand out and turn heads, you can rock this kind of heels no matter what your body frame is. Platforms show up in sandals, shoes and boots. But the latter are, by far, the most beautiful looking ones. Get a pair of platform booties and you’ve got yourself the best footwear for skirts, maxi dresses, ripped jeans, cropped pants and loose joggers. An all-time favorite for petite ladies, platforms instantly add the much sought after length and make your calves look like you’ve been hitting the gym five times a week. Cute or edgy, romantic or grungy, platforms seem to tick all the needed criteria for fashion enthusiasts. Check out these types of platform heels for more inspiration: Classic type of boot, but with a thick sole and heel. The key words here are tall and daring. A modern take on platform shoes, with the height of the sole remaining the same from heel to toe. Needless to say, they are very comfortable. They never go out of style and they're a summertime staple, since they combine a comfy fit with a chic design. Often associated with Lady Gaga's bold style. The most recent addition to the bunch, heelless platforms remain a statement piece, only to be worn for special occasions.

10. High heel sandals

The ultimate trendsetter for summer and parties, high heel sandals are the least comfortable type of heels. However, they make up for the discomfort with a striking, sexy design that is a must for any strapless dress or slinky playsuit. Designers prove that they have no shortage of ideas with each new season, to the delight of fashionistas all around the globe. This translates to gladiator sandals, lace up high heels, tasseled sandals and even transparent plastic high heel sandals. Despite the fact that they’re most likely bound to become uncomfortable after an hour or two (in an optimistic scenario), high heel sandals are generous in their design and suit most body frames. For petite gals with slim legs, pencil thin heels are the way to go. However, curvy body shapes are better suited with chunky heels and tougher materials. These sexy high heels are flashy enough on their own, so they’re best paired with longer skirts or pants that reveal the ankles. Combining a miniskirt with a pair of high heel sandals might look a bit too tacky.