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I will quickly be attending my niece’s “formal-ish” wedding ceremony, my first because the pandemic. I have a pleasant gown to put on, however I don’t know what to do about footwear. I have sworn off heels — I don’t want them for work, and simply received bored with the ache — however sneakers received’t reduce it. What is one of the best flats choice that may look trendy and event-appropriate, whereas not making me appear like a baby? — Ruth Ann, Bloomfield, Conn.
Yoko Ono married John Lennon in flats. Keira Knightley married her husband, the musician James Righton, in flats. Jerry Hall married Rupert Murdoch in flats. OK, possibly that final instance was not one of the best, given they’re now splitting up, however the level is: If these girls, very a lot within the public eye, can put on flats to what is among the most essential dressing-up moments of their lives, the remainder of us may put on them.
There is such a factor as formal flats — and, as Christian Louboutin, of purple sole fame and a person who likely spends extra time than most of us excited about the Tao of footwear, stated when I requested, they “have no age limit.” (Then he added: “51 is the new 15!”)
But what do they appear like?
There are so many potential choices that it’s maybe greatest to start out with what to not put on. Ballet flats, the go-to acceptable comfortable, flat shoe-that-isn’t-a-sneaker since Audrey Hepburn wore them in “Funny Face,” can look infantile and clichéd. Ditto Mary Janes. (There is nothing incorrect with a bit vogue irony, however possibly not at a marriage.)
Strappy sandals and mules are ethereal within the warmth, however they demand numerous foot care. If you will expose your toes and heels throughout a proper event, you need to be sure these toes and heels don’t resemble the digits of a Disney-worthy evil stepmother. (Bad juju.) Depending on your tolerance for loofahs and pedicures, which will imply that one of the best answer is a straightforward closed-toe-and-heel type, maybe with one thing of a pointed, moderately than rounded, toe and a streamlined profile.
Then focus on colour and embellishment. In the absence of eye-catching heels, that’s what will increase — no pun meant — your flat shoe sport.
Mr. Louboutin means that moderately than attempting to match your footwear to your gown, one of the best technique is both to match your footwear to your pores and skin (in 2013 he started providing a line known as “nudes,” which has grown to incorporate eight completely different pores and skin tones) or go for metallics like gold and silver. Either alternative has the good thing about working with a wide range of outfits, that means they’re a cheap choice.
(Generally, the higher the supplies and construction, the longer a shoe will final and the extra comfy it is going to be — but additionally the dearer. You must weigh the cost-benefit evaluation, however that is one merchandise that could be value a little bit of a splurge, which can repay over time.)
You can mess around with embroidery and glowing additions that rework a fundamental flat into one thing particular. For inspiration, take a look at the Dior couture shoe proven in January; the designer Maria Grazia Chiuri handled her flats and almost-flats like jewellery, encrusting them in jet beads and virtually making them into artwork objects unto themselves. Then try Badgley Mischka’s glimmering slip-ons or ankle-strap kinds and Nine West’s rhinestone numbers.
They’re dancing footwear.
Your Style Questions, Answered
Every week on Open Thread, Vanessa will reply a reader’s fashion-related query, which you’ll ship to her anytime through electronic mail or Twitter. Questions are edited and condensed.
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