The Right Shoes for the Right Outfit

By Mylie Foxclaw

Being stylish is not just about the clothes you are wearing but it also depends on other factors.  You may be wearing a fantastic dress but if you pair it with the wrong shoes, you might be looking odd or as we say in our trendy jargon, a ‘fashion faux-pas’.  Today, we will focus on wearing the proper shoes for different types of outfits.

First, let’s check out pants and jeans.  Just like real life, one can use jeans to create different types of looks and shoes are an important part of the look.  However in SL, we have to be especially careful about the jeans’ cuffs when we pick our shoes.  If you have rolled up cuffs or flared pants, you can opt for sneakers for a sporty look or a pair of heels or some flat ballerina shoes to add a feminine touch to your overall look.  For instance, in the first picture I opted for the Vernon sneakers in pink shade and in the next picture, I went with the Dianthus Heels from Glamistry.  The flat ballerina shoes in the third picture are from garbaggio.

The trick with jeans is to avoid the edge of shoes to touch your pants.  Else you will end up with something like in the picture below. 

This is a shame because the Wendy heels from Ricielli are very cool and trendy but because it does not work with pants, you can’t see the real beauty.  The picture below shows the same heels in Pumpkin shade.  These heels can be worn with casual shorts, skirts, capris and dresses but must definitely be avoided with pants or jeans. 

However, you can still wear jeans with high boots.  In this case, look for layers pants instead of mesh rigged pants as they will never get in the way.  If you still want to use rigged mesh pants with your boots, you can still opt for those with a tight cuff or mesh leggings that are made to fit with boots.  For example, in the picture below, the boots have been paired with applier jeans.  These boots and jeans are available at Beautiful Dirty Rich in the rain over me Outfit pack.

If you are wearing a short dress or skirt, you can always opt for boots, sandals or high heels such as pumps or stilettoes but that will depend on the style.  For instance, the Wendy heels by Ricielli (shown previously) or the Alma boots from Ingenue shown below can be paired up with casual or bohemian types of dresses.  While the Wendy heels add a sexy flair, the Alma boots give a cuter touch.  When you opt for very casual outfits, avoid the classic shiny pumps as they will not match.  You want everything to blend well.

If you have a little black dress for a formal event, you will definitely opt for high heels.  You can always go for black pumps or be adventurous and opt for classy red shoes.  You want to look classy and something with a slight shine will be more appropriate.  Your shoes will be very visible with a short but classy dress, so choose wisely.  For instance, the Dianthus heels from Glamistry (previously shown) will work very well for short dresses or you can opt for something similar to the Dreamer pumps from Beautiful Dirty Rich (available in the Dare to Dream Outfit). 

If you are wearing a long gown, note that your shoes will go unnoticed most of the time.  So you can simply opt for classic pumps or open toe heels but you don’t need to invest on shoes that usually stand out.  You can opt for a colour close to your dress or if you have address in dark shades, opt for black heels and if your gown is of a lighter shade, opt for white or pastel tones. 

A pair of classic pumps in black usually works for a lot of outfits and thus, it is a must have.  You can wear it with your formal gown, something gothic/punk, an office style or look or your casual jeans.  If you want something beachy like, sandals and flip-flops are the way to go.  They work well with flowery dresses or shorts or your favourite swimwear.

The beaded sandals from Envie are a fun addition or you can go simple with these pair of flip-flops from Paper Arrow.  

The next time you are picking your shoes, consider these styling tips.  Remember that not all types of shoes work for every outfit.  Take your time whenever you want to get new shoes.  There are many designers who design great shoes in SL, so you will find the perfect pair for any outfit!

Shoes used in the pictures:

1. Vernon Shoes by {kokoia} Exclusive Designs http://slurl.com/secondlife/Moordon/96.2918/175.378/21
2.  Dianthus shoes by Glamistry - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Glamistry/153/60/602
3.  Ballerina Shoes- Garbaggio - https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Garbaggio-FREE-Sample-Pack-for-SLink-Feet/6653640
4. Wendy Shoes by Ricielli (Hunt Item till December) http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ricielli/213/95/28
5. Boots from ‘Rain Over Me’ outfit by Beautiful Dirty Rich http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beautiful%20Dirty%20Rich/128/111/22
6. Alma Boots by Ingenue http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lo%20Lo/201/99/21/
7. Dreamer Pumps from ‘Dare to Dream’ outfit by Beautiful Dirty Rich http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beautiful%20Dirty%20Rich/128/111/22 
8. Beaded Sandals by Envie https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/37066 

 Mylie Foxclaw