I love ballet flats but they look weird on me. My husband says I look like I cut off my feet is it because I’m short and plus size? What shoes can a short plus size girl wear and not look weird?
Girl I hear you loud and clear. I’m short, I’m overweight and on top of that I have thick legs and ankles; ballet flats look ridiculous on me. I understand the appeal of ballet flats – they’re classic, they’re easily found at popular retailers, they can slip easily in your bag to be a good commuting shoe. But the thing is most ballet flats aren’t comfortable for long spans of time, and they make shorter and larger women look awkward or top heavy. So here’s some great flat shoe alternatives that will give your soles a break and look more flattering with your figure!
Top row: BP. | Sole Society | Nine West
Middle row: Halogen | Tory Burch | Kristin Cavallari
Bottom row: Ivanka Trump | Nine West | Kate Spade
Pointed Toe Flats
A flat with a pointed toe elongates the foot, preventing you from looking as though you got hacked off at the ankle. Pointed flats look adorable peeking out from a trouser’s hem, are flattering with cropped and ankle pants, and look chic with skirts. Pointed toe flats don’t have to be uncomfortable; most are made to have the pointed part empty with your foot in the normal sized portion. A pair of insoles can keep your foot from sliding into the pointed part for all-day comfort.
Top row: Ivanka Trump | Via Spiga | Isaac Mizrahi
Middle row: Lucky Brand | BC Footwear | Halogen
Bottom row: BC Footwear | Jeffrey Campbell | Halogen
d’Orsay Flats
d’Orsay flats are back en vogue and I couldn’t be happier. Such a style of shoe is elegant, dresses up better than other flat styles of shoes, and is more comfortable on a steamy summer day. d’Orsay flats usually have a pointed toe, so they work in the same manner as the flats featured above.
Top row: Nine West | COACH| COACH
Middle row: UGG Australia | MICHAEL Michael Kors | Carvela Kurt Geiger
Bottom row: Sperry Top-Sider | Franco Sarto | Carvela Kurt Geiger
Embellished Front Flats
If your shoe is topped with decoration, it provides substance and better balances your figure. A flat with a buckle, flower, or other decoration adds interest to a look without being too overwhelming. This season’s ankle and cropped pants are a perfect way to showcase the detail of such a shoe, and embellished flats are the perfect partner for midi and fuller skirts.
Top row: Tommy Hilfiger | Rockport | Anne Klein
Middle row: Me Too | Via Spiga | SIXTYSEVEN
Bottom row: ara | Fitzwell | Ivanka Trump
Very Low Heel or Wedge Flats
It’s amazing how just a teensy bit of lift can transform a flat and make it more flattering. A very low heel or wedge is actually more supportive and comfortable than a true flat, and it’s also more appropriate for an office setting. Wear such a shoe as you would with flats, low heels and wedges look great with all lengths and styles of pants and skirts.
Do you have any suggestions on ballet flat alternatives?
