How do your shoes communicate? What is the personality dressing style of your shoes?
In this video with Jill Chivers of Shop Your Wardrobe, we discuss and show examples of different shoe styles and elements of shoes so you can learn how to interpret your shoes and what they are communicating.
What are The Design Elements of Different Personality Styles?
I'm sharing here some of the different design elements of shoes that you may see. Some more common, some less so, plus some examples of different shoe styles and their predominant personality dressing style.
Personality of Pumps
Pumps are a more naturally Classic and Feminine personality style of shoe (men don't wear pumps!). But still, within pumps there are a range of different elements you may see which communicate elements of personality dressing styles.
Elements You May Find in Shoes
Classic Shoes most commonly have:
- Almond Toe
- Leather
- Matte finish
- Stacked heel
- Medium height
- Simple design
- Black/navy in colour
Relaxed Shoes most commonly have
- Flat or low heel
- Square toe or wide toe box
- Thicker sole
- Matte finish
- Leather, suede or canvas
- Cork heels
- Stacked heel (if heel)
- Simple design
- Natural colours
- Low Heel, curved or square toe - relaxed
Dramatic Shoes most commonly have:
- High heels
- Stiletto heels
- Fine sole or platform sole
- Bright colour
- Patent finish
- Bold detail
Creative Shoes most commonly have:
- Unusual design detail
- Interesting/unusual heel design
- Unusual colour combination
- Quirky detail
Rebellious Shoes most commonly have:
- Metalware or studding
- Edgy design elements
- High heel or flat and chunky
- Skull or tattoo style motifs
Feminine Shoes most commonly have:
- Light colours
- Soft finish
- Delicate detail
- Curvy patterns
- Frills, sparkles, bling, lace
- Bows
- Curved toes
- Fine soles
- Ankle straps
- Fine straps
Elegant Chic Shoes most commonly have:
- Lighter colours
- Softer finish
- Grown-up glamour
- Detailed elements
- Quality finish
- Slimmer heels and soles
You can see in each of these illustrations of shoe styles, from pumps, to loafers to ankle boots, there are design elements that are more unique to each personality dressing style. Many shoes are a combination of features but may have a dominant personality trait that is the most obvious.
I've noticed that most of my shoes come from the more Feminine style (as their basis) but have elements of Relaxed and Dramatic. I know for me that I can only wear exercise style sneakers when I'm actually doing exercise (I feel very uncomfortable in them wearing jeans, they just feel too clumpy and dressed down).
If you'd like to understand all about your personality and how it influences your choice in clothing, accessories, grooming and of course shoes - this is the first step in my 7 Steps to Style program and I think one of the most valuable things you can ever learn about style as it gives you an insight into why you like what you like and dislike what you do. Understanding personality dressing styles really stops you purchasing so many of the wrong clothes as you know that some design details just aren't 'you' and also empowers you to express your best personality with confidence through your outfits each day.
What do your shoes say about your personality? I'd love to know!
Further Shoe Related Reading
8 Simple Truths About ShoesThese Shoes Will Never Love MeThe Shoe Queen
10 Ways Personality Is More Important Than Body Shape When Choosing Flattering Clothes
How to Choose Accessories to Match Your Personality and Occasion
Creating Harmony with Your Personality
