Choosing the right shoes for your body type can make or break your outfit. Some people may not realize that wearing the wrong shoe can make you appear shorter, wider, or disproportionate. In order to achieve balance throughout your body, wearing shoes that complement your body type are important. Once you know what yours is, finding the right shoes will be very easy.
How to Find the Right Shoes for Your Body Type
Petite
If you’re petite, you are short with a small bust and narrow hips. The best shoes for petite body types are heels and wedges because they help elongate the line of your leg to appear taller. Opt for peep-toe or pointed shoes to further extend the line. Finally, avoid shoes that have ankle straps as they break up the length of your leg. The ideal heel height should be less than 2.5-3 inches. Skin tight knee-high boots will also lengthen your legs as long as they do not have any straps, buckles, or any excessive details that may shorten your legs.
Inverted Triangle
Those with an inverted triangle body shape have wide shoulders, a broad chest, narrow waist and hips, and skinny legs. They also tend to be athletic and strong. If you’re an inverted triangle, ballet flats are the perfect shoes to compliment your slim legs. Choose bright colours to draw more attention to your smaller lower half. Chunky sandals with ankle straps also work because they help balance your top half. However, if your legs are on the athletic side, it is better to go with super high heels with pointy or open-toes, or slouchy boots with side zippers.
Rectangle
This body shape is characterized by a straight, athletic build with little waist definition. The best shoes for rectangle shapes are simple pumps in a neutral tone to elongate the legs. Textured shoes like tennis shoes, loafers, and moccasins are great for this body type. Choose round or oval shoes such as ballerina flats or Mary Janes to add more femininity to your athletic build. Rectangle shapes are generally on the thin side with thin legs. Shoes with t-straps or slender heels are perfect for this body type. Avoid heavier heels as they may emphasis your thin legs even more.
Hourglass
If you have an hourglass body shape, you are very lucky. This is the ideal body shape and is defined as being curvy in the bust and booty with a tiny waist. Peep-toe heels and rounded shoes are perfect for hourglass shapes as they can compliment your curves. In order to contrast the curviness of your legs, a great option would be shoes with sturdy heels, such as wedges. Thin heels may emphasize the heaviness of your leg.
Apple
This body type features small shoulder and hips with slender legs—most of the weight accumulates around the midsection. If you’re an apple shape, opt for platform shoes or wedges as these chunky shoes balance out your slim legs and detracts attention away from your midsection. Calf length slouchy boots are also great because they balance out your legs and highlight your curves. Finally, with such slim legs, you can pull off ballet flats and strappy sandals perfectly.
Pear
Pear shaped women tend to have a small top half with a tiny waist, a fuller middle and booty. Also, usually larger legs. Open-toe wedges are the perfect shoes for your body type as they add length, but the chunky style balances out your curvy upper body. If you love boots, knee high or even thigh high boots with pointed toes and long slender heels are your best bet. These lengthen your legs and detract attention from your thighs. Make sure to avoid mid-calf boots as they draw more attention to your lower portion.
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This “Shoes for Your Body Type” post was written by Jana Gregorio for The Lady-like Leopard.