Shoes are the ultimate accessory. The right pair of heels can completely change an outfit, making it more elegant, playful or conservative. When choosing heels to wear with your outfit, it’s important to consider a few factors.

1. Comfort

A pair of shoes might look great, but they’re not the right shoe for you if you can’t walk in them. If the heel is too high for you to walk in or the straps leave you wobbly, forget it! Shoes should help you make an entrance–gracefully. Consider long-term comfort as well. If you’ll be wearing the shoes for a long period of time and will be standing or dancing a lot, make sure your shoes will still be bearable by the end of the night. A good way to do this is to break your shoes in first. Wear them around the house a few times before wearing them out. If you can cook and clean in them for long periods of time, you can wear them out for a night on the town.

2. Heel Height

This goes along with comfort… If you are not used to wearing a high heel, start with a mid-heel. You want to be able to walk gracefully. Your shoes should be an extension of yourself, not a hindrance to your health. Heels, if worn correctly, will make your gait more elegant.

3. Style

Your heels should add to your outfit. Depending on the style you’re going for, choose a shoe that adds something to your look. For example, add a playful, yet sophisticated touch to a little black dress by wearing a zebra print shoe. Or, for a more elegant look, wear a satin black heel with rosettes or bows.

Buying Shoes Online

Buying shoes online can be pretty tricky. If you’re going to chance it, buy a pair of quality shoes that you know will last and fit well. Nordstrom, Zappo’s and Piperlime offer huge selections online and often have free shipping or discounts.
It’s sometimes hard to tell the quality just by looking at a shoe online. If you’re shopping in person, however, definitely check out discount stores like Charlotte Russe, Forever 21 or Payless. They often have very cute shoes for a fraction of the price. If the trend you’re looking for seems like it might last only a season or two, definitely opt for the discount variety.

Heel Trends

Floral

Shoes with a floral print have been appearing more and more because of the Winter Floral trend this season. Pair them as an accent to a neutrally colored outfit, an addition to a like colored outfit or, if the florals match, an addition to a floral print outfit.

Shown: Kate Spade Heels ($298), Bettye Muller Heels ($114.90), BCBGirls Heels ($98)

Safari

Animal print continues to be in, but is most fashionable in the form of a pump. Animal print heels are a great addition to a solid colored outfit, neutrals and LBDs.

Shown: Zebra Print Heels ($22.99), Animal Print Pumps ($22.99), Odetta Pumps ($69.99)

T-Strap

T-strap heels are one of the most popular trends of the season. The connection between the toes and the ankle strap is sometimes just a simple strap, or is often embellished with ruffles, studs or beads.

Shown: Chinese Laundry ($70), Rampage ($34.99), Circa Joan & David ($49.99)

Embellished

Heels embellished with bows, ruffles, feathers, studs, etc. are a great way to add an interesting detail to your outfit. Wear with a classic outfit to avoid overdoing the look.

Shown: Martinez Valero ($149), Nina ($89), Bow Tie Heels ($24.99)

Metallics

Metallic shoes are a great way to make your outfit sparkle! Wear silver or gold heels with you LBD for instant glam.

Shown: Corso Como ($175), BCBGMAXAZRIA ($198), Max Studio ($160)

Your Comments?

What do you think of these heel trends? Which are your favorites?