Hello! Welcome to Fatshion week here at MM! Stay tuned for great posts this week about plus size fashion.
This post was written by the FABULOUS Ashe Mischief of Dramatis Personae, one of my favorite fashion bloggers and absolute footwear aficionado. You can track this lovely lady down on facebook, twitter, or shoot her a love-email.
I was ecstatic when Medicinal Marzipan asked me to contribute to Fatshion week and couldn’t be more thrilled to cover one of my favorite topics: shoes!
Now, not all plus-sized women have wide feet or calves, and many straight-sized gals DO have wide feet– I’m not discriminating! Instead, I want women of all shoe sizes & shapes (like bods) to have the resources they need to feel confident, fabulous, & stylish– on THEIR terms.
As a plus-sized gal, shoes have always had a very special place in my heart. Growing up, I couldn’t always wear the same cute clothes as my friends, but I COULD have rocking footwear. It’s been a lifelong love, and I hope to share it with you.
Wide Widths & Wide Calves:
The number of wide width shoes and wide calf boots that have become available has grown remarkably. But I’m picky shoe shopper– there can never be enough! Below are some of my tips for making shoes work for your pretty toes:
Torrid – Round Toe; Torrid – Almond Toe; Dr. Martens – Great for all widths & sizes
Round and almond toes are going to have more space in the ball than a pointy toe shoe is going to. Round toe shoes can end up looking a bit young with the wrong detailing (like bows), so if you’re seeking a more sophisticated and sleek option, go with an almond toe.
Make your heel practical–for your body, your style, and your life. It took me a LONG time to admit that a stiletto wasn’t practical for my life and that I just wouldn’t wear them. A thicker heel or wedge can better support your body’s weight, provide balance, and add a really great edge to your style. It’s funny, because I’ve really transitioned in to a girl who wears shorter heels (2.5-3.5”) that are usually thicker. But you couldn’t call my shoe collection boring, bland, prudish or motherly!
Dr. Martens – Lace-up Boots; One Stop Plus/Avenue – Riding Boots; One Stop Plus – Grey Boots
Boots with a REAL lace-up functionality or with stretch paneling can accommodate a wider range of calf sizes more easily. Be sure to check the details though, especially when ordering online. A new trend has popped of creating decorative lace-up fronts, meaning anyone with a calf larger actually can’t wear the boot. (True story! Happened to me with a great pair of Fluevog boots. I was angered and heartbroken.) Stretch panels on boots are awesome– they help create a more custom fit, and somehow look more expensive and classy.
Shop Specialty. Whether it’s a plus-sized clothing store like Lane Bryant or Torrid, or shoe store, there are tons of options, especially online, for buying wide width shoes and wide calf boots. There are even companies like Duo Boots, which provide you the ability to select your shoe size, width, and calf size, ensuring you have the perfect fit. And they don’t have to be matronly! Or frumpy! You can find anything you want online– just make sure there’s a good return/shipping policy.
Tips for Making Your Average Size Shoes Work:
- Buy leather. This may repel the vegans in the group, but if a pair of shoes is just a tad snug, leather naturally breathes and stretches. Wearing damp socks can help break them in to your foot naturally, as can just a couple wearings around the house. Synthetic fabrics may stretch, depending on what they are– if you’re uncertain, take them to a cobbler!
- If you’re like me, and your foot is just slightly wider than normal, invest in a shoe stretching kit. I find that most of my shoes would be perfect if they were ¼” wider. Why pay $5-10 to get your shoes stretched at a cobbler, when you can invest in a kit and some alcohol-based sprays that will make each pair fit perfectly, and will only set you back $30-50?
- If between sizes, go a half size up. As a girl who can wear between an 8 and 9.5, I find that so long as my foot isn’t sliding in a pair of shoes, going up a half size can do a great deal to improve comfort. Typically I go with a 9, and it gives me sock/tight room and a bit of wiggle room!
- Make sure they fit! Those strappy & roomy summer sandals won’t do you any good if they’re too narrow and the straps are cutting in to your foot, or your foot is spilling over the edge of the shoe (and this goes no matter WHAT size or kind of foot you have). Strappy sandals can be stretched, just like any other shoe.
What are your tips for finding or buying accommodating your shoe needs? Any favorite brands or stores? Any fool proof tip for getting that perfect fit?
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