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Shoes should make a statement

Published Dec. 4, 2009

Stomping through mud and muck is their specialty. They trudge through rain with ease. They endure treacherous temperatures and miles upon miles of rugged terrain. They flip, they flop and they don't stop unless a dramatic blowout occurs. Shoes are essential for people, and style is essential for shoes. Their general purpose: cover the feet. Creatively speaking, shoes can unleash a person's vivid personality and be the "icing on the cake" of a good outfit.

Ladies, consider yourselves lucky in the shoe department. With thousands of styles, colors, variations and patterns to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Saying, "I can't find any shoes to go with this," should be a crime.

Guys take a more sly approach to shoes. Rather than out-of-this-world colors and embellishments, good men's shoes are more design-driven. We're guys. We don't typically go bananas like Lady Gaga with our footwear. We play it cool and keep it masculine but chic.

Basic sneakers are key pieces for day-to-day use, giving any outfit a cool, classic vibe. Wear them with sleek jeans, a cool shirt and maybe a bulky scarf and you're set. Sneakers are a great go-to if you're in a rush and need to dress casual. They're great to help carry out the hipster image while remaining comfortable and not looking like you're out to rule the office. Urban Outfitters has great online and in-store selections of trendy sneaks, from basic Vans to toe-up Asics and classic Fred Perry's. Although the days of scribbling away on your Converse All-Stars might be slowly fading away, Converse can do no wrong.

Maybe sneakers aren't quite your forte. It's possible you also hate loafers and refuse to romp around in a thick pair of boots. Understandable. Oxford dress shoes are right up your alley. Usually worn with a suit or a simple shirt and tie, Oxfords exude British preppy-ness and take a certain gall to execute. Don these kicks with selvage jeans and a sweater for the casual look, or match them with your sharpest printed suit and a bow tie. Modernly preppy is in.

Say you'd rather dress like a badass than a dashing Brit. Chunkier boots are making a comeback for men, while sleek and form fitting ones return for the ladies. Matched up with a pair of slim slouch jeans, top and coat, boots save the feet from frostbite while making a statement. Buy them in brown, black, distressed leather or with fur around the top. Although a bit clunky, they make a modern statement and are a great choice when trying to balance out a classic outfit with something a tad more modern, rugged and with more volume. For the gals, mid-length suede boots that hug the silhouette of the leg with tucked jeans are a great alternative to purple UGGS and the baggiest sweats you can find.

Ladies, I think most men will tell you there is nothing sexier than a girl who can walk confidently in a great pair of heels. It takes poise, steady balance and probably some practice, but heels will make your legs look longer, will make you taller and can make you a little intimidating at times. Nothing wrong with that. Stilettos in a bold animal print or glimmering red pumps give the "come get me" vibe, all while still being classy. Find a great pair you're comfortable in and work what you've got.

The world of shoes is a vast wonderland of styles, colors and fabrics, and it can be easy to fall victim to the dreaded pair of unsightly "potato shoes" or even resort to wearing Nike Shox every day of your life. My advice is if you choose the right shoes, they'll put you on the road to righteousness in style.