Feet first

I recently was asked to do a spot of personal shopping for a client. The weather is changing and she didn't feel that she had anything to wear - a common situation yes? On inspection of her existing wardrobe it emerged that she had EXACTLY the right clothes, in the right quantities and colours - she simply lacked any suitable footwear. Footwear is crucial to any outfit - it can take a simple, classic look and transform to edgy, individual and stylish. It is also the most problematic area for most of my clients. We all seem to have "problem" feet - too narrow, too broad, too small, too sensitive and on and on. Don't ignore it and hope that people wont notice - they will. Face your demons!

Here's how:
. Take a long, hard look at what you currently have. Now discard any that are worn out; uncomfortable; ill-fitting or plain ugly.
. Look at your clothes and requirements. If you are mainly in smart business dress then you must have complimentary footwear. Take a leaf from the "politicians wives" and opt for peep-toe wedges or slingback court shoes. Black suede will be a lighter alternative to leather. Open toed sandals are rarely appropriate for business wear but heavy boots will make you appear ill at ease in warmer months.
. Most of us find it impossible to walk any distance in high heels, and yet a heel will always make us appear more elegant and polished. This season offers a fantastic selection of mid-heel styles. Try a very low wedge or kitten heel.
. Footwear absolutely has to be comfortable - but that doesn't have to mean boring. I recently wore a pair of enormous platforms for a magazine shoot. Amazingly they were so well proportioned and supportive that I was able to strut around in them for hours.
. Get your scale sorted (no, not talking hard skin here) - if you have delicate,slim feet and toes then opt for delicate, slim footwear. Avoid wide heavy straps/heels as you will look like you a little girl wearing her mother's shoes. Likewise, if you have larger, broader feet and calves then forget the dainty look.
. Finally - even if you have 100 pairs of assorted footwear, but none are quite right then you need to go out and get that 101th pair.

You owe it to those unworn dresses, trousers and skirts hanging in your wardrobe just waiting for an outing....