They are arguably Princess Kate’s shoe of choice – and for good reason. The ubiquitous court shoe is a style classic that’s here to stay, and adds instant elegance to any outfit.
They are wonderfully versatile, and there really is a style to suit everyone on any occasion. Follow the below guidelines to ensure you don’t put a stylish foot wrong.
1 .Toe Shape is everything
If classic sophistication is your fashion game, a polished pointed toe will be your outfit’s best friend. Add a touch of toe cleavage (that’s a deeper V on the top of the foot to you and me) and you have created the pleasing illusion of legs for days.
Synonymous with secretary style worldwide, this familiar silhouette will dress up any outfit from jeans to tailoring and win you instant sexy style points.
2. Don’t rest on your heels
Stilettos add vampy va va voom, kittens are playful and the structure of a block provides welcome support and grounds a more dramatic look; the next vital step (see what I did there) is to select the heel to carry you through.
Consider the ‘scale’ of your clothes, a slim stiletto will compliment a svelte body-con dress for example but may look out of place worn with something more voluminous and flowy, whereas a chunkier block heel will throw off the balance of a slimline pencil skirt, but will perfectly echo the lines of a pair of wide-legged trousers.
3. Be careful with colour
As the Princess of Wales herself has shown us on numerous occasions, the most versatile court show in your wardrobe will always be the nude variety, but beware; match the colour to your skin tone or the effects are frankly disastrous and your bare legs, whether tanned or not will appear pasty or sallow.
Warm undertones need yellow-based nudes whereas cool-skinned fashionistas require a blue-based version. After nudes, the next most hardworking shade will be one of your key neutrals (think camel, black or brown, depending on your colouring again – hopefully you’ve been listening to my style advice and have nailed your capsule wardrobe).
4. Pairing Suggestions
With the exception of a gym class or a country walk, I can’t think of an instance in which court shoes are not a good idea.
Kate wears them with everything from tea dresses to trouser suits, but they look equally fabulous with jeans or camos.
Patent is flashier and more of a statement, leather is a more formal classic and suede feels more casual, taking everything down a notch if you feel overdone.
