I know it sounds dramatic, but black shoes are doing your legs ZERO favors. In this post, I’m breaking down exactly why those trusty black pumps, sandals, or loafers could be weighing down your whole look—and what to wear instead if you want to look instantly longer, lighter, and more polished. Let’s get into it ?
Let me just say this up front: black shoes are the LAST thing you should be wearing!
Okay okay, I take that back. I do wear black patent leather heels—but only in fall or winter, and usually only with a black dress or black long pants. But black calf leather? In any season? HARD pass. And I have never—not once in my shoe-loving life—owned a pair of black sandals. With or without a heel.
Here’s why:
1️⃣ Black Shoes Chop Your Off Legs
Black sandals and pumps are just… not flattering – in general.
They break up your leg line and chop it off right at the ankle, making your legs look shorter. Who wants their legs to appear short and stubby? No one I know!
2️⃣ Black Shoes Weigh You Down
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Black shoes are heavy. Not physically (although some loafers might be a workout 🤪), but visually. They can drag down your entire look, especially black calf leather pumps. They’re like an anchor pulling your style to the bottom of the ocean. Want to look light on your feet and feel that you have to wear black? Then, make it patent leather. A little shine makes a big difference. |
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3️⃣Black Shoes Draw Attention to Your Feet and don’t FLATTER your legs.
Unless you’re a foot model, that’s probably not the body part you want to spotlight. Big foot, small foot, bunion or baby toe—a black calf pump is screaming “look down here!”
What is you have BIG FEET? I know – you feel like a black shoe will make them appear smaller. Sure, that can be true, but what’s more the ISSUE is the style of shoe you are choosing (that’s for another post). So, don’t just choose black because you think it is your only option. Opt for another STYLE to make those big flippers appear smaller.
“So, what am I supposed to do?” I’m glad you asked!
✨ NEUTRALS
I know, I know….beige is so boring! BUT, it is a fact that a neutral shoe will ALWAYS elongate your legs, give you a clean line and let your OUTFIT and legs (not your shoe) do that talking. Any soft, natural shade that blends with your skin will give the appearance of having a longer and leaner leg.
Personally, I love a beige patent leather pump because it works with almost every dress I own. In fact, I’m such a neutral shoe fan that I OFTEN wear a nude patent leather pump or sandal with a black dress – yes – a black dress.
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My “Go To” Platform |
My “Go To” Pump |
💡Want Color? Let’s discuss….
You LOVE pink and your new dress would look GREAT with a cute pink shoe. Go for it –if the shade of pink you chose flatters the undertones of your skin. Does hot pink work for your skin tone or are you better in a soft pink? The same theory goes for what you wear near your face and what you wear on your feet. The shade that most compliments your skin tone will compliment your legs and not take away from your beautiful dress.
🐆 Fan of animal prints or florals?? GO FOR IT!
Let’s say you choose a leopard print shoe – be sure that the shade of the print (and the cut of the shoe) will compliment your look (let’s say a plain black dress) and enhance the shape of your leg. I always recommend my clients to stick to a more muted print like a snake skin print vs a very bold leopard print. BUT, animal print shoes are FUN so just make sure that when you look in the mirror, you. If you feel that the shade of animal print you chose flatters your leg then by all means, GO FOR IT!
The same holds true with a floral or polka dot shoe. If the shade is complimentary, wear ‘em. Just keep in mind that when you wear a wild and fun shoes….you are really making that shoe the star of the outfit. In this case the outfit is the neutral.
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🪩Metallic Shoes?
YES! If you feel that a metallic shoe will compliment your outfit, please wear them! Gold and silver are really a NEUTRAL. That might sound weird, but it’s true.
Here’s the trick: you need to know WHICH ONE is complimentary to your skin tone. Some people look MUCH better in gold than they do silver and vice versa. When I wear a gold shoe, it works with my skin tone and absolutely elongates my legs. I tend to wear a silver shoe with pants because for ME, it’s not as much of a neutral as the gold is.
At the end of the day guys, the same holds true with dressing in GENERAL. You want your best asset to be the focus (that’s for another post). But, if your legs ARE your best part, then wear what you love because chance are, the shoe will draw attention to your legs – and you want that!
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Takeaways….
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❌ Black sandals? Nope. Too harsh when it is sandal weather.
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⚠️ Black pumps? Only in patent leather, in cooler seasons.
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🚫 Black calf leather? One-way ticket to Frumpville.
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✅ Nude & natural tones? YES PLEASE.
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🎨 Want color? Choose the shades that work with your skin tone.
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🦶 Love your feet? Go wild but be SURE what you choose FLATTERS your legs.
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✨ Your Mantra:
The next time you’re standing in front of your closet, debating that black heel…
Try it on and if your legs look GREAT, then go for it. It’s obviously in your comfort zone.
But, if you look at your legs and think, “I’m not so sure my legs look long and lean”, then go for the beige or a metallic or a color that works for YOU.
Your legs will thank you.
