Difference between revisions of "Look Good Walking in Heels"

#Start off slow. If you’re new to wearing heels, you probably don’t want to go for a six-inch stiletto pump right off the bat. For one thing, you want to build your balance up to shoes that are trickier to wear; for another, you’ll be more mentally comfortable if you feel like your new shoes aren’t a wild diversion from your normal style.<ref name="rf1">http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/09/italian-girls-guide-to-walking-in-heels.html</ref>

#*The general structure of the shoe matters, too: the more fabric or leather covers your foot, the better it will stay attached to it. Go for boots or mary-janes over strappy sandals for an easier time.<ref name="rf2">https://www.buzzfeed.com/cathyngo/the-ultimate-high-heel-survival-guide?utm_term=.sqQQdEJPz#.inj0KMDnZ</ref>

#*Some good places to show off dressy heels like pumps include: cocktail parties, weddings and business formal settings.<ref name="rf3">http://www.elegantwoman.org/dressing-etiquette.html</ref>

#*Brunch, daytime parties, and more relaxed workplaces are good places for casual heels, like wedges or lace-up boots. In some of these settings, you can also use more formal heels to set off a simple outfit.<ref name="rf4">http://www.whowhatwear.com/what-shoes-to-wear-with-skinny-jeans/slide7</ref>

#*If a shoe is slightly too small, stretch it. A cobbler can do this for you, or you can try it yourself by donning some thick socks, sliding the shoes on top, and heating them with a hairdryer for several minutes.<ref name="rf5">http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/how-stretch-shoes-that-are-too-tight.html</ref>

#*If your shoes are chafing you, fix them with moleskin. Buy a pack of the adhesive material at the drugstore, and trim pieces to fit the spots on your shoe that are rubbing you raw.<ref name="rf6">http://www.glamour.com/story/the-5-minute-5-trick-to-making</ref> (Don't worry: it's made from cotton, not real moles.)

#Practice. Don't save your new shoes until a big event. Once you've brought them home, you should take steps to make sure they're properly molded to your feet. Wear them around the house or to the grocery store to break them in a bit and get your body used to the feeling.<ref name="rf7">http://www.weddingpartyapp.com/blog/2014/07/10/a-guide-how-break-in-heels-rules-feet/</ref>

#*Lift your chin and bring it forward a bit. Don’t stick it in the air--just imagine it resting on a shelf that runs parallel to the floor.<ref name="rf8">http://www.alexandertechnique.com/articles/posture/</ref>

#*Relax your shoulders instead of pulling them up to your ears, or artificially thrusting them back. Let your arms hang loose so they have a natural swing to them.<ref name="rf8" />

#*Don’t lock your knees. Some people think locking your knees will make you pass out. It probably won't, but it can cause you pain and make you look unnatural.<ref name="rf9">http://staff.washington.edu/griffin/lower_back.txt</ref>

#Lean back a bit. If you trip, you’ll naturally fall forward. Try to counteract that by leaning your upper body back a bit beyond its normal position. This may feel a little unnatural at first, but the presence of the heels will balance you out so you look like you’re standing up straight.<ref name="rf10">http://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-walk-in-heels</ref>

#Tighten your abs. Any time you need to balance, engaging your core will help you center yourself and feel secure. This is especially true in heels! Not only will it keep you from falling, but it will also improve your posture (and make you look a bit slimmer, if you’re into that).<ref name="rf11">http://www.glamour.com/gallery/8-high-heel-tips-from-fashion-week-pros#7</ref>

#Move heel to toe. If you're used to wearing flats, you might be accustomed to putting your whole foot down at once with each step. Shoes with high heels need a different movement. Imagine yourself gently setting your heel down, then letting your toes settle after. This will keep you from stomping.<ref name="rf7" />

#Lead with the pelvis. You’re already leaning back a bit, but when you take your first steps in your heels, imagine yourself being led by the hips, not by the shoulders. This will also help to further enhance your posture. No need to pull your shoulders back too much--this is a subtle movement.<ref name="rf12">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2929576/Bluffer-s-Guide-Etiquette-author-William-Hanson-women-getting-wrong-comes-walking-heels.html</ref>

#Put one foot in front of the other. When you walk, imagine that you’re walking on a tightrope or a straight line. Place the heel of each foot directly in front the toes of the other. If you keep your feet apart when you're walking, you end up with a bit of a waddle. If you cross your feet over too much, you might look a little tipsy.<ref name="rf13">http://www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/a-girls-guide-to-high-heels-part-1-how-to-walk-in-heels/</ref>

#Walk with shorter steps. Long loping strides are not going to look graceful. For most, a higher heel means a shorter step. Experiment until you find a step length that comes naturally to you, and then practice until it becomes part of your muscle memory.<ref name="rf14">http://www.instyle.com/fashion/shoes/how-to-walk-in-heels#213343</ref>

#Let your hips swing. Heels are known for being attractive not just because they make you taller--they also encourage your hips to move more than they might in flats. Don’t fight the swing! If you’re trying to figure out how to replicate a high-heel swagger, try subtly moving your hips in a figure-8 pattern.<ref name="rf14" />

#Don’t rush. Take your time. Your heels are great, and with some confidence and practice, you’re sure to look great in them. However, they’re just not built for running, so try to walk with a measured step if you can.<ref name="rf1" /> This will make you look more purposeful, too.