Trendy Monsoon Footwear

Image: Crocs
Image courtesy: Crocs India

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Don’t let the monsoon play spoil sport when it comes to wearing your favourite shoes. You need not wear those old pair of sandals that’s on its way to the bin, just because the rains and muck will spoil your favourite shoes. There’s hope and it comes in lots of colours, variety and waterproof. So take your pick.
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Ballerinas
What do you get when you blend fashion with comfort? You get stylish waterproof ballerinas for the monsoons, that too in your favourite colours. Ballerinas are flat shoes with round toes that make it very comfortable for office and college goers. Pick them up in bold colours or the sober tones, its time to match your attire no matter how much it pours.

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Peep-toes
Peep-toes are classic styles from the 80’s that make elegant party shoes. Jazz up your evening party wear with peep-toes that come in high heels - block or pencil heels; and the best part they’re all waterproof.
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Crocs
Pick up those bright coloured Crocs if you haven’t till now. They come in amazing styles, colours, sizes and obviously very comfortable. They are designed in such a way that they not only provide comfort to your feet but have port holes or vents in them that allow your feet to breathe. In fact, these vents don’t allow the rain water to collect in your shoes that can make your feet damp and uncomfortable. This is the best bet, especially during monsoons where you’re required to keep your feet dry. Crocs are available as slip-ons, with straps, as sandals, with or without buckles and the list goes on.

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Slip-Ons
From the world of shoes, can slip-ons be far behind? If ballerinas are not your type, pick up a pair of fine slip-ons that will go with your attire. They’re lace-less, flat and provide a lot of comfort especially if your job profile involves a lot of walking in rain or sunshine. Slip-ons can be worn with formal attire or with casuals and present no hassle of those laces coming off and you having to tie them.

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Flip Flops
Flip flops never go out of fashion be it going to the beach or a walk with your dog. They’re easy to maintain, hassle free and best for your feet this monsoon. Most leading shoe brands have introduced affordable range of shoes in bright colours and designs that come in waterproof and acrylic material meant to be worn during the rains.

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However remember, Crocs, slip-ons and flip-flops are ideal for street wear, while ballerinas and peep-toes are best suited for party or office wear. Now, you will never have to think twice before matching your outfit with your dress, no matter how much it rains.

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Published in Tips4me.com on 17th August, 2009
Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/beauty/preview_main.asp?tip=fashion_accessories

Fashion Accessories> Footwear: Get it right!

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Most of the time, shoe styles go unnoticed. Usually, we tend to overlook the importance of wearing the correct type of footwear; we don't realise this can make or break an outfit.
Keeping this in mind, we list footwear etiquette that protect you from common fashion bloopers.

Slippers
"The primary reason for wearing slippers is to escape the heat," says Pooja Munshi, a New York-based fashion designer. "Also, they lend a casual air."

To carry off the casual look without looking frumpy try out the following tips:

~ Slippers with a slight platform heels work well for short women.

~ Open-toe and strappy slippers are in while bulky looking slippers, with broad or block soles are out.

~ Havaianas or Hawai as they are popularly known (a Brazilian brand available in funky designs and colours) slippers from Bata are a current trend for men.

~ Comfy surf slippers made of corduroy or cloth that covers your feet and heels, protecting them from the sun, dirt and dust.

Keeping it casual

Follow these tips to carry off casual footwear with elan:

~ Make sure your toes are well manicured before wearing open toe shoes.

~ Casual sneakers look great with denims.

~ Boots are very trendy right now and can often hide unshapely legs.

~ Men can choose for leather slip-ons, mojris, sneakers and moccasins.

Work it right

Clothes are not the only things that reflect your personality. Shoes do too; a scruffy pair will mark you as a sloppy dresser.

Follow these tips when choosing the right footwear for work:

~ Women, pick strappy sandals with kitten heels (one inch, slightly thick heels) for a comfortable yet classic look.

~ Men should team up their suits with a pair of sleek black and brown pair of shoes.

~ The current trend in men's footwear is gently square-toed shoes with thick sole.

~ While black and brown or tan are the main colours for men, pick shoes with a smooth leather or suede finish.

~ Nubuck leather (soft and high quality leather) and suede shoes make a lavish style statement.

Go formal

~ Heels make a woman look elegant and taller.

~ One rule of thumb: In cold weather wear closed shoes or boots with heels.

~ Men can stick to square tip shoes -- either in leather or suede. Browns, tans and black are great colours and look great with almost any outfit.

Published in Rediff.com, on May 29, 2007
Link: http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2007/may/29slide1.htm