Posted December 14, 2010 - 4:24pm by Well Community
Fashion is hard with Chicago winters like this!
If you are heading to a formal winter event, are open-toed shoes acceptable? What is a good type of shoe to wear when you are going out but the sidewalks are slippery?
Comments (6)
Open-toe can definitely be done in winter, and even more so for a formal event. As with many fashion dilemmas, it's all about picking the appropriate style for the situation. Instead of a wide open-toe or strappy shoe, aim for more of a closed peep toe that will be substantial enough for colder months. Take a look at these Christian Louboutin Peplum 100 suede sandals for inspiration.
Material is also important. Try a classic wintery option such as suede, velvet, or even a festive metallic. Make sure to plan well if you're going to be walking outside since snow and salt can easily ruin certain fabrics and put a damper on your stylish outfit. Also, don't rule out legwear completely. The right combination of stockings and peep toes can work really well and will definitely be a warmer option than bare legs. Take a cue from the Chanel runway from the Spring 2009 Paris Fashion Week and make your own match.
December 15, 2010 - 2:36pmIt simply looks silly! I am European, and used to regularly attend balls in Vienna. The ball season starts in late November and really peaks in January and February. Austria's mountain climate makes for cold winters with snow and ice. Women typically wear boots under their dresses, and change into their dancing shoes at the event. These are left together with the coats and capes at the coat check. Problem solved!
December 17, 2011 - 7:54amIf you are attending the opera or some other place where changing shoes might not be practical, simply wear closed-toe shoes and stockings. There are so many lovely options that I always feel sorry for the poor women (mostly very young) who opt for sandals and bare legs.
You really know your stuff! I needed to take a cue from you earlier in the week when I went out on the salted roads in my favorite suede boots... Any advice on how to get salt stains out of suede?
December 15, 2010 - 5:09pmWinter weather can certainly take a toll on our wardrobes! I have heard a lot of different and creative opinions in terms of cleaning suede. I have tried a couple methods myself, and one pair of ruined ankle boots later, I think the best advice I can give you is to do as little as possible to remove the stain. Start with a soft brush--you can buy a special suede brush that won't damage the material. Gently brush the salt off your boots and see how much you can take out just by doing this. If the stain still looks pretty bad, I would try using suede cleaner. Also, consider using a protection spray before taking your suede out into the elements.
As for myself, I am a fashion blogger based here in Chicago. Check out my blog, Girl Seeks Style, for more chic posts!
December 21, 2010 - 4:16pmI've always wondered about this topic. I guess it depends on what type of open-toe shoe. I think it's ok to wear a peak toe shoe, but not a strappy sandal.
December 14, 2010 - 4:42pmLately I've been wearing heeled ankle boots, tights & a dress when going out somewhere that requires a "dressy" look... However, I suppose if I was going to a really formal event or a wedding, that wouldn't be appropriate. Hrm, this is a tough question. Looking forward to hearing other readers' suggestions... I'm not sure!
December 14, 2010 - 4:41pm