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Women's Shoe Style Guide: The Low Down On Types of Ladies Footwear

A Guide To Women’s Shoe Styles

There’s a vast variety of shoe styles for women, each with their own identity and history. Female
footwear styles are well known for being desirable and beautiful as well as being functional. The wide
array of women's shoe styles can sometimes leave us a little confused as to what's what, and when
certain women's shoe types should be worn.

Of course, there are certain ladies shoe styles that are more appropriate and practical for different
situations, and certain styles of shoes will suit particular situations or outfits more than others. Here’s
our guide to ladies casual shoes and dress shoes to help you figure out which styles of women's shoes
you simply must have as part of your wardrobe!

Women's Casual Shoes

Types Of Women’s Casual Shoes

Here we're going to run through women's casual shoe styles. Casual shoes are fairly self-explanatory –
these are female shoe types that you wear on a day to day basis. These are usually teamed with
womens casual wear for a relaxed look. As some of us do tend to wear heels in the day time as well at
the night time, there are also heels which might fall into the category of ‘casual’. Comfier heels that are
not too high, or wedges, might fall into this category due to them being far easier and more comfortable
to wear. Check out the most popular casual shoe types below:
Wedges

Wedges

A wedge heel can give an outfit a more polished look without actually having to wear excruciating heels.
Wedges are far more comfortable to wear, especially a lower wedge.

Ballerinas

Ballerinas

A pretty and practical solution to casual, everyday footwear. Ballet pumps are a flat slipper type shoe
that are an essential item to have in a wardrobe. Ballerinas are such a versatile shoe that come in every
print, colour and pattern imaginable, from classic nude to wild animal prints and bright quirky colours.

Lace Ups

Lace Ups

Lace ups is a catch all term for any shoes that fastens with laces. They can be brogues, loafers, heels,
ballerina pumps or any other shoe.

Lace up shoes tend to be slightly sturdier and can provide additional support for your feet, as well as
providing an adjustable fastening that can be tightened or loosened to suit your feet.

Canvas Shoes

Canvas Shoes

Lightweight women’s canvas shoes are slightly sportier looking than ballerina shoes, but they’re an
equally great choice for casual wear. They’re comfy, practical and come in every colour and pattern so
you can always find a pair that will match your outfit. They look great with jeans and a t-shirt for an easy
and simple weekend outfit.

Wellington Boots

Wellington Boots
Traditionally known as Wellington Boots, a trusty pair of women’s wellies are practical and stylish.
Perfect for keeping dry in the winter, or for keeping warm and dry at a festival.

Wellies typically feature a thick, rubber boot and chunky sole to enable you to walk through muddy
fields, and jump in puddles without ruining your shoes.

Gone are the days when wellies are dull and green, you can now keep your protected from the infamous
British weather with boots that come in a vibrant range of patterns and colours. Wellies are best bought
in a size up from the size you normally wear so you can wear thick socks underneath them without your
wellies becoming too tight. We’ve answered your top questions about wellies over on the blog.

Flip Flops

Flip Flops

The ultimate summer shoe, if you’re heading to the beach or pool this summer then these are the
perfect shoes to put in your beach bag.

Women’s flip flops are generally made from a foam sole, with a plastic toe support in the middle. For a
longer lasting style, opt for one made from leather. Very basic styles will have simple plastic straps,
although you can get styles with pretty woven leather straps and finished with gems to add extra sparkle
to your outfit.

Flip flops are super versatile and come in a range of patterns and colours so you can match them to any
swimwear or outfit.

Mules

Mules

An open backed shoe with a closed front. Ladies mules are suitable for slipping on and off and generally
far more casual than closed shoes but give more support than flip flops.

Loafers
Loafers

A casual shoe that generally slips on, with elasticated panels on either sides negating the need for laces
or fastenings.

Ladies loafers offer a classic style that adds vintage glamour to a daytime outfit or office wear. Find out
more about loafers in our complete guide to loafers.

Gladiator sandals

Gladiator sandals

A strappy sandal, with a T-bar running down the front. For optimum Grecian glamour, wear a pair of
gladiator sandals with a maxi dress, there’s something about gladiator sandals that work so well on
holiday. Recently, heeled gladiator sandals have made a comeback on the catwalks and high street. A
strappy sandal with a heel works well with tailored trousers or with office wear.

Trainers

Trainers

Women’s trainers are named so because they are designed to be used whilst training – while at the gym,
or yoga, as well as for fashion wear. These are more supportive for your feet and comfier than any other
shoe for exercising in, make sure you try these on before you buy them. It’s vital you protect your feet
with the right support and cushioning. Your legs, hips and knees will benefit from wearing decent
trainers as well.

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Women's Dress Shoes

Types Of Womens Dress Shoes

Here's our dress shoe style guide. Dress shoes for women are a category of shoes that lend more
sophistication and elegance to an outfit. ‘Dress shoes’ is a relatively old fashioned term and would be
more likely to be called women's formal shoes, occasion shoes or simply party shoes today. Of course
‘occasion shoes’ are open to interpretation, but generally they are ladies shoe types that are more
glamourous than every day shoes, with more embellishment or a higher heel. The different types of
dress shoes you can choose from are explained below.

Heels

Heels

Heels are an obvious choice for evening or dress wear. There are a wide variety of different styles of
heel, take a look at our guide to heels for more information.

Court Shoes

Court Shoes

Court shoes are a classic style that work well for a more formal event, such as a wedding or for business
attire. Court shoes generally have a low line upper, which means that the top line of the shoe sits quite
low down on the foot, they have medium height heel and a pointed toe. Find out more about court
shoes in our detailed blog post.

Court shoes usually come in classic colours such as beige, black and brown, but more fashionable styles
are more widely available now.

Brogues

Brogues

Brogues aren’t just for the men, and in recent years have become a major fashion staple for women.
Women’s brogues are as versatile as any flat shoe but have the advantage of looking more formal than
ballerina flats. They add quirkiness to a summer dress by adding a masculine element to something
feminine, and make a tailored office outfit look polished and traditional. Traditionally in brown or black
leather, brogues can now be picked in various colours, patterns and heel heights. Read all about brogues
over on the Shoe Zone blog.
Womens Boots

Womens Boots

Womens boots are a practical choice through all seasons – from functional wellies to stylish ankle boots
in a vibrant colour, there are boots to match any occasion, outfit or season.

Ankle Boots

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are exactly that – boots that reach your ankle. Investing in a good pair of ankle boots is
always a good idea, they are a classic shape that transfer well from the office to everyday life. They look
great with a pair of tailored trousers or with a summer dress, they are as versatile as they are stylish.
They come in different styles – Chelsea boots and Pixie boots are popular styles. Chelsea boots usually
have a flat top line, with an elasticated side panel. Pixie boots have cute pointed toes, like a pixie.

Calf Boots

Calf Boots

Calf boots offer more coverage and are better for winter and colder spells. Calf length boots are best
bought in a material that will last, especially if they’re going to be worn mostly during winter. You need
something that will survive the wet, cold and mud. Store these boots with supports in them to help
them keep their shape and make sure they are well cleaned before they are out away for summer.

Chelsea Boots

Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots are close fitting, flat boots with an elasticated side panel. Yes, they are named after the
affluent district of London. The design apparently first appeared in the 1850’s and were Queen Victoria’s
walking shoe of choice, but they were made famous in the 1960’s by the mods that hung around on
Kings Road.

Military Boots

Military Boots
Obviously inspired by boots worn in the military, these are chunky, sturdy boots usually with laces at the
front that reach all the way up. Military boots create a definitive look that adds a toughness to an outfit.

Women's Dress Shoes

Conclusion

We hope you've enjoyed learning about the different types of womens shoes, perhaps you've even
learned something you didn't already know! Matching your shoes to your outfit is something that makes
everyone feel like the best version of themselves, and if you’re stuck for style inspiration Pinterest is a
great place to start. Once you’ve got a better idea of the style you’re looking for, you can start
experimenting with different types of shoes with your outfits – having fun with your day and evening
wear is great fun and a great excuse to treat yourself to new shoes!

TYPES OF SOCKS FOR MEN AND WOMEN BASED ON LENGTH

09 MAR, 2017

We do not give much importance to the pair of socks we use, but in reality, a pair of cool socks for men
or women can elevate your look completely. Apart from offering a fancy look, socks perform the
additional duty of sweat wicking and offer protection from fungal infections, cracked heel, and other
issues with the foot.

Socks do so much for our legs that there are different styles of socks to wear at different occasions. Read
below to know the different types of socks for men and women as per length.

Ankle length socks

This type of socks, also known as low cut socks, are usually no show socks that are perfect to use with
low cut shoes, loafers, boat shoes, and Oxfords. These socks not only offer an urbane look, but also
perform the duty of sweat wicking and prevent blisters. Ankle length socks are a must-have for the crazy
and funky ones.

Knee length socks

This type of socks will offer a high-end fashion type of look, especially when it is worn by girls with
boots. Knee length socks offer full protection in harsh weathers and are perfect for outdoor activities. In
the 80’s and 90’s, knee length socks were a popular uniform accessory for girls, and they were even a
part of the British Army uniform.

Calf Length Socks

Calf length socks provide protection and warmth to the user and can be worn with shorts, casual
dresses, and skirts to offer a cool look. So, if you were looking for casual looks, the calf length socks
would be the best bet.

Mid-Calf length socks

This type of socks is longer than the crew length socks and offer more coverage and protection to the
wearer. Mid-calf length socks are ideal dress socks and can be used with your work dress. This is also a
gender-neutral socks model.

Crew length socks

This type of socks is usually of length six to eight inches and offer protection from dust. Crew length
socks go well with dress shoes and can also be used for outdoor activities like hiking. This socks model is
also unisex.

Quarter length socks

This type of socks covers the ankles of the user and is very helpful in avoiding blisters. This type of socks
is suitable to use with trousers, skirts, or shorts, and offer a posh and professional look to the wearer.
Quarter length socks go well with work outfits for men and women. You can wear quarter length socks
that match with the color of the pants to offer a professional look.

8 Different Types Of Socks – Guidelines On How To Wear Them

April 11, 2018 By Pratima Ati

Before you brush off that wearing socks is no rocket science and choosing them is not such a big deal,
listen up – their length, material, and type matters – a lot! Visually, of course, they need to be on point,
and otherwise too. If you do not deal with them the right way, you might end up with calluses or
aggravate the existing ones, cracks, and smelly feet (ugh… such a turn off!).

And, needless to say, you will end up being people repellent. You might do it unknowingly, but that’s
beside’s the point. Unassuming details like these make a world of difference, so let’s leave no stone
unturned.

Since, we are at it, we’ll dig deeper, one scroll at a time. Let’s go!

8 Different Types Of Socks With Names

First, let’s look at the different types and how/when to use them.

Ankle Length Socks

Quarter Length Socks

Crew Length Socks

Mid-Calf Length Socks

Calf Length Socks

Knee Length Socks

Thigh High Socks

Slip On Paddings
1. Ankle Length Socks

1. Ankle Length Socks

Image: myntra.com

If you were wondering what to wear with your low cut shoes like loafers, casual shoes or just something
to protect your feet, these are perfect. As the name goes, the ankle length socks cover your feet just till
the ankles and are perfect for all your casual occasions. Also, these look sophisticated and tasteful.

Perfect With – Informal and low cut shoes for sports, running, gym, etc.

Meant For – Both men and women.

Back To TOC

2. Quarter Length Socks

2. Quarter Length Socks

Image: zappos.com

Quarter length socks go a little above your ankles and cover till your shins. They give you good coverage
and protect the back of your feet from blisters and shoe bites. Men use these for professional purposes.
Women generally use these to protect their feet.

Perfect With – Informal shoes – mostly for men for both formal and informal purposes. Women can
wear them with their running shoes.

Meant For – Men and women, depending on their need.

Back To TOC
3. Crew Length Socks

Image: Instagram

Crew length socks are used in winters and for outdoor physical activities like hiking, running, etc. These
are about six to eight inches long, so depending on the length of your legs, they can go up to your calf
muscles. They give excellent protection and coverage.

Perfect With – Informal or running shoes – for physical activities and informal purposes. At home during
winters.

Meant For – Men and women, depending on their need.

Back To TOC

4. Mid-Calf Length Socks

Image: shop.nordstrom.com

Mid-calf length socks run up to your calf muscles, but do not ride over them completely like your calf
length ones . These usually come in woolen material to keep your legs warm during winters, particularly
for people who are involved in physical activities. These also come in sheer and net fabric for women.

Perfect With – Running or informal shoes. Perfect for physical activities and informal purposes. At home
during winters.

Meant For – Men and women.

Back To TOC

5. Calf Length Socks

Image: store.nike.com

Calf length socks cover up to your calf muscles and a little below your knee. Usually, sports people and
athletes wear these because of the protection they give.

Perfect With – Running or sports shoes. Perfect for physical activities and high intensity outdoor
workouts.

Meant For – Mostly for men.

Back To TOC

6. Knee Length Socks

Image: store.nike.com

Knee length socks are used by women, usually under their boots, during winters. They act as a cushion
and add an extra layer to keep the feet warm. These are used extensively in the aviation and hospitality
industries as a part of the uniforms.

Perfect With – Running shoes or boots. Great for physical activities and under boots in winters. You can
also wear them at home during harsh winters.

Meant For – Men and women.

Back To TOC

7. Thigh High Socks

Image: Amazon.com

These go above your knees. A very good idea for women to pair them with skirts. If you want to add a
little funk to your outfit, you could also try the printed socks. The first thing that comes to my mind
when I think about thigh high socks is Scottish men and women wearing them with their knee length
skirts.

Perfect With – Running or sports shoes and boots.

Meant For – Both men and women.

Back To TOC

8. Slip-On Paddings

Image: Shutterstock

Slip-ons are thin and form a protective layer that is perfect for low cut loafers, ballerinas or shoes. Since
not wearing socks is not an option (yes, your feet will stink), slip-on paddings are your go-to. They also
protect you from shoe bites. These are a blessing in disguise – always keep a few pairs handy.
Perfect With – Low cut loafers, shoes, and ballerina shoes.

Meant For – Both men and women.

Back To TOC

Socks are just as important as any other part of an outfit. As long as you remember this, you are good to
go. Do you have any more questions on this? Why wait, shoot your questions in the comment section
below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

What color socks to wear with a blue suit?

The general rule of thumb is to match your socks with your pants so that it follows a pattern without
breaking the silhouette. However, if you want to opt for something funky, then, by all means, try neon
colors, captioned socks, or anything that seems fun.

What color socks to wear with a gray suit?

As we just discussed, matching your socks with your pants is the norm. If you want to follow this, the
answer is to go with gray socks, but you could also do with dark colors like black or navy blue. Or,
completely shift gears and follow the bright and colorful socks trends. For a slightly informal look, you
could totally go all out and have fun.

What types of socks to wear with loafers?

Since loafers are low cut, they go with slip-on paddings. Anything else can look off and awkward.

What types of socks to wear with boots?

For winter boots, you could go for anything from ankle length to knee length socks, depending on the
length of the boots. For ankle length boots, go with ankle length, crew cut or quarter length socks. For
the longer boots, you can go with socks that give you more coverage.