Shoe Style Guide
Shoes can make or break an outfit. Bradley Bayou offers his straight-forward guide from his book The Science of Sexy.
By Bradley Bayou
![Ankle strap Ankle strap](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-ankle-strap-600x411.jpg)
Ankle Strap
Best suited for taller, thinner legs. The ankle strap can cut the line of the leg, making it seem less long and lean.
![Chunky heel Chunky heel](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-chunky-heel-600x411.jpg)
Chunky Heel
Also best for taller and thinner legs, a thicker heel can be too heavy for a shorter frame and will draw attention down, taking away from a long and lean silhouette.
![Cutaway arch Cutaway arch](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-cutaway-arch-600x411.jpg)
Cutaway Arch
Can be used on shorter legs to make them appear longer and leaner. The cutaway and pointy toe add length to the leg. This is a good choice if you need a lower heel but still want to benefits of a higher heel.
![Flats Flats](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-flats-600x411.jpg)
Flats
Flats can work for any body, but be sure to notice that a pointier toe will elongate your legs—good for petites and heavier legs, while a more rounded toe works better on longer, leaner legs.
![Kitten Heel Kitten Heel](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-kitten-heel-600x411.jpg)
Kitten Heel
A kitten heel is a great substitute for a high heel. It will be a trend this summer and is a sexy option for gaining some height and lengthening a petite or heavier leg without killing yourself in a high heel.
![Knee-High Boot Knee-High Boot](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-knee-high-boots-600x411.jpg)
Knee-High Boot
Knee-high boots will cut your leg in half unless worn with matching tights. This may not be the best choice for petites or heavier legs; however, if you are tall and lean, a knee-high boot can be used to balance an outfit and your proportions to complete an outfit.
![Peep toe shoe Peep toe shoe](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-peep-toe-600x411.jpg)
Peep-Toe Shoe
Works for all body shapes, heights and weights. It is extra sexy when paired with a platform for extra height. It does not break the line of the leg, creating a long, lean silhouette. Plus, it shows a couple toes and maybe a pop of toenail color—very sexy!
![Pointy-toed heel Pointy-toed heel](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-pointy-toed-heel-600x411.jpg)
Pointy-Toed Heel
Also works for almost all bodies. I do not recommend it for taller, leaner legs, as it will only make you seem taller and leaner. However, for the rest of you, it is a closet must-have, especially in black!
![Round-toed heel Round-toed heel](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-round-toed-heel-600x411.jpg)
Round-Toed Heel
Best for taller, leaner bodies; it cuts the line of the leg and can make shorter, heavier legs seem shorter and heavier.
![Square-toed heel Square-toed heel](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-square-toed-heel-600x411.jpg)
Square-Toed Heel
Good only for taller, leaner legs, as it cuts the line of the leg abruptly in a similar manner to the round-toed heel.
![Sling back Sling back](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-sling-back-600x411.jpg)
Sling Back
Perfect for all body types. This is style is also nice with a platform for added height and can be found with a peep toe. This combination makes for a very sexy shoe!
![Strappy stiletto Strappy stiletto](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-strappy-stiletto-600x411.jpg)
Strappy Stiletto
Also good for all body types—just be careful not to choose one that has an ankle strap if that does not suit your body type.
![Wedge Wedge](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/style/201006/20100630-bradley-bayou-shoe-wedge-600x411.jpg)
Wedge
Excellent for all body types. This is a great choice if you need the stability of a thicker heel but should stay away from a chunky heel. A wedge can also be found in a variety of heel heights and with a platform for added height.
Keep Reading:
Dresses that flatter your figure
How to find pants that fit perfectly
Find tops that look great on your shape
Keep Reading:
Dresses that flatter your figure
How to find pants that fit perfectly
Find tops that look great on your shape
Published 06/30/2010