FASHION FIX: High heeling

“I don’t know who invented the high heel,” said Marilyn Monroe, “but women owe him a lot.”

Heels are defined as shoes that raise the heel of the wearer’s foot significantly higher than the toes. Men’s and women’s shoe styles were roughly the same until about 1660. After that point, men’s shoes tended to be more practical, while women’s shoes became more ornate; with silks, brocades, braids and velvet.

Although high heels are now usually worn only by girls and women, there are shoe designs worn by both genders that have elevated heels such as cowboy boots. In previous ages, men also wore high heels. In the ninth century, Persian horseback warriors

wore an extended heel made up for keeping feet from sliding out of stirrups. This also kept riders still when they needed to stand up and shoot arrows.

According to high-fashion shoe websites, a “low heel” is considered less than 2.5 inches while heels between 2.5 and 3.5 inches are considered “mid heels”. Anything over that is considered a “high heel” while in the apparel industry the term “high heels” covers heels ranging from 2 to 5 inches or more.

High heels give the aesthetic illusion of longer, more slender legs. They come in a wide variety of styles and the heels are found in many different shapes. Like...

Stilettos have a tall, slim heel with minimum height of two inches and diameter of no more than 0.4 inch at the point of contact with the ground.

Pump or court shoes are conservative styles and often used for work and formal occasions.

Block heels are thick from top to bottom and are at least an inch in diameter.

Tapered heels start out wide at the top and become narrower at the point of contact with the ground.

Wedges occupy the entire space under the arch and heel portions of the foot.

When choosing a pair of heels to wear, some things to consider include;

Occasion: Court shoes are more appropriate for office wear while stilettos are best for cocktails and night outs especially if they are strappy or sparkly.

Comfort: while most heels are generally not comfortable, a three-inch heel would definitely be more comfortable than a five-inch heel if standing for long periods at a time.

Style: Just like clothes, shoes have style lines that compliment different types of feet. For instance ankle straps make ankles look smaller.

Heels are proportion and attitude-shifters, an almost definite wardrobe must have for most women.

From Marilyn Monroe to Lady Gaga, high heels have come to symbolise sexuality and power.

Have a lovely week beautiful people.

@MissAngelsmile