What shoes with knee-length skirts and dresses?

[AlisonMiranda]

I have a good few knee length skirts and dresses that I like but never wear because I don't have the right shoes. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm in my 50s and prefer flat shoes. The skirts and dresses are mainly A-line. I'm short and apple shaped but my legs are slim. I have knee length boots but would like shoes for spring.

Docs will look good on you.

I know how you feel, Ive spent the past 3 or 4 years in oversized trakkies and now Im back to being a human being with an interest in life, finding clothes and a style has been very daunting esp as I dont have the sort of money for the prices being linked too :)

Im 5ft and a bit and apple/triangle with the skinniest legs in the world. I cant wear a knee length or below knee - I disappear so I wear my skirts just skimming the knee and I rocking the look with loafers and ankle boots

With loafers I tried on loads to get the right chunkiness , because the skinny ankles make so many shoes look like boats on me. Ive given up trying to get knee high boots - sag at the ankles, so I stick to ankle boots. And again, it has to be a particular heel height and shape, I cant be doing with this weird heel is wider then the boot look thats going on.

I dont think you can go wrong with loafers or Mary Janes but as I have found out, not all will suit. Its finding THE ones which is the holy grail

See I’m the opposite shape - an hourglass/pear and I feel like I can’t do knee length skirts with boots because of my chunky calves! Would never have imagined that slim legs would cause an issue.

If you have slim legs then maybe a shorter skirt length is the way forward and the proportions might then work better with ankle boots? Or maybe I’m just suggesting this because I wish I could wear it!!

@suki1964 I think we're probably the same basic shape. I'm a small bit taller than you and a size 14 on top, size 12 waist, 10 hips and barely existent legs so an upside down triangle is possibly even more accurate than an apple.

OP - Are you wearing black opaques or flesh tone tights with ankle boots? I always wore opaques and thought I looked frumpy. Changed to flesh tone tights and I have long legs.

Knee length boots, chelsea boots or trainers. Imo knee length is the hardest skirt length to make work with flat shoes. It’s very difficult to avoid looking like the kind of hearty elderly ladies that ran Girl Guides in the 80s. Or the late Queen at Balmoral, if that reference was too niche.

Knee high boots, DM Mary Janes or brogues for me.

In which case, chunky ankle boots. DM, Solovair, Blundstone, Art... whatever floats your boat. Start neutral, then add a brighter pair.

I also larger my wear jeans and jumpers, but occasionally wear a cord dress to work with boots and wooly tights.

Yep, Im 12 top, 10 waist and having no arse, 10 hangs, 8 is too tight

Broad on back so definitely a triangle

Working out what suits, what doesn't make me look mutton dressed as lamb is rather bewildering tbh, esp as like you I haven't worn proper clothes for years

What Ive found helpful is if Im looking to find shoes to wear with a skirt or dress, is to wear a skirt or dress when going into a shoe shop. Ive made so many mistakes when Ive popped in in my normal leggings. Always try on styles in a shop. With my loafers I must have tried 20 pairs to find THE pair. I knew I wanted black patent, but seriously sole and heal depth can make a huge difference to how they look on the feet at the bottom of skinny ankles

I know my legs look better in a 2 inch court shoe or a pair of kitten heels but then those are just too dressy for this time of year and my lifestyle. Great for occasions , no longer practical for every day

@DarkAcademia I love Grenson! Would you mind checking the name of the shoes as your link has just gone to the general sale page. Thanks. :-)