StyleAdvice: The Right Shoes for Different Body Types - The Heel Deal - Stylehive

It appears that the days of "if the shoe fits" are over, and have been replaced by "if the shoe fits, and doesn't make me look fat."

Welcome to reality. Shoes are no longer a shopping safe zone, so we can't just flock to the shoe department for solace after a dressing room skinny jean fiasco-induced meltdown. It's a hard world, but with our advice, you'll be able to brave the land of Choo, Blahnik, and Louboutin in style.

Here's the good news. There are shoes that work well on virtually everyone, although there are, as always, a few specifics to keep in mind.

Take the basic pump for example. It's a classic, versatile style that can be even more flattering if you choose one that's a bit more tailored to your body type. Start with the heel. A narrow, pointy heel looks best on women with legs on the slender side, because a smaller heel width will make legs appear relatively larger. Chunkier heels are becoming more and more common, and they work well in terms of balancing out legs that aren't super thin. We like Kate Spade's patent ones, but for a more affordable option, try this similar pair from Nine West.

The toe shape is important too. Round toes, while retro and adorable, don't really do you any favors, while pointed toes draw the eye farther, thus lengthening the leg line. Ever hear anyone complain that their shoes make their legs look too long? Didn't think so.

Check back ever y day this week for another helpful heel hints, and in the meantime, feel free to post your favorite pumps!

Picture, left to right: pumps by Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and Tory Burch.