ModernGear Women: Flouting fashion rules in style - ankle strap shoes

Not many women can get away with an ankle strap shoe - not many normal women, that is. Remember what the original "What Not To Wear" girls Triny and Susannah said about shoes for women with thick ankles and calves:

Ankle strap on the ankle (is bad)

Why: encircling the offending ankle will make it look like it's being throttled, thus drawing concerned attention to its welfare.

This advice was given for about 90% of women out there with thick ankles and calves, and makes complete sense. I've always thought that this type of shoe on a larger or shorter lower leg, cuts the leg off right where the strap begins. We of short stature need all the help we can get.

But there are just so many NICE ankle strap shoes out right now! And it doesn't help that some of the most fashionable celebrities are rocking them, either.

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Chopard Trophy Award ceremony in Cannes

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Two Lovers photocall, Cannes

Those shoes make Gwyneth look like her legs are six feet tall - of course it doesn't hurt that she is statuesque to begin with...but proving Trinny and Susannah's rules aren't always to be followed is Gwyneth's slightly shorter friend Madonna:

Madonna at amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS 2008 benefit, Cannes

Elaine Lui, better known as Lainey Gossip, has been reporting from Cannes and she says that Madge is tiny...so according to the rules of what not to wear, she ought not to look so darn good in these ankle strap shoes. Okay, she's incredibly fit and toned and there's nary a cankle in sight, but it also helps that she's chosen a colour of shoe so close to her skin tone.

So perhaps there's a lesson in this from ModernGear TV's What to Wear rulebook. Tall girls can get away with ankle strap shoes in any colour. Shorter legged women can wear lighter coloured ankle strap shoes better than darker ones. Or to heck with it: wear what you want, and be happy. I know the following shoes I've found would make me happy!

Steve Madden




EVIL (the style name, not an editorial comment!)
white patent
$109.95










TOTUMM
gladiator inspired platforms
white leather
$129.95









SINGE
black leather
$99.95








































And, ooh! Steve Madden is offering free shipping on orders over $100, and I found a great offer for you - click below, join their mailing list and save 10%
Get 10% off on your next purchase at SteveMadden.com when you join our email list.



From great e-boutique Pink Mascara:
Dolce Vita Cancun Sandals
brown leather
$124.00




From shopbop.com
Tory Burch
Heather High Heel Platform Logo Sandal
black or brown
$325.00


Jill Stuart
Metallic Kasia Ankle Wrap Platform Sandal
$468.00



















Now if only I could learn to walk in them...