Ann Vodicka, Author at Image Confidence

Style Your Summer and Holiday Season with Tolu Australia’s Boardshorts

I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Liliana at Tolu Australia, analysing the colours in her fun boardshort patterns. This gave me an opportunity to share insights on how to style these vibrant boardshorts for various occasions, especially for the summer and holiday season. These tips are perfect for creating effortless and stylish summer looks! ☀️

Note: All of these colour combination ideas can easily translate into your outfits, whether you are wearing skirts, pants, or shorts 🙂

1. Choose Colours That Work Harmoniously Together

My first piece of advice is to study the colours in the boardshort pattern. For a polished look, opt for a T-shirt or linen shirt that complements the shades in your boardies, creating a harmonious and cohesive outfit.

I also recommend using a colour wheel as a guide. Choose colours adjacent to the main shade of your boardshorts for gentle combinations, such as pairing blue boardies with a green or purple shirt. For those who love bold contrasts, pick a colour opposite on the wheel for a striking look.

Here is a red linen shirt teamed with aqua green shorts. This is a striking colour combination.

For a striking look wear colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel.

Styling Examples:

– Blue Whale Sharks Mens Boardshorts

Featuring shades of blue and turquoise, I suggest pairing these with purple or yellow for a playful vibe. For an even bolder statement, red—the complementary colour to blue—adds contrast and depth, making it perfect for festive events or beach outings.

Ann Vodicka, Sydney based personal colour analyst, is smiling and holding a pair of aqua and navy blue whale patterned boardshorts.

– Orange Crabs Mens Boardshorts

These boardies feature a vibrant mix of orange, green, and white, so I recommend teaming them with yellow, green, or crisp white for a refreshing summer look.

This is s picture of a mint green linen shirt with orange and green boardshorts.

This is an image of a yellow tee shirt and orange and green boardshorts.

2. Match Patterns to Your Personality ✨

Your choice of patterns can reflect your personality. If you’re adventurous and fun-loving, bold prints like the Macaw Boardshorts are a fantastic option. For those with a more understated style, pair vibrant boardshorts with a neutral shirt, such as white or beige, to balance the overall look.

A man is walking on a beach wearing colourful boardshorts.

Ann Vodicka, Personal colour analysis expert, is smiling whilst holding a pair of vibrant boardshorts in one hand, and a Spicy colour swatch in the other.

A personal colour analysis helps you find your best colours.

3. Seek Expert Colour & Style Advice

My passion for styling extends beyond boardshorts! If you’re curious about the colours and styles that suit you best, I’m here to help. Whether you’re dressing for a casual beach day or a summer BBQ, my advice will leave you feeling confident and effortlessly stylish.

For more styling tips, follow me on Instagram at [@annvodickastylist](https://www.instagram.com/annvodickastylist)

Let’s make this summer your most stylish yet!

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

December 05, 2024

In Colour, HomePage-Blog

0 Comment

How to Create Harmonious Colour Schemes for Your Outfits – Analogous Colours

Do You Love a Harmonious Colour Scheme in Your Outfit?

There are many different types of colours schemes that you can use in your outfits, one of these is called an analogous scheme which appears everywhere in nature which is why we find it so beautiful. Watch the video to see this colour theory in action.

A colour wheel is a fantastic tool to help you find colour schemes.

An Analogous Colour Scheme is one where the colours sit next door to each other on the colour wheel.

They share similar elements, so when they are combined, they create a harmonious and visually appealing look, making them great for creating outfits that don’t make you feel too colourful or loud.

Some examples of analogous schemes include:

Red plus red-violet
Blue plus green
Yellow and orange

Here’s an example of a red and orange colour scheme, see how it looks harmonious. A patterned garment can be the simplest way to use a colour scheme without having to think about different garments.

You can easily push the envelope and combine 3 colours together, such as blue, with green and yellow, or purple, red and orange for a more dramatic and exciting look.

Analogous colour schemes are ideal when you want to add colour to your outfit in a more subtle way.

Another option is to add more colours to your oufit using an accessory such as a scarf like I’ve done here, with the yellow and green and turquoise in the scarf working back with my turquoise top and teal jacket.

Again a pattern in one garment mixed with a solid garment also can help you easily create harmonious outfit colour schemes.

Do you know which are your best colours? Knowing this really helps you when shopping as well as putting outfits together, no longer will you struggle with mixing colours as your colours will naturally work easily together.

Plus when you’re shopping you’ll be able to focus on looking at the clothes that are in your palette, ignoring the rest so you don’t feel so overwhelmed by all the possible choices.

Then your wardrobe will be more cohesive and your outfit options will expand as you need fewer garments to make more outfits as the colours work together.

Get your personal colour analysis and discover your best colours and which analogous schemes will really make you shine.

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

October 08, 2024

In Colour

0 Comment

How to Easily Fold a Puffer Jacket

Are you packing away your puffer jacket, or alternatively packing to travel to cooler climates? Puffer Jackets can take up a lot of space, but here is a nifty way to fold yours into a small and easily storable size.

How to Fold a Puffer Jacket for Easy Storage

1. Turn the base of the jacket inside out until it reaches just under the armpits.

2. Now fold the jacket in half lengthways.

3. Bring the arms back over the body of the jacket, and tuck the wrist under so it’s the same width as the body area.

4. Fold the neck or hood over the arms.

5. Bring the top and bottom halves together.

6. Grab the base of the inside out section and pull it up and over so you end up with a neat parcel.

Do you need help packing for your next trip? If you hate packing I am here to help you, I can help you so that you don’t take clothes you never wear and have multiple outfit options for your trip.

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

October 08, 2024

In Travel & Lifestyle, Wardrobe

0 Comment

How to Select Your Best Metal Colour

What’s the Best Way of Choosing the Colour of Metal for Your Jewellery and Accessories?

Use Your Undertone

If you have a cool undertone, silver, white gold and platinum will look fabulous on you.

If you have a warm undertone, yellow gold, old gold, copper and bronze will make you shine.

Rose gold is a crossover metal which suits both warm and cool complexions.

As I have warm colouring I wear gold jewellery as it complements my skin tone.

If you’re not sure of your undertone, then getting a personal colour analysis is the best and fastest way to find out as not only will you discover your best metal colours, you’ll also get a palette of 50 great colours that you can use when shopping plus discover your unique signature colours which make you look more healthy, vibrant and alive. When you have your colour palette and start using your palette when shopping, decisions become so much easier as you know exactly which colours of clothes to choose and what to not bother with. Plus you’ll find that your outfit options expand as your wardrobe becomes more cohesive and the colours naturally mix and match together, so you have more outfits from fewer garments.

Find out more about personal colour analysis and book yours here today.

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

October 07, 2024

In Colour

0 Comment

9 Simple and Quick Ways to Enhance Your Appearance

These tips are easy ways to enhance your appearance with minimal effort and maximum impact. They support increased happiness and confidence and will benefit anyone of any age, gender, size, or ethnicity.

Even if you’re already familiar with these tips and incorporate some of them into your routine, having a friendly reminder is always helpful. After all, we all need a little nudge now and then to stay on track with our appearance goals.

Moisturise your face and body every day

Use a morning face cream with SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The SPF component reduces the risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and discolouration (e.g. freckles). It also helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Tip: If your skin allows, apply a gentle face exfoliant or mask once a week. If you have rosacea or other skin conditions, ask a specialist for advice on the most suitable options.

A woman's hands are shown pumping body lotion from a white container.

Using face and body moisturisers daily helps keep your skin dewy and hydrated.

Trim or cut your hair regularly

Split ends need attention, so book an appointment every six weeks to keep your hair looking healthy and well-maintained. It’s a good idea to book your next hairdresser appointment at the end of the one you’re currently at. Of course, clean and conditioned hair is a given 🙂

Wear a well-fitting and supportive bra

Like the rest of your body, your breasts change size and shape, so it’s important to get fitted for a new bra every year. Over time, your bras lose shape, too—the elasticised fabric loosens, and straps become slack, offering little or no support. Whether your breasts are small or large, saggy breasts are perceived as ageing. Staff at lingerie stores and large department stores will help you find your perfect fit.

Wear colours that complement your skin tone, hair, and eyes

Colours that suit you draw attention to your face and away from your body. They brighten your skin and make you look more vibrant. They also help diminish dark circles under your eyes and visually lessen double chins and jowls — there’s lots to love! You can see in the example below how one set of colours stands out, and the other is harmonious.

How do you know which colours are right for you? A colour analysis helps you find the exact palette of colours you need.

Four women have multiple coloured fabrics draped under their chins. They have each had a colour analysis to find their best colours.

Colours that harmonise with you amplify your natural beauty.

Prioritise fit and quality

When it comes to your clothes and shoes, always prioritise fit and quality of materials. When your clothes and shoes fit well, they’re comfortable. It is possible to find comfortable, stylish items. They may need some tweaking, like taking up a hem or running in the side seams. It’s worth it in the end because you’ll enjoy wearing the item and want to wear it repeatedly, which equates to a great cost per item. Cost per wear is a concept that helps you understand the value of your purchase. For example, if you buy a top for $ 100 and wear it 100 times, it costs you $ 1 per wear – an excellent investment in your wardrobe!

When you shop in-store, you have the advantage of trying on the item, which gives you a clear idea of how it fits and looks. If you prefer online shopping, use the measurement guide to find your best size, and remember that most online stores have a return policy if the item doesn’t fit quite right.

Tip: Remember that brand names and the price on the swing tag don’t guarantee that the item will fit you well.

Declutter your wardrobe

Simplify your wardrobe by culling items that no longer fit, are uncomfortable, are unrepairable, or are unflattering in colour or style for your body shape. For example, if you have a structured blazer you bought for a job interview years ago but now feels tight and restrictive, and you never wear it because no one else in the office wears blazers, it’s time to let it go.

When your wardrobe is filled with items that complement your body shape and align with your personal style, you’ll enhance your overall appearance and remove any temptation to wear clothes that don’t suit you. And as a bonus, you’ll find it easier to assemble stylish outfits for any occasion.

Add accessories to your outfits.

Enhance your outfits by including accessories. Whether you prefer a more minimalist approach, lean towards maximalism, or fall somewhere in between, incorporating jewellery, a bold handbag, a stylish scarf, a chic belt, or eye-catching headwear can elevate and complete your look.

When in doubt, dress up

You’re doing this for yourself – to feel confident and comfortable for any occasion. Is it a quick fix like shining scuffed shoes or mending the hem of your pants? Or is it swapping a tatty tee for a higher-quality stretch cotton top? It still has the same vibe and takes the look up a notch.

If you usually wear jeans to a party, consider adding a blazer, loafers, or stylish boots. How about trying on a nice pair of pants or wearing that skirt or dress that’s been hanging in your wardrobe forever?

Enhance your appearance with a smile!

It’s human nature to be attracted to people who smile and engage with the world. They’re seen as happy and more fun to be around. Plus, you gain the benefits of increased dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, the body’s hormones that make you feel good. Smiling puts you in a better mood and sends a positive message to those around you. It’s a big win-win for everyone! 🙂

A woman with blonde hair and red glasses is happy and smiling. The Heidi Klum quote underneath her says, "I believe that when you put a smile out there, you get a smile back."

Smile to enhance your appearance 🙂

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

August 13, 2024

In HomePage-Blog

2 Comments

Cartier Exhibition Highlights from the NGA Canberra

As you might have guessed, I have more than a keen interest in style, design and colour – so my recent visit to the Cartier exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra was a real treat. It is a beautifully curated wonderland of sparkling jewels, exquisite timepieces and luxury items. Every piece was meticulously created and crafted for royalty, celebrities and society’s elite.

The exhibition finishes on the 22^ndof July and is definitely worth seeing.

Here are some of my favourite pieces:

Necklaces

Cartier diamond necklace, Nizam of Hyderabad

The Nizam of Hyderabad was a gift from the Indian prince to the Queen for her marriage in 1947.

The 1955 Bib necklace features plaited gold, brilliant cut diamonds and turquoise cabochons

1936 Necklace boasting total of 198.45 carats of emerald-cut peridots!

Mystery Clocks

These Asian-inspired Cartier Mystery Clocks give the illusion of floating minute and hour hands. All of the mechanisms that move the two hands are made from transparent clear crystal – amazing!

Chimera Mystery Clock 1926

Striking mystery clock with deity 1931 – 19th century Chinese white jade

Stunning Tiaras

There were so many beautiful tiaras on display at the Cartier exhibition that I found it difficult to decide which ones to show you. I chose these four because of their intricacy of design and the amazing coloured stones.

Cartier Tiara 1905 featuring 7 pear shaped diamonds

This 1905 tiara features 7 pear shaped diamonds

Diamond and aquamarine tiara 1937

Tiara 1932: baguette-cut diamonds and emerald-cut citrines

Indian tiara, 1923. Platinum, diamonds, sapphires and pearls

Brooches

Lace ribbon brooch 1906

Cartier Palm Tree Clip Brooch

Uma Thurman wore this Bird Brooch to the Met Gala in 2016

Cartier and Celebrity Glamour

For me, the Twentieth-Century Icons room personalised the exhibition. The photos and stories of celebrities and royals, and the special pieces Cartier had made for them, really bought the pieces to life.

Grace Kelly

Wallis Simpson wears her Cartier peacock brooch

Cartier - Wallis Simpson's peacock brooch

Elizabeth Taylor

If you’ve enjoyed this article I have also written articles on luxury brands Hermes and Dior.

Here are the links: ‘Hermes at Work’ Exhibition: Artisans share their talents and skills

and

Australia and the House of Dior 70 Years On

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

July 10, 2018

In HomePage-Blog

0 Comment

Your Wardrobe Audit in 5 Easy Steps

Your Wardrobe Audit in 5 Easy Steps is for anyone who leads an outrageously busy life, and isn’t that most of us? It’s also for those of us who have stood in front of our wardrobes thinking, ‘I’ve got nothing to wear!’

The solutions I’m offering are simple, yet very effective. Complete them at your own pace, it’s entirely up to you. Getting dressed will be quick and easy after your wardrobe audit. Less time spent in your wardrobe equates to more time for life’s adventures.

Where to start -Step 1

Only keep what fits you now. Most of us have experienced fluctuations in weight at some time in our lives. Items that are too small or too large for our current body size are taking up valuable wardrobe space and wasting your time.

What do you do with them?

Donate

Alter

Sell

Gift

Stow in a storage tub or in the spare room wardrobe

Step 2

Let go of any items that are ripped or damaged beyond repair, any woollens that are close to threadbare, and any clothes that are permanently stained. Collars and under-arm areas are notorious for stains. Try soaking them in a bucket with Australian made, Sard OxyPlus Laundry Soaker or a pre wash stain remover to see if they can be revived. Reminder: Check the care label on the garment beforehand.

Step 3

Remove any garments, shoes or accessories that haven’t be worn in over 2 years or that still have the shop tag attached. (Evening wear excluded) You may have spent $300 on that shirt, but if you never wear it, for whatever reason, it’s time release the guilt and any other emotions and let it go. Refer to Step 1 for ideas of how to move it on.

Step 4 of Your Wardrobe Audit

Multiples. Yes, 7 white tee shirts are too many! Think about the items you gravitate towards and keep those. Find a new home for the others. If they are in great condition, stow them away until your current supply becomes unusable, then bring them out. Or, if you feel you can part with them you know the options (listed in Step 1).

Lastly…

Only keep the clothes you love and feel good wearing. You know, the ones that when you look in the mirror you get that, “Yes, that’s a winner” feeling, and it boosts your confidence which equates to a having a good day, feeling less nervous about the meeting or job interview or having an amazing time at the party. Feeling good about yourself works from both the inside and the outside. Simplifying the ‘what to wear’ part of your outside promotes positivity and confidence for you as a whole.

Well, your wardrobe should be looking considerably less cramped by now. Let me know how you went with your wardrobe audit. Did you find it easy or challenging?

Does the mere thought of doing your own wardrobe audit fill you with dread? Ann at Image Confidence will help you declutter your wardrobe, make better use of your existing clothes, create order and function in the space, and identify ‘gaps’ in your wardrobe i.e. items to purchase. You’ll feel lighter, refreshed and energised within three hours. Read more

Book your Wardrobe Audit with Ann today.

Messy, disorganised clothes in wardrobe before Your Wardrobe Audit in 5 Easy Steps

Tidy, organised clothes in wardrobe after Your Wardrobe Audit in 5 Easy Steps

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

June 30, 2018

In HomePage-Blog

0 Comment

Your Top 10 Winter Style Tips

These top 10 winter style tips will have you feeling cosy and looking fabulous all through the chilly months. It doesn’t matter how cold it gets in your neck of the woods, these tips work for mild, cooler weather right through to freezing cold temperatures.

A woman displays her winter style by wearing an elegant coat, scarf and gloves.

Layering adds an element of flexibility to your winter style.

1. Embrace Layering

Layering adds an element of flexibility to your winter style. Use layers to create your outfits. Start with a light weight undergarment like a cami or singlet. Add a three quarter or long-sleeved top, maybe a light weight jumper (cashmere is my pick) or cardi, a jacket, scarf, hat and gloves. You can add or subtract pieces depending on the weather.

2. Get smart with scarves

Scarves add an element of interest to any outfit and will have you looking stylish with a minimum of effort. They take up very little space in your wardrobe (or suitcase if travelling), and can be used as a source of inspiration for the hat and gloves colours you choose.

Winter style tips: pink beanie, sunglasses and watch with pink numbers go with the multi coloured scarf

Winter style tips: The golden colours in the scarf inspired gold loop earrings and tortoise shell sunglasses

3. Invest in a great pair of boots

Boots rate high in the winter style stakes. Not only do they keep your feet warm and dry, there are just so many to choose from: ankle boots to calf length, long to ending above the knee. Flat heels to stilettos – there is a boot to suit everyone.

4. A quality coat is essential

My personal favourite of my winter style tips is to search high and low for your perfect winter coat and when you find it be willing to pay the price – this item will be in your wardrobe for a long time, so quality is key. Find it in a colour that compliments your hair colour, that way it will be truly versatile. When trying on coats make sure there’s enough room to accommodate the layers you’ll have underneath.

Winter style tips: this wool blend coat will keep you warm

Trenery wool blend coat in dark plum

5. Slim fitting jeans

A pair of skinny or straight leg jeans (depending on the shape of your legs) will be a great way to keep your winter style current. With all of the bulk and volume you’ll be creating with your tops and jacket, the narrow fitting bottoms will create a slimmer silhouette.

Tuck jeans into your boots or have them hemmed to where they hit the upper foot area of the boot on the outside.

6. Love Leather

If you don’t already own one, put ‘leather jacket’ on the top of your winter style shopping list. They are versatile, durable, timeless and classic. Consider colour, fit of the jacket, texture of the leather and comfort factor when buying. This is another item that will last for years, so invest wisely.

Winter style tips: woman wearing a sand coloured leather jacket.

My favourite ‘go to’ leather jacket is a soft sand colour.

7. Stylish Sneakers

For running errands, comfy weekend wear and for travelling, a stylish pair of sneakers will give you a break from your boots and keep your feet warm and dry.

All leading high street shoes outlets stock stylish sneakers. Remember to take your socks when going to buy – depending on their thickness you might have to go up a size.

Sam Edelman sneakers

8. A Slouchy Sweater

A loose-fitting jumper will tick the ‘warm’ and ‘comfy’ boxes as well as looking on trend. You can choose from the finest merino wool to more bulky cable knits. Add accessories such as a scarf to elevate the look.

9. Terrific Turtleneck

Also known as a roll neck or skivvy, these knitted gems are the epitome of style. Think Jackie O (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), Marilyn Monroe or more recently Taylor Swift and Rihanna. They are great as a stand-alone garment or as a layering piece.

10. Stunning Statement Earrings

The last of our winter style tips is to complete your outfit with some statement earrings. They will be the centre of attention whether you’re wearing high necks, low necks, scarves or cover-up jackets and coats. Your outfit will look complete and you’ll be ready to brave the cold weather with panache!

There is often a sea of black, white and grey that dominates the clothing stores during winter. That’s great if you can wear these colours well, but what you if can’t? In winter when we are at our palest it is especially important to wear the colours that harmonise with our hair, skin and eyes so that we appear healthy and look our best. I offer personal colour consultations and small group Colour Your Life workshops so that you can discover the best colours for you. These sessions are great fun and are a ‘gift to self’ that lasts for years.

Are there any items you feel should be added to my top 10 winter style tips? Let me know in the comment box below.

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

May 28, 2018

In HomePage-Blog, Style

0 Comment

Women’s Accessories – Your Essential Guide

In this month blog, ‘Women’s Accessories – The Essentials’ I share the key items you need in your wardrobe to transform a basic outfit into a stylish one. The choice of colour, size, shape, pattern and style of these items is entirely up to you, so allow your personality and preferences to shine.

Women’s Accessories – Jewellery

– Real or fake diamond stud earrings. These are good all-rounders – you can dress them up or down.

– A pearl necklace or bracelet. These will always say style and elegance like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Thomas Sabo fresh water pearl bracelet

– Some statement necklaces. These will turn any plain outfit into something ‘wow’ and interesting. Experiment with wood, metal and semi-precious stones.

Women’s accessories – Shoes

– Nude or black pumps. Select a medium to low heel so they match nicely with pants or skirts.

– Ankle boots. You choose the colour, style and heel height. Ankle boots will see you through autumn, winter and the early stages of spring.

– Stylish Sneakers – for dashing to the supermarket, travelling to and from work etc.

– A pair of nude coloured strappy sandals with medium to high heels will be very versatile and take your outfits from day into night.

Women's Accessories: Strappy sandals by Stuart Weitzman

NuNakedStraight Sandal by Stuart Weitzman

– Stylish low heeled sandals. Elevate a basic outfit of tee shirt and jeans from your feet up!

– Beautiful ballet flats. These are your comfy ‘go tos’ and like your pumps, they will go perfectly with pants or skirts.

Women’s Accessories – Bags

– Tote bag. Your everyday bag should be made of good quality leather to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Invest in another more structured bag for work.

– A beautiful black or metallic evening bag. Stick to these options as they will go with everything.

Stella McCartney Falabella clutch bag

– A wallet that is in good condition. If yours is tatty around the edges or falling apart, it’s time to replace it. Think of cost per wear. If your wallet cost $300 and you used it for 300 days that equates to it costing you $1 a day!

Women’s Accessories – Other

– Sunglasses. These should suit your face shape, compliment your natural colouring and have good quality lenses.

– a silk scarf. These are the perfect weight: light enough to wear in summer and warm enough to use during the cooler months.

– 2 lipsticks: 1 for day and 1 that is a little bolder for night. Find your perfect shade here.

– Shapewear. Not for every day use, but perfect for under clothes where you want to create smooth, sleek lines. Ensure your shapewear fits comfortably: it’s about flattering your figure, not about making you look a size smaller.

– A good quality leather belt. Use it with your pants and jeans or over a loose blouse to cinch in your waist.

– A Pashmina – Great to wrap around your shoulders when the nights get nippy or when travelling on any form of transport that is airconditioned to subzero temperatures.

– Leather gloves – a must for those who feel the cold, and they are a stylish addition to any coat and scarf ensemble.

– Hats. There are so many practical reasons for wearing hats, like protecting your face, hair and scalp from the harsh sun’s rays, but they are also a great opportunity to make a style statement.

Woman modelling accessories - sun hat and pearls.

Source credit: bikinimuse.tumblr.com

Want to know more about how to create stylish outfits using your accessories and a small capsule of clothes that all mix and match together?

SAVE THE DATE because 2nd June is the next Shop Your Own Wardrobe workshop. If you are ready to look and feel fabulous with less clothes and be able to travel lighter and still look stylish, this fun 3 hour session is a must attend.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Get 25% off your Shop Your Own Wardrobe tickets when you book with a friend before 14 May 2018. This offer is only available if tickets are purchased directly through Ann: ann@imageconfidence.com.au (Pay just $112 each – saving more than $35 off the regular price of $149.75)

After this date, tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite for $149.75 per person.

I’m always interested to hear the style topics you would like me to cover. Send me your suggestions in the comment box below.

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

April 26, 2018

In HomePage-Blog, Style

1 Comment

Stylish Comfortable Shoes for Women

Let’s face facts ladies. There comes a time in every woman’s life when putting up with uncomfortable shoes is NOT an option. You’ve limped, laboured and languished for decades with sore, blistered feet. Corns and bunions abound, and the stilettos hiding in the back of your wardrobe are covered in a thick layer of dust.

We lead busy lives: have places to go and people to meet. There’s absolutely no time for sore, aching feet!

But, thankfully, there are plenty of stylish, comfortable shoes for women. It’s easy to find shoes that look current and modern, not nanna or frumpy.

I’ve photographed some of my favourite comfy shoes to show you the variety on offer. Keep in mind these may not be your preference of colour or style, but it’s the type of shoe or heel that’s important.

Ann’s version of stylish comfortable shoes for women

Block heels (stable and sturdy, have equal width from top to bottom, can be high, low or somewhere in-between) … and an ankle strap makes it more secure and comfortable to walk in.

Kitten heels and sling backs – it doesn’t have to be the combination of the two, but the combination does speak of elegance and sophistication. Kitten heels are comfortable to wear all day or all night, and are perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Sling backs give you support around the back of your heels.

Wedges: mini and higher heel (great if you want to add height and the full sole makes them easy to walk in)

Lace-up sandals

Fun, colourful sneakers

Ballet flats (buy some with interesting detail like the tassels and perforated suede)

elegant flats (in a neutral or your best metallic)

T-bar – the straps give you loads of support and you can get away with a higher heel. Mary-Jane styles that feature a strap or two across the instep will also keep your feet firmly secured in the shoe.

Enclosed and high vamp (a more closed in shoe that covers the foot)

Walking shoes that are not runners (I wore these light weight Ecco walking shoes nearly every day during a 4 week trip to Spain) Other brands include: Merrell and Vivobarefoot.

Boots : Whether long or ankle, low, medium or high heeled, boots give maximum support to the whole/entire foot. Comfort factor = high.

So, the moral of the story is … There are plenty of stylish comfortable shoes for women so you can look fashionable and not suffer in the process. What a relief to know that you can have the best of both worlds: style and comfort = win/win!

Ann Vodicka is the principle style coach at Image Confidence. She helps women and men dress for success. For more information regarding the style experiences she offers visit the Home page of her website.

Sticky

By Ann Vodicka

February 11, 2018

In HomePage-Blog, Style

0 Comment