What Shoes to Wear With Trouser Suits

Dear She She, I am new to wearing pants suits and honestly have no idea what the right heel height is for my new suit. I have yet to alter my pants and need your recommendation before I get them altered. What type of shoes do you recommend for pants suits? Type and heel size. Thanks! Jennifer

Hi Jennifer! Trouser suits can be extremely chic, but it all depends on the shoe! Never underestimate the importance of a great pair of heels. This is why I would not recommend anything BUT a heel worn with a trouser suit - NO FLATS! Flats are for casual wear - jeans, khaki skirts, capris, etc. And nothing chunky or clunky. You are going for sleek and sophisticated, so your footwear should reflect that also.

I would recommend a shoe with a heel height of between 2 to 3 inches. (If you are short, you could possibly go as high as 3 1/2 inches.) Anything less is too casual and anything higher is a little too sexy for professional wear. Heels worn with pants give you added height and allow for the hem to break more smoothly and naturally. One thing to bear in mind also, when choosing a pair of heels, is that a pointer toe will elongate the leg even more. So, if you are short, a little higher heel with a pointy toe is the way to go.

I would opt for a classic pump, or perhaps even a slight platform pump. Slingbacks are more acceptable as business wear, but the professional trend, unless you are in fashion or a fashion-related industry, is still toward closed-toe shoes. Peep toes are still considered a bit flashy for business wear, as are sandals.