Shoes are the finishing touch to the perfect outfit; a touch that can be hard to get exactly right... Shoes also have the power to transform your silhouette, and flatter your shape. Whether you have wide ankles or short legs, Anya has tips for finding the perfect shoes to for any body.

Wide Ankles/Defined Calves
Oh wide ankles and muscle-defined legs! How could something so good for you have such a bad name? Yes delicate ankles can be very pretty, but they can’t support a super high heel like a wide ankle can.

Your perfect shoe:

• Will always have a heel, even flats will have a slight raise to lengthen and slim the leg.
• Have a heel that is chunky, is a wedge or extends from the back of the shoe. All these factors make your legs appear slimmer.
• Have a point, peep toe or have a little length to the toe. Rounded toes, especially in heels simply round off the legs and are best avoided.
• Boots will be a little wider than your leg at the top to make your legs appear slimmer. 

1: Ombre Heel $27.00 from Ami
2: Patent Heel $35.00 from Go Jane
3: Overland footwear Zayden $169.00 from Overland

Shorter Legs/Petite Frames
Little legs need length and height, so things like tucking your jeans into your tight knee high boots with a heel is a great look. It makes your legs look like they go on forever.

Your perfect shoe:

• Will add height with elevation, even in flats. Your best styles will have at least mid height heels.
• Won’t feature pesky ankle straps that cut the leg off and make it appear shorter
• Will have a point, or a snub point toe to lead the eye down or
• If it’s a sandal it will be a cute little sandal/slip on with a heel.

1: Top End Chalet Shoe $159.90 from Mischief
2: Isabella Anselmi Beckon $299.00 from Overland
3: Overland Pearl $99.90 from Overland

Slim Legs/Straight legs
So the problem with slim pins might not be clear, but some of you blessed with slim legs will know that sometimes shoes just look funny. You can’t quite put your finger on it but nothing is quite right.

Your Perfect Shoe:

• Dainty legs need dainty shoes, go for slim line heels and smaller features.
• You can wear a heavier heel when your clothes reflect the same volume; otherwise it looks too disjointed and heavy for your slim legs.
• Ankle straps, leg straps and detailing give your legs shape.

1: Nude Pamela $189.90 from Mischief
2: Nadine Satin Heel $20.00 from Go Jane
3: Sachi Octane $229.00 from Overland

Wide Feet
Wide feet give great support but can be hard to fit into a shoe. And when you find a pair that fits – comfort may be a factor. Be kind to your feet and go for comfort and practicality first!

Your Perfect Shoe:

• Will be enclosed for maximum comfort, not a sandal or strappy shoe style.
• Will lead down to a point or have an extended toe to give the feet a slimming effect
• Have quite a wide set and low on the toe opening so that a lot of foot is exposed - a flattering look for a wide foot.
• Have a chunkier heel to balance out the width of the foot.
• Be made in New Zealand; New Zealand made shoes are more forgiving to an nzgirl’s foot width.

1: Ballet Flat $19.00 from Ami
2: Mi Piaci Quiver $190.00 from Mi Piaci
3: Minx Racy $229.00 from Mischief

Anya Merryfield

Stockists

Ami
Go Jane
Mischief
Mi Piaci
Overland