Loafers, boots or trainers? Start with the hem.

The story

Put on the trousers or skirt first. The space around the hem can tell you more about the shoe you want than looking at footwear in isolation.

With a shorter trouser length, compare a shoe that leaves some ankle visible with one that fills the gap. Socks can become part of the outfit rather than something to hide; decide whether you like that extra line of colour.

With a wider or longer leg, check where the fabric falls while standing and walking. A shoe that disappears beneath a hem may be exactly what you want, but the fabric should not create a problem underfoot.

For a skirt, consider the whole vertical line. A boot can extend it, while a lower shoe creates a different break. Try both before deciding that one category of shoe always works best.

Make the final choice around your plans and comfort. This is an outfit check, not a claim that one style is universally more flattering or more current.

OUR WRITERSJohn Bloste

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