“To be a princess you have to believe you are a princess. You’ve to walk the way you think a princess would walk!” – Mia Thermopolis (The Princess Diaries)
Descending from the Royal Courts, fuelled by the media frenzy and enamoured by the mystery of it all, being a princess has always been an unachievable fantasy every girl has had. Courteously waving down at her subjects from the balconies of the Buckingham Palace, walking down the grand staircase into a Ballroom filled with distinguished persons. However, getting small glimpses from Princess Diaries, being Royalty is not easy. One of the most difficult things you will have to get used to is, giving up flats. As Royalty you will have to exercise elegance and grace while you strut around in “pumps”.
Coincidently, what we know today as pump shoes, emerged from Royalty itself. First born into the French Courts, they were known as court shoes for this very reason. They were then a status symbol worn by women and men alike. It expressed their nobility. After the French Revolution, they were adopted by the women of the British Monarchy from where it spread far and wide. Once it reached the Land of Dreams, i.e. America, they were known as we know them today, Pumps.
When you think of the classic court shoe, they were characterised by medium to high heels, deep-cut toes and a slip-on style. Today, with fast-moving fashion trends, they have adopted new avatars. Unpretentious and yet perfect for a classy woman, pump shoes are the ideal addition to a formal wardrobe.
Reaching New Heights
You do not need pumps to be a princess. However, with a shoe that offers such versatility and accentuates your height, how can you resist. The pump shoes usually start with the kitten heel and move upwards. The kitten heel is a slender, short heel, around 5 cm in height. The kitten heel allows for more mobility than height. Thus, it could very possibly be the beginner’s shoe. Moving on, you have the platform heel. This is ideal for those who want height and stability. This heel has a larger surface area, making it easier to move around. It will be the ideal choice for outdoor events.
Once you have graduated from the platform heel we can now talk about the stiletto. They are the moguls of high heels. Worn and loved by women of all ages, the stiletto is associated with feeling confident and empowered. The heel height can go up to 12 cm, although this is a feat only models can achieve. Choose stilettoes with thick soles, which make them easier to walk in. It will help in absorbing shocks better.
How to walk the walk?
While choosing the right pair of pumps, you need to make sure you can walk in them. The trainer version of pump shoes are kitten heels. However, stilettoes too have their beginner versions. These are pumps which have a platform at the toes, which is known as the outsole. The outsole balances the height of the heel, eliminating the daunting inches.
If you are well-versed in the skill of walking in stilettoes, you can opt for those with a flat surface.
Another aspect to keep in mind is the shape of your foot. If you have narrow feet, pointed toes would suit the shape of your feet. However, if your feet are broader, you should choose pumps which have a rounded tip.
If you have a great pair of pump shoes but they still fit slightly bigger on your feet, there are ways you can counter this. You can put cotton wool at the bottom of your shoe. This would create a layer of padding making the shoe fit better. You can also get a heel grip or an insole for the same purpose.
Lastly, look for your shoe size on a sizing chart and be precise about it. With a variety of pump shoes for women online, you will have a lot more choices available to you.
What to wear? Where?
Pump shoes are one of the most versatile styles in any woman’s wardrobe. However, it too has its specifications regarding occasions and attire. Here is your guide to pumps for every occasion:
Work Wear
You can wear kitten heels or platform heels for work. Kitten heels and platform heels offer stability and support for longer as compared to stilettoes. You can also choose a pair that has ankle straps for added comfort. Pair these with formal dresses, skirts or even straight pants. Choose neutral colours since they are more versatile, black, beige or tan are the ideal options. Suede heels offer a matte look which might be more appropriate for formal environments.
Party Pumps
If you are gearing up for a night out, you can deck yourself with your favourite pair of stiletto heels. These pumps will elongate your silhouette and make you look leaner. Choose a neutral colour if you want to play safe or a bright colour to make a statement. You can also choose to wear black pumps in varying fabrics like leather or suede. The leather offers a layer of shine. However, for party attire you can also choose pumps that have a shimmery outer fabric.
Everyday Envy
Up your everyday attire with a sleek pair of heels. Skinny jeans are the perfect companions for pump shoes. They will make your legs look longer and add an oomph factor to your outfit. If you choose to wear light wash jeans, pair it with black pumps and a white shirt to get that classic, effortless look. If you want to look like you tried, choose dark wash jeans with nude pumps and a pastel pink blouse.
This way you can channel the inner-princess inside you every day. Strut with confidence and it will reflect in your personality instantly. Pump shoes are a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, it has the capability to automatically elevate your wardrobe.
Marilyn Monroe once said, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world”