How to find a shoe to flatter your figure

The Rules

Did you know that the size of your bones plays an important part in deciding which shoes suit you?

Take a moment to look at your wrists and ankles. If they seem proportionally delicate to your arms and legs, then your bones are fine and you have "thin" ankles.

On the other hand if your wrist and ankles are proportionally less distinct to your arms and legs, then you probably have large bones and "thick" ankles.

Keep in mind that the size of your bones has nothing to do with your weight. A large woman can be small boned just as a slim woman can be large boned.

Scroll down for the basic rules on choosing a flattering shoe..

Thick ankles DON'T's

Avoid:

• Ankle straps that direct attention to your ankles and cut off the length of your foot (not to be confused with Mary Jane styles where the strap lies across the foot).

• Shoes that are cut very high at the back so they cover the thinnest part of your ankle.

• Low and delicate kitten heels that can make the shoe appear too small for your foot.

• Flat shoes with pointed toes.

Left: Wedges flatter thick ankles

• Sling backs and open backed shoes, create the illusion of lengthening the leg making the ankles appear slimmer.

• A more substantial shoe in proportion with your ankle - a platform shoe, a chunky loafer or wedge.

Thick ankles DO's.. continued

Look fabulous in:

• Ankle boots. They disguise thick ankles, don't care about the size of your calves and under jeans and pants give the appearance of long boots without the added bulk.

• More substantial boots with solid heels, platforms or wedges and bold detailing.

• Round toed ballet flats.

• Styles with bold details - buckles, patterns, flowers and bows.

Thin ankles DON'T's

Avoid:

Thin ankles DO's

Look fabulous in: