Add a pop of colour with comfortable shoes

How I add a pop of colour to my outfit with a pair of brightly coloured shoes.

In my opinion, comfortable feet are paramount, especially in summer when the weather is hot and there is the possibility of blisters.

If you are a regular reader of this blog you will probably have observed that I am very fond of trainers. I wear them with a high percentage of my outfits. Many of you have commented that they are not to your taste and can look quite heavy. I am aware that the ubiquitous trainer style is not for everybody.

So today I am demonstrating that casual flats can be just as comfortable if not even more so. I find that I can walk as fast in these casual loafers from Van Dal as I can in my trainers. I even managed to run for a bus the other day. I have to admit that they look so much lighter and chicer with a summer dress than a heavy trainer.

You can see from the photo above that these shoes have underfoot cushioning for comfort and arch supports. Nowadays I find arch supports essential to stop my feet from rolling inwards and thus putting a strain on my knees. I also like the elegant stitching detail at the front. You can’t look elegant if your feet are hurting.

I have teamed my Van Dal shoes with my indigo tunic dress from Hopefashionuk. My cream linen ankle trousers are by Eileen Fisher, about two years old (similar reduced in the sale). Scarf from St.Tropez market.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Navy clutch bag by Cochenelle, about two years old (similar). Citron loafers by Van Dal.

I deliberately chose the citron yellow shoes from the range of colours available. I do not often wear yellow, with the exception of this subtle print top, however, it is excellent for adding a pop of colour to an otherwise plain dress. It helps to transform the outfit from ordinary to chic.

A hard days work in the sun! These gorgeous photos were taken by Laura Hines on Richmond Hill South West London on a glorious summer’s morning. I could not resist a five-minute sunbathe. Yes, I am wearing an SPF 50 on my face. Necklace from St.Tropez market.

Disclaimer: The shoes were gifted to me by Van Dal. I do find them genuinely very comfortable and am thinking of purchasing another pair of Van Dal shoes in their sale.

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

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View Comments

Van Dal Shoes says:

29th June 2018 at 13:00

Hi Josephine, the outfit looks amazing and styled so well with our shoes.
Many thanks for thinking of us.

From everyone at Van Dal!
An Eye For Detail says:

29th June 2018 at 13:37

Was wondering about that necklace! I love (live in?) all kinds of ballet flats...but only those with some kind of either support or at least padding on the sole. And always a rubber sole. Do you know Rothys? So so comfortable, and totally washable and just fun.
Deborah Conway says:

29th June 2018 at 15:05

Looking for those here in the U.S.---they look like they will be good for traveling.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  29th June 2018 at 15:29
  
  Hi Deborah
  I did ask if there was a US separate site for Van Dal but I don't think so. They do ship International via Royal Mail however you would need to contact the Brand for details. My shoes came up true to size.
Jill says:

29th June 2018 at 19:32

I have found Hotters shoes to be comfortable and attractive. They do sell them here in the States.
Brenda Chell says:

29th June 2018 at 22:00

Gorgeous as usual. Josephine, would you mind telling me your height and whether your Hope tunic is the regular or long. I'm thinking of getting buying it. Thank you.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  30th June 2018 at 11:43
  
  Hi Brenda
  I am 5ft 7inches or 1.70 metres. My Hope dress in long as I lke to cover my knees and as much of my legs as possible.
Jane2 says:

29th June 2018 at 22:37

Those shoes look great!
Beatriz Maria says:

30th June 2018 at 11:48

Love your blog and your outfits.
Maybe can you help me showing how you do to put your clothes in a carry on and look always up to day¡
Thanks and excuse my poor English
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  30th June 2018 at 11:58
  
  Thanks, Beatriz
  I suggest that you type in "Travel Capsule wardrobe" into the search box half way down the right-hand side of my blog. I have written quite a few posts on this subject. I mostly base my travel wardrobe round very simple shapes and stick to two colours with a couple of pieces in accent colours. Most of the fabrics are lightweight. I try to travel in anything heavy. I use accessories to make my outfits look different. Here in the South of France it is a bit easier as I keep some linen clothes here for the very hot weather. I don't think I have checked a bag into the hold for many years.
Sharon says:

30th June 2018 at 16:28

I'm with you, Josephine, when it comes to comfortable feet. I wear orthodics in my shoes so sandals in the summer can be a challenge - so I opt for stylish loafers similar to the ones you are wearing - I can put my orthodics in them and my feet thank me!!