Lady dress: Under $100: Sandals for Midi-Dresses

I'm excited about the longer dresses and skirts trend. For me, the difficulty isn't adding the longer styles to my wardrobe--I've always mixed in a few longer skirts and dresses for variety. The trick is choosing the right pair of shoes. While skirts worn above the knee seem to look great with any style shoe or sandal, skirts below the knee aren't quite as flexible. I think you'll find certain shoes and sandals look better with the longer lengths than others. Not to worry. Designers have created a range of flattering sandals for 2011. For this post, I'm focusing on flattering footwear--all under $100--for mid-calf dresses and skirts.

DOs AND DON'Ts for MIDI-FASHIONS
Here's are my do's and don'ts for choosing footwear for midi-fashions...
Do wear sandals with heels, platforms or wedges. Fact: The midi-length cuts the calf in half. So if you can, lengthen your legs with a little heel elevation. Take a peek at these photos of sandals, one with a wedge and the other with a platform. I think the neutral-colored pair are a tad more flattering for two reasons: 1) there's not a lot of contrast between the leg and sandal color, and 2) there's no ankle strap cutting off the line of the leg at the ankle.

Sandals with a wedge or platform are my first choice for midi-dresses and skirts, because they'll work with a variety of skirts and dresses. A comfortable, casual sandal like the Softspots Harmon Sandals Women Mocha ($64) at the top of this post looks great with a longer jean skirt or a natural linen skirt. Below are a few possibilities that are a little more elevated (3" or less), but still aren't sky scraping. As always click on the photos, to go to the company site to see details or more sandals and shoes.

The first two sandals are from Planetshoes.com. Planetshoes.com has teamed up with Carbonfund.org and the Million Tree Challenge for an Earth Month - Plant a Tree project. During April, when you buy a pair of shoes, you will have an opportunity to add a tree (for an additional $1) to your order. If you add a tree to your order, Planetshoes.com will match it, adding a tree to the planting project.

Earth Spirit Classics Melany S Heels and Pumps, Sandals Women Black ($34)

Aerosoles Guava Plush Sandals Women Orange Combo ($69) in 4 colors. I'm cheating a little with these sandals. The heel is actually 3 3/4", but the platform under the toe is 3/4". So I'm figuring the heel is only raised 3". Plus, they're Aerosoles, which tend to be a little more comfortable. That's too high for me, but I know some lucky over 50 women who can still handle that height.

Easy Spirit Ulrica Comfortable shoes for women (Ivory) (was $79.00, now $59.99)

Softspots Nadine Heels and Pumps, Sandals Women Almond Leather ($69)

For office or dressy occasions, an open-toe, strappy pump is a good choice. Check out this Anne Klein Rosalba Dress Detailed (Pink) pump (was $79, now $58.99). I love the floral print--so feminine and fun!

Anne Klein Rosalba Dress Detailed (Pink)

Don't wear closed-toe pumps. The goal is to have a playful, energetic look, so I stay away from closed-toe pump, which look too "mumsy."

Don't wear ballet slippers or other closed-toe flats. I know there are lots of pretty flats in the stores and online, but don't wear them with a midi-length dress. The closest thing to a ballet slipper in my closet are these Steve Madden flats. The midi-skirt and shoes make my calves look short and squat. (I also look like I'm going to a sock hop or a '60s college mixer.)

Do wear flat sandals that are "airy" with thin straps. If your feet will not tolerate heels, that's okay. But, again, avoid sandals with thick ankle straps unless they match your skin. The only reason the black flat sandals below work at all with a midi length is they don't have the ankle strap cutting off, so to speak, the calf at the ankle.