The definitive guide to red stilettos: An owner's manual

By Yatan Ahluwalia No urban wardrobe is complete without a pair of bold, sexy and alluring red stilettos. You can wear them to that all-important date, party or night out— be it with him, her or them. Men love heels, and for good reason: women in red stilettos look (and feel) powerful, daring and bold. Take my word for it, if you don’t like being looked at, never slip into a pair of red stilettos as they are inherently vibrant and eye-catching. Besides, they will make your legs look slimmer, longer and give your body the illusion of being a lot curvier. Excellent reasons for any woman to own a pair. But these sexy shoes can be hazardous in more ways than one, especially if you pick the wrong kind. A class apart: Ensure the pair you pick does not look like ‘street wear’. Keep in mind that whenever you wear red shoes— heels or stilettos —there is a fine line between looking sophisticated and looking ready for a pole dance. It’s therefore best to opt for a high gloss (patent) finish over matt, dull tones and to choose subtle, single straps above all else. Slim, pointed or rounded styles will undoubtedly set you apart. Designs that are square, broad and chunky or lengths that go above the ankle are just not recommended. Similarly styles with zippers, buckles and other embellishments are best avoided altogether. Also, never wear red stilettos with fishnet stockings— unless of course you have a ‘deal to crack’ — either at end of the day or the night! Red alert at work: “The girls look sexier in red heels than the black ones they are currently wearing,” observed the flamboyant billionaire-owner of Virgin Atlantic, Richard Branson, who recently asked his female crew to start wearing red stilettos when they walk on the ground (read: airports and terminals). Point made and noted. Closer to home, girls on Kingfisher Airlines go ‘red on red’ by matching their red jackets and skirts with red footwear— a bold step, but one that has probably worked for the airline’s somewhat ‘over the top’ in-flight image. But read between the lines: you may not want to wear red stilettos to the office, unless of course you prefer to look sexy as opposed to professional at work. [caption id=“attachment_21040” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“When you have a pair of red stilettos on, you can let your feet do the talking. Images: Y&E Style Media Pvt. Ltd “]  [/caption] Mix and match: You are probably not going to walk that red carpet, so I suggest you wear your red stilettos with anything that looks dressy enough for it— short and long skirts, cocktail dresses, gowns, off shoulders, strapless or strapped tops and blouses. Red offers a lovely contrast to and looks good with conventional colours like black, grey, silver and white. Use them to spice up anything plain, simple, dull or drab that you may be wearing. When you have a pair of red stilettos on, you can let your feet do the talking. It makes sense to use your red heels as the only prominent (and dominant) accessory. If you are experimenting and wearing them with anything out of the ordinary or unconventional and are not sure if your look works, it’s best to trust your instinct— if you don’t think it’s looking good, you are probably right. Tiptoe: If you are not used to wearing heels, it’s best to get some practice walking in them— either at home or when you are out for short durations. A little ‘dress rehearsal’ can and will prevent bigger and at times embarrassing slip-ups and accidents. The higher your heel the better, but be warned that stiletto heels change the centre of gravity of the wearer. This means your natural posture will be altered to ‘stay up and balanced’ when you wear them, which may in some cases can lead to an arching of the back or a pain in the knees or lower back over a period of time. Having said that, stilettos always give you a sexier, more confident walk. But good things are best enjoyed in small doses. Be sure to give your body and legs regular breaks from wearing high heels. [caption id=“attachment_21059” align=“alignleft” width=“210” caption=“When you are out for retail therapy, choose a make or label that you like and that can be trusted for its quality and durability. Image:Y&E Style Media Pvt. Ltd “]  [/caption] In and out & under the over: Red stilettos are classic and timeless, so if you own a pair (or more), it’s best to keep them well-maintained, preserved and always on standby and ready to wear in your shoe rack (or shoe cupboard if you are a collector). Ignore the fashion glossies that talk about passing trends and ask you to discard or replace your red stilettos. This is a pair of footwear you can wear for a lifetime, and pass on to the next generation to enjoy. Since red stilettos draw so much attention and attract just as many eyeballs, ensure your feet are well maintained and pedicured whenever you wear them. You may paint your nails with a double coat of glossy red to make a statement or opt for a transparent sheen to look chic and understated. Right foot forward: When you are out for retail therapy, choose a make or label that you like and that can be trusted for its quality and durability. If you are one of those women who carry handbags and wear shoes more for their brand value than anything else— then you are likely to look (and feel) your best in a pair of Jimmy Choos. The rest of us are better served by a pair that simply looks good, fits well and does not drain the bank balance or cause a dent in the credit card statement. Watch where you tread, when you have your red stilettos on— avoid pebbled pathways, soft wood floors, the countryside, loose gravel and sandy or sink-in surfaces. Last but not the least; don’t walk over or on him in your sexy heels— even if he asks or begs you to. Yatan Ahluwalia is a fashion and image consultant and Director, Y&E Style Media Pvt. Ltd, India’s leading styling and  corporate grooming company.