Those zebra print pumps keep whispering to you from the shoe store rack, but you hesitate. Will something as big and bold as those black and white stripes be a fashion hit or a jungle miss?
Here's some incentive to pounce on those pumps: A recent Internet search turned up 100 different styles of zebra print pumps on one site alone, with designs from hot shoes names such as Naughty Monkey, Madden Girl, metrostyle, Michael by Michael Kors, Jessica Simpson, Stuart Weitzman, Guess, Anne Klein, J. Renee, Jessica Bennett, Beverly Feldman and even haut couture names like Manolo Blahnik and Alessandro Dell'Acqua!
Name your favorite shoe brand, and there's likely to be a pair of zebra print pumps waiting for you! What's more, not one pair of those prancing pumps will look alike.
Sure some of these styles have skyscraper 4- and 5-inch heels but others are less towering. You too can conquer the heights of shoe fashion if you start slowly and practice before you take your striped ponies out on the town.
Zebra Print Pumps Will Put Some 'Pow!' In Your Wardrobe
Try this method for learning how to walk in heels. First, place a full-length mirror in a room with a low-pile carpet, or a floor that isn't slick. This is essential to keep from slipping and tripping while you get used to your shoes.
Next, put on your new zebra shoes and stand in front of the mirror. Turn slightly to each side, and admire yourself in those shoes. Simply stand comfortably (but watch your posture!) and get used to the height of the heels.
Now, hard as it may be, turn away from the mirror slowly and take a few steps. Keep your legs as close together and as straight as you can. Point your feet straight out in front of you. This exercise may alert you to whether you walk on the inside or outside of your feet.
Walk slowly back and forth across a room. Remember, your mama was right; a lady doesn't have to rush, people will wait for her. Turn in different directions and try to stop without wobbling. Once you can perform these maneuvers confidently, practice will reinforce your new skill.
If trying on a pair of zebra pumps with 4-inch heels still sets off your fear of heights, don't give up. There are pumps with heels of all heights, from 1-1/2-inch "kitten" heels to 5-inch stilettos that look like Rapunzel's tower. There's no rule that says you have to scale mountains to wear pumps. Heels from 2 to 4 inches, especially in wider widths, still look as terrific. Even with a 2-3/4-inch chunky heel, it's still a pump.
The trick to walking confidently in your high-heeled pumps is to give yourself time to adjust to the added height. Start out with a heel height where you are comfortable, and then go up an inch at a time until you think you've reached your maximum.
The fun part about this approach is that when you're done scaling up, you wind up with a whole wardrobe of zebra print pumps of any height!