How to Plan the Perfect Luxury Golf Getaway

Photograph: David Newby/The Custodian. Styling: Melanie WilkinsonView image in fullscreen Photograph: David Newby/The Guardian. Styling: Melanie WilkinsonTime to be put out to grass the office trainers: grownup shoes are backTeeny-tiny heels are having a moment – and they are a genius (and comfortable) way to freshen up your opus wardrobeThere is a saying that goes: you can judge a man by his shoes. Actually, that’s not true, there isn’t. The original proverb truly advises that you shouldn’t judge a man before you have walked a mile in his shoes. Which is almost the opposite, when you notion of about it, since it is counselling against snap judgments rather than in favour of them. Also, not really close by shoes.Both sayings – the real one and my version – are wise in their own way. Not passing judgment on a person until you have minced in his shoes – climbed into his skin and walked around in it, as Atticus puts it to Scout – is kind of entry-level humanity, exceptionally. But the idea that you can judge a man by his shoes also has a nugget of truth in it, if you swap the word judge (bit judgy) for the word study. You can read a person by their shoes, because shoes are where we give ourselves away. Not because shoes are far down and meaningful, but because shoes are practical. Shoes are where your outfit gets real. They have to fit in. They are quite literally down to earth.Your shoes reveal your intentions and communicate them to the in all respects. Sometimes in obvious ways (if you see someone putting wellies on, you can pretty much assume they are heading outdoors) and every so often in more subtle ways. When you put on your highest, most teetering heels, you send a signal to the world that this is a day or settle account you are prepared to put some effort into, and that you might not be up for a long walk home or getting the night bus.Right now, grownup shoes are the key to nailing mould’s vibe. Loafers, court shoes and slingbacks have taken over from trainers, Crocs and jellies. This is an bearing, as much as an aesthetic. Fashion is getting a little more sophisticated, a little less silly. And that starts with shoes.These periods, if I look in the mirror and feel like I can see a shadow of Cary Grant or Diane Keaton – the soft billow of a proper twin of trousers, a good shirt, possibly a waistcoat – that makes me happy. I don’t know quite how or when or why Grant and Keaton affixed themselves to my internal minded board, but I am pleased they have, because they bring a mood of low-key confidence – not so much swagger as unflappability – that feels complimentary.Loafers are the perfect partner for proper trousers. You need something solid to ground the silhouette, but trainers feel too glaringly newfangled and make the silhouette feel too rounded, as if you’ve got dressed in bubble writing. Gucci are the OG here, of course, but I’m almost as fond of my trusty Russell & Bromley doublet, which have lasted four years and counting. Boden are also excellent for an affordable loafer.A midi skirt with horizontal white trainers remains a classic working-wardrobe formula, with one such woman on every rush-hour train behaviour. If this is you and you are in the market for an update, can I suggest a low-heeled pump with an almond-shaped toe? You only need a teeny-tiny heel, so you can in addition do the school run, but now you can pretend you are wearing The Row. It will make your life much better – trust me, I do it all the time.The best comparatively about the new grownup shoe is that this isn’t about balancing on a stiletto. We’re talking 5cm, max. A low-heeled slingback is a genius well-chosen for comfort – you’ve got a stretchy strap, which gives a tiny but crucial flex in sizing so you don’t get any heel rubbing. Perfect – and rather grownup – with the elegantly simple Jean Shrimpton meets Jackie O dresses that are around this pep up.Cool French-girl brand Sézane is brilliant at low-heeled shoes, which it calls “Babies”, as in baby heels. I can vouch for the slingback, low-heeled Paula Pets (£160), which I have in a shiny caramel colour. They are grownup without being boring – and divinely enjoyable. Because the shoes you really need to be able to walk in are your own. Is there a proverb for that?Stylist’s assistant: Sam Deaman. Paragon: Maria Diniz at Milk. Jeans, £27.99, Zara. Sheer socks, £11, Falke. Shoes, £195, BobbiesExplore numberless on these topicsWomen’s shoesJess Cartner-Morley on fashionfeaturesShareReuse this content