I love shoes; I think most of my affinity for capri pants comes from the fact that they are the ideal pants to show off a really great pair of shoes. Simple, traditional details like buckles or kiltie fringe will stand out when you pair them with cropped pants, while brighter, more vibrant colors and patterns are kept in check by the conservative line of the pants. I like to pair black capris with leopard print ballet flats, or navy capris with pointy toed pink suede loafers; I will also wear lime green cropped pants with a basic black mule.

(Yes, I really do own lime green capri pants.)

There are a couple of basic rules to remember when you’re choosing shoes to go with cropped pants of any sort. Stick with shoes that you don’t mind people seeing; the shorter hem of the pants will draw attention to your ankles and feet, and if you’re wearing worn out shoes, everyone will notice. Think carefully about proportion. If you are tall or have long legs, a basic ballet flat or peep-toed flat is perfect with your capris. If you are shorter, or have short legs, opt for something with a little heel or a pointy toe, both of which will visually lengthen your leg. No matter what your height, avoid chunky, clunky shoes, which are too heavy for a cropped pant, and think twice about anything with a very round toe box, which also shortens your legs.

Vary your heel height, but avoid very VERY high heels with cropped pants. If you want to wear a bit of a heel (like the espadrilles pictured below) look for pants with a slightly wider leg, something that falls from the hip and does NOT taper. Pairing tapered capris with high heels is like pasting a bullseye on the widest part of your hips. The best heel is a low wedge or kitten heel, something under two inches.

Finally, for the casual office (or for weekends), think about pairing your capris with a cool pair of canvas skimmers. This summer, great canvas shoes are everywhere, in a variety of colors, prints, and heel heights (mine have a wee wedge heel). Choose a pair that has finished edges rather than unfinished seams, and that slip on instead of tying (and please, PLEASE skip the kind with the pretend lace holes but no laces–you know what I mean). If you like, you can look for a peep toe skimmer, but please pedicure.

Linea Paolo Norene flat, currently $59.50

Faconnable Marcie flat, currently $119.90

Kors Michael Kors Castle flat, $245.00

Steven by Steve Madden Gypsey peep toe flat, currently $69.90

Franco Sarto Kidder loafer, $69.95

Steve Madden Majic wedge, $49.90

BC Footwear For Pete’s Sake skimmer, $39.95

All shoes available at Nordstrom.com, which is currently having a GIGANTIC sale (plus the always-fabulous $5.00 shipping).

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