Almost all of these shoes are much too small for me. That's because the average shoe size is increasing over time. At the turn of the century, the average woman wore about a 3.5-4. Now, it's more in the 8.5 range. This sets me up for a lot of vintage shoe sadness, but smaller footed women have it made!
1910s
These Edwardian Era shoes are in understandably delicate condition, but a bit too tempting not to wear out and about. They have such a brilliant pattern! Paired with skinny pants, and a well constructed angular blazer in a neutral like black, these shoes would shine. These are available from Dakotas Vintage, are a petite size 5, and are selling for $75.
1930s
I confess a love for metallic items. This love is almost as large as my previously stated love for animal print. These glorious t-straps would pair with just about anything in my world. A short party dress, skinny jeans and a tank top, capris and a cardigan. You name it, they work. These are for those with a 6N foot and are available at Revival House for $89.
1940s
I'm guessing these gorgeous shoes were probably once considered boudoir shoes. Shoes meant for seducing, or showing off in your home while entertaining. Now, since I believe these shoes need to head out in public, you do promise to be very careful with them, right? I'd pair them with a really loose layered skirt in a soft color like ivory or petal pink to take the romantic look to whole different level. Paired with a delicate cashmere sweater and you're good to go. These shoes are a petite size 6 and are available at tigerluxe for just $38.
1950s
These shoes remind me of frolicking outside on a spring day. That's probably the floral print talking. I'd so wear these with jeans and tank over a shear shirt, maybe with tuxedo pleating on the front. At the risk of being matchy I'd pull from one of the colors in the shoe, the purple being my favorite, and maybe add in a wicker purse. These are available with etsy seller Marvita13 for $98.
1960s
You were green with envy over my shoes until you realized that there was still of shades turquoise goodness in the world like these shoes right? I'm probably going to start out slow with mine at first, pairing them with a black dress, but from there the sky is the limit, brown capris or my white Calvin dress, or maybe even my zebra print dress. You, should do the same, tiny-footed women who wear 6-6 1/2 shoes. Snag these from Beta Boutique for $34.
1970s
So it's Sunday and you need to run some errands, and you throw on sneakers and head out in clothes that somewhat resemble pajamas. If this is happening to you, stop. You can be functional and cute at the same time. I'm not going to go all Stacy and Clinton on you and tell you that heels are wonderfully comfortable and of course you should be able to chase your three year old around Target with ease in 3 inch stilettos. A compromise, these beautiful suede shoes. They do have a heel, but it's a barely there heel. The patterning is soft and cozy, yet structured at the same time. Throw on some dark wash jeans and a sweater and you'll feel much better about heading out. These shoes fit a 8.5 and are available at Greatest Friend for $33.
1980s
These silver Stuart Weitzman heels deserve to go out into the world and party. To show off the delightful bow detail on the back, you wouldn't want to cover them up or obstruct the view with something like jeans. Instead, think about dresses, mod dresses with a simple silhouette the ends above the knee in a fabulous color like royal purple or peacock blue. Sure, you could wear black, but there's a world of color out there. These lovely ladies fit like a 6.5 and are available at Dear Golden for $46.
