Eliza J petites chiffon maxi dress (sz 2P - belt included! Other prints here)
Steve Madden "Stecy" sandals sz 5.5, Essie "fiji" nail polish
Steve Madden "Stecy" sandals sz 5.5, Essie "fiji" nail polish
I was shopping for a dressier occasion, and fell in love on Nordstrom's website with this floral option - perfect for wearing to a wedding, an engagement photoshoot, or just a dressy night out. Even in the stock photos, there was so much flowy movement (looks better in the regular sizing photo) and the reviews on the regular one were glowing. I had noticed the brand several times before because they have such pretty maxi dresses, but never gave it a try due to sizing limitations. Unfortunately only select dresses are made in petite sizing, and amongst those a 2P was the smallest available (although, just noticed this print comes in 0P).
These photos show how the dress in 2P fits on me with no alterations. I think it fits fairly true to size (see measurements at the end of post), maybe a little smaller than AT/LOFT and J.Crew. The length though is on the longer side for petite sizing. For reference, I'm just under 5 feet tall wearing 4" heels here, and could still use an inch or two shortening of this dress. I will be taking in the torso slightly on each side, and am debating how to best approach shortening the length - whether to take it up via the shoulders, or hem it off the bottom (by the way, if length is just marginally too long for you, a little cheat I love instead of alterations is the "foldover" trick where you tuck excess material over a tightened belt). I thought the fully-lined quality was good for the price, so don't mind getting alterations on a more unique piece. Bonus is a gold-toned skinny belt which can be paired with other outfits!
On to these sandals - I've gotten so many questions via Instagram about their comfort. Honestly, I don't think a 4+ inch high heel with ankle strap and tiny front strap can ever be "comfy," but I don't think these are bad given the style! I started my search for a minimalistic, classic nude high heel sandal back in February and figured I'd give a run down of my favorites tried on to date, from splurge to steal:
1. Stuart Weitzman Nudist
Height: 4.25 to 4.5" - not 100% sure as listings differ and I forgot to measure
Sizing: starts in size 4
Colors: numerous options
The ever popular and original minimalistic sandal. Several of my friends own this and swear by the "comfort," so I was a little surprised when I tried them on. Not painful, but they felt like exactly what they are: a sole strapped onto the feet by means of two very thin straps. Though I do realize this is also the exact reason why they are so aesthetically pleasing!
I also tried on the Nudist's relatively lower-heeled sister, the Nudistsong. I'd prefer these over the original, since the 3.75 - 4" heels are still high enough to be sleek/sexy but more manageable than 4+! Unfortunately there are less color choices available for this one, and sizes seem to go fast.
2. Steve Madden "Stecy" sandals
Height: 4"
Sizing: starts in size 5.5
Colors: many options
A dupe of the Nudist, with a slightly thicker sole and wider front strap. These cost a lot less than SW, but I feel you get what you pay for. The patent upper is a shinier faux leather (lining and insole is leather), and the small changes in details makes the shoe look less high-end. I got these instead of the SW Nudist, because I really wasn't sure whether I'd be able to get used to walking in this style of sandal! However, I've worn them several times already, and left them on the entire day recently for a mix of sitting/standing/indoor walking. You get used to the feeling of pressure at the two straps, and they were surprisingly not painful and left no blisters or chafing by the end of a long day.
A downside is the sizing only starts in 5.5. I wouldn't recommend to anyone who typically is a solid 5 or less, because your feet may slip around. Also, these are not for wider feet - the soles run narrow so your feet do hang over slightly on each side. The reviews are so mixed, my guess is comfort for these really differs based on your exact foot type and tolerance for heels. I am in love with the general style though as it's super flattering with jeans, pants and skirts alike and very leg-lengthening. I'm eyeing another pair for spring/summer in matte nude, black, or white. Since it's a timeless shoe, I'd be willing to spend more for something of better quality (would be curious to know any suggestions other than Stuart Weitzman!).
3. Vince Camuto "Court" sandals
Height: 3.5"
Sizing: starts in size 5
Colors: 4 options
If I weren't fixated on the super thin strappy look, these would've been the winner instead. The 5-star reviews also speak for themselves. The "beige" leather was matte and looked very nice quality in-person...soft to the touch but sturdily made. The color looks better and less dull than my snapshots here.
Steve Madden Stecy vs. Vince Camuto Court
4. BP "Luminate" sandals
Height: 3"
Sizing: starts in size 4!
Colors: 8 options
A budget-friendly option in faux-leather or fabric. At 3," these were a little low for what I had in mind for special occasions, but are great as a sensible sandal. I only walked around the sales floor briefly in these (tried a size 5) but didn't have any issues with comfort. The quality looked reasonable for the price point, and the customer reviews are also good.
Hope this roundup helps anyone else looking for the perfect nude sandals! For local ladies, I tried all of the above at Nordstrom Natick, which is the best Boston-area shop in my opinion for anyone who needs sz 5 / 5.5. Would love to hear any other recommendations for your favorite strappy sandals!
Measurements of this dress in 2P, for reference: 17" armpit to armpit, 13.5" across the waist (skinny belt helps cinch it a bit too), 14" from top of shoulder to waistline, 56" total length. Fabric has no stretch and dress is fully lined.
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