If you’ve lived in Maryland long enough, you know the truth:

We don’t get four seasons. We get fifteen.

There’s “Pre-Fall.” There’s “Hot Rain.” There’s “Chilly Morning with Blazing Afternoon.”

So the real question becomes: What the heck do I wear on my feet?

I’ll be the first to admit — transitional shoe season is tricky.

I usually end up reaching for my Sambas, some trusty Rothy’s, or — let’s be honest — anxiously waiting for the first crisp day under 60 degrees so I can pull out my UGGs like it’s a red carpet moment.

But this year, I’m trying to make better use of what I already own.

This week on Closet Chronicles, I’m pulling out mules, loafers, low boots, and other in-between pairs to see which ones are petite-friendly and which ones are just… not it.

Transition Shoes That Work (and Why)

Petites need more from our footwear. It’s not just style — it’s scale.

What looks casual-cool on someone 5’9” can look cartoonish or clunky on us. So I’ve learned to look for:

• Slim soles and pointed toes that lengthen the leg
• Low-profile loafers that don’t cut off the foot
• Mini Chelsea boots with a tighter ankle shaft
• Mules with just a hint of a heel and structure
• Slingback flats that are breezy but still polished

The Problem Shoes:

• Chunky soles = Shrek feet
• Wide vamp = No ankle, no leg line
• High shafts = Calf stranglers
• Bulky sneakers = Short and squatty

In this week’s community breakdown, I’m going deeper on this:

• What to look for based on your petite proportions
• What I’m keeping, what I’m letting go of, and why
• And how to style the same shoe 3 ways for different vibes (brunch, work, errands)

Fall is my favorite shopping season — but this year, I’m editing smart.

Come through the Closet Chronicles and vote with your heart… or your foot pain history.