When it comes to the design of footwear, its color is probably one of the first things anyone notices. This is a factor which can make or break your look - either complementing it and seamlessly fitting in, or clashing with the rest of your color scheme and giving everyone around you a headache.

It is of utmost importance to choose a color which fits your style and personal tastes, and so we have outlined several options you can go for:

• Neutrals: Neutral colors are always in style. A high-quality, classic nude design goes a long way and matches well with any outfit. Similar can be said with white and black, although they might require a bit more care - white can sometimes seem tacky or out of place, and black doesn’t work with navy blue and brown.

  Other options, such as beige, ivory, taupe, gray and the like are also considered neutral colors, though they tend to have different undertones. Pay attention to these seemingly insignificant under-layers of color while you’re putting together a look.

• Colors: On our list of BCBG shoes, we have our fair share of solid colors - reds, yellows, blues, pinks, you name it. Choosing the right option may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your own style - if you don’t like the color orange, don’t wear orange. If you’re in love with sky blue, by all means, throw on a pair of sky blue heels to conquer your day!

  Take inspiration from celebrities, from fashion magazines and blogs. Experiment, be brave! Play with soft colors, like pastels, and with bolder colors, even neon ones. Find what you like, what you feel good in, and what goes best with the occasion.

  One important thing to keep in mind - not every color is suitable for every event. In the business world, more subdued, modest colors are preferable, whereas if you want to get noticed at a party, a highly saturated color is the best choice.

  In today’s fashion world things can get a little crazy and a little unusual, and no one says you can’t have fun while you’re searching for the right colors for yourself.

• Metallics: Colors, for the lack of a better word, such as gold, silver, rose gold, bronze etc. behave similarly to neutrals. In general, they go well with everything and add a dazzling touch to any fashion combination.

  They can be quite striking, however, and so when entering the world of metallics, it is vital to be moderate. Work your way up to louder statements, like sparkles, glitter, or even a full-on metallic suit. Balance things out with more subtle colors, neutrals, and relaxed, flowy silhouettes. 

• Prints: Flower patterns, animal prints, cartoon prints, and similar designs are an amazing way to express yourself in fashion. They add interest, draw attention, and are sure to make a powerful statement.

  You can combine your print footwear with solid colors or even other prints, just be careful that the prints are not at odds with each other - no one wants to look like an optical illusion.

If you are aiming for elegance, for standing out or even for looking smart and professional - heels are a perfect choice. A lifted heel adjusts your posture, makes you stand up straight and keep your chin up, while also visually elongating your legs and slimming down your silhouette. In higher heels, you will radiate confidence and poise, and people in your surroundings will respond to you accordingly.

However, there comes the issue of comfort. Overall, heels are far from comfortable footwear, and when choosing the right pair for you, there are some things you should consider:

Heel Height: The lower the heel, the more comfortable it will be. Anything below four inches - particularly kitten heels (two inches), and classic heels (three inches) - is not difficult to walk in, and will cause only minor discomforts if you wear them for extended periods of time.

Heels of four inches and higher, however, bring their own set of hurts with them. They put a lot of pressure on the front of your foot, which can result in toe numbness, cramps, even bunions, and corns. We’re not advocating against these heels - after all, they are gorgeous and do wonders for our figure - just bear in mind that you can’t avoid pain and that you should absolutely spoil your feet afterward, for example with a nice, long foot bath.

Heel Type: Thin, stiletto heels take the last place when it comes to heel comfort. When you wear them, all of your weight is narrowed down to a point, which makes them highly unstable. Not only do you run the risk of falling or spraining your ankle, but because of uneven distribution of weight, there is also added pressure on the ball of your foot. After only an hour or even less of walking in these, your feet will start killing you.

In order to avoid pain for as long as possible, reach for chunkier heels. Big, blocky shapes are also very much in season, and you won’t have problems finding a pair you like. Chunky heels and wedges provide you with a wider base and stabilize your footsteps. They also make sure that your weight is evenly spread out over the surface of the shoe, and that no one part of your foot has to bear it all.

Cushioning: Even when you’re wearing staggeringly high heels, the tension in your feet can be lessened with proper padding in the footbed. The purpose of cushioning is to absorb shock as you walk, and to soften the surface of the shoe so that you can enjoy a modicum of comfort in your heels.

If the heels that you want to buy don’t have any cushioning, all is not lost! Thanks to advancements in foot comfort technology, there are countless gel pods and inserts that you can purchase separately, put into your BCBG shoes, and be ready to dance into the night!

It stands to reason that one of the main features you will be looking for in BCBG shoes is their style. After all, these are all made by a talented, world-renown designer, and you are purchasing not only the brand name but also all the trendiness and fashion innovation that come with it.

And as you have seen from our list - there's a little bit for everyone.

There are lifestyle sneakers for everyday wear. These are meant to be casual and easy and to make you feel comfortable as you go about your day. Whether you're picking your kids up from school or are walking your dog at the park, these sneakers should make you feel fashionable and sporty at the same time.

On the other hand, there are heels for those who are looking for something fancier. Designs range anywhere from party-ready to business-appropriate, and it is only up to you and the dress code of your workplace to decide whether you'll be taking them to the office or to a fun night out with your friends.

Flat sandals are perfect for the summer, as they keep your feet in a natural position and are open and breezy. They are great to wear in warm weather, when you want to show off your pedicure and keep your feet dry and cool. You can take them to the beach or to a leisure stroll around a coastal city without any problems.

Finally, we have the option of ankle boots. Almost the direct opposite of sandals, these are meant for colder weather, for when you prefer to keep your feet warm but still want to look stylish. There are more casual versions of the bootie, but also sharper ones, with pointy toes and thin, fierce stiletto heels.

When choosing between all of these, there is really no right or wrong answer. Simply consider your personal taste and aesthetic and go for the design that speaks to your heart. Try to match it with your existing wardrobe and envision your outfit combinations, and you will have no problems whatsoever.

While the appearance of a design is important, so is the way your feet feel in it. We touched upon the subject of comfort in regards to heels in a previous section, but here we will take a more in-depth look at what it is, exactly, that makes a pair of shoes comfortable, and how this applies to BCBG shoes.

In regards to comfort, there are three individual parts of a design that are key: the upper, the footbed, and the midsole.

The upper needs to be gentle on the skin and not causing any abrasions or hot spots. Materials that you want are genuine leather, which has the ability to mold to the shape of the wearer's foot, and fabrics, such as satin, mesh, different textiles, canvas and similar. These are all malleable and won't cause any undue rubbing.

The materials you'd want to avoid are synthetic leathers. These tend to be stiff and unyielding and can cause blisters quite often, even after you think you've broken in your new pair of shoes.

The footbed of a design can be flat, but it can also be contoured or molded. Contours provide support in areas such as the arch of the foot and help you stay on your feet for longer periods. A footbed should also be cushioned enough that you don't feel as though you're walking on hard, unforgiving surfaces.

Lastly, the midsole should have shock-absorbing properties. A fashion brand such as the one that is the focus of this guide probably won't include any high-tech features in its footwear, but it will make sure that you are comfortable as you walk. An EVA midsole or one made from another type of impact-absorbing material is great to have, regardless of whether or not you're going to work or just on a relaxed walk around the neighborhood.

Durability is an aspect of footwear that is determined by several different characteristics - the material quality, the construction type, the frequency of use, the conditions you wear it in... BCBG shoes, in general, are considered long-lasting, however, there are some things you should take into account to make sure you're choosing the most durable option.

The first one is the material type. Footwear made from genuine leather is durable, especially if properly cared for. This includes suede and other sub-types of genuine leathers. Likewise, thickly layered canvas, denim, neoprene, and similar tough fabrics can take quite a beating. (Think Chuck Taylors, canvas sneakers which last up to several years even with regular wear.)

On the other side of the coin, there are mesh materials, thin cotton, satin, and synthetic leathers. These are either thin and get frayed easily, or, in the case of faux leathers, can flake and crack relatively quickly.

Once you get ahold of your new footwear, make sure to check whether or not everything is solidly built. No seams should be undone or sticking out, there should be no irregularities in the footbed, and all closures should be operating without a hitch. In industrial manufacturing, some hick-ups are to be expected, and you should do your best to spot the flaws on time and return the pair in favor of a better-constructed one as soon as possible.

With a sharp eye for detail and a little more attention paid to the quality of the materials you're choosing, there should be no problems in getting the most durable pair of BCBG shoes you can.