Thanks to the towering stilettos being introduced this season, we’ve had endless hours of fun watching a multitude of models wiping out on the runways (just check out YouTube to see some of the carnage). But crazy-high heels aren’t the only treacherous trend to grace the catwalk: such fashion must-haves as sewn-on jeans, oversized jewellery and handbags big enough to move into can also play havoc with your health. “All that squeezing, balance shifting and heavy lifting can really take a toll on your body,” says Dr Bob Emery, an associate professor of occupational health at the University of Texas Health Science Center, US. Don’t despair, though. A few minor adjustments to this year’s looks can keep you in style – and out of the doctor’s office.

DESIGNER DON’T
Sky-high stilettos
“This year’s heels are taller than ever and offer less support,” says podiatrist Johanna Youner. “And the higher the heel, the more damage that can occur.” Over time, the extra weight on your forefoot can lead to pinched nerves and joint problems such as bunions or hammertoes (not sexy, people). “I’ve also seen women who literally fell off their shoes, fracturing their foot or spraining their ankle,” says Youner. Ouch.

FASHION DO Stick with a two- or three-inch (5-7.5cm) heel and a rounded or open toe. This will distribute your weight more evenly and make room for your toes. “Instead of stilettos, look for wedges, platforms or thick heels, as well as a firm back or straps to keep your foot secure,” says Youner. For extra shock absorption, consider having a leather outersole replaced with a rubber one, and adding a thin foam or gel insole, such as the Scholl Party Feet range (schollpartyfeet.com.au).

DESIGNER DON’T

Skin-tight jeans
“Super-skinny jeans won’t crush your organs the way corsets did, but they can irritate your skin and trap moisture, which can set you up for yeast infections,” says urologist Dr Elizabeth Kavaler. A stiff denim crotch seam can also cause pelvic muscles to clench (in an effort to “push” the fabric away), making urination difficult.

FASHION DO Choose skinnies made of stretch denim in a breathable cotton or linen, and make sure the seams are soft and pliable. When you’re trying them on, take a seat: if you feel like they’re cutting you in two, try a larger size or go for a more forgiving style – looser boyfriend or trouser jeans won’t make you feel like a sausage in too-tight casing.

DESIGNER DON’T

Monstrous bags
Potential side effects of enormous arm candy: a stiff neck and shoulders and a pounding headache. Carrying a heavy shoulder load also restricts blood flow to one side of the body, causing muscle strain.

FASHION DO With all the hardware, today’s average bag can weigh five kilos empty. Look instead for smaller sizes in lightweight materials like silk, cotton or nylon. Padded wide or short straps or longer straps worn diagonally across the chest can spread out the load. A bag with many compartments will distribute weight more evenly (and keep your stuff from pooling in one spot). And unless you want to develop a hunch, switch arms frequently.

DESIGNER DON’T
Oversize earrings
Wearing doorknockers can cause the holes in your earlobes to stretch or tear. Once that happens, the lobes may not heal on their own – to repair the damage your only option is cosmetic surgery to remove excess tissue and stitch the hole shut.

FASHION DO “Limit heavy chandeliers to only a couple of hours at a time, and never wear them around little kids, who tend to pull on earrings, which can speed up the tearing process,” says plastic surgeon Dr John Canady. If you can’t give up bigger styles, try lighter hoops, mesh metals, and wooden or plastic beads instead. For extra support, swap skinny ear wires for post styles that come with large plastic backs.

source: australia women's health