Prim but sexy: How to wear court shoes

Kurt Geiger's snake-print monochrome Catherine court shoes, £240, kurtgeiger.com

You know nobody sees your feet on jury service?

Very droll, although you are on to something. Courts are exactly the kind of apparel you'd choose for a day in the dock. Spiky but fragile, sexy yet prim – you don't get character like that from a wedge.

Beyond trial dates, any other suitable occasions? The cost-per-wear is looking quite high

Courts did used to feel a bit boardroom/boring, but they've reasserted themselves of late as a grown-up alternative to platforms for day and night. Wear them with pencil skirts and slim pants for work, then pair with higher hemlines or full skirts for leisure.

They sure don't look as comfortable as platforms

They aren't. So think about something more modest than a skyscraper when it comes to heel height. Around the 8cm mark – like this snake-print monochrome Catherine style (pictured above, £240, kurtgeiger.com) – is doable. Unless you're a pro, save the 11cm-ers for nights out involving taxis and restaurant banquettes.

What about my cankles?

What indeed. Larger-proportioned accessories, including bags and watches, do have a slight advantage in terms of slimming your limbs. That said, there are still a few tricks available here – Raoul's lovely Sesame courts are a classic in a pleasingly leg-lengthening nude shade (£190, my-wardrobe.com).