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Dress Shoes
Top Dress Shoes for Women

By Desiree Stimpert, About.com

Dress shoes for women run the gamut from sparkling high heeled evening shoes, to basic but classic ballet flats.

When it seems that nearly every outfit needs a different type of shoe and each season brings new trends along with it, it can be difficult to stay on top of which dress shoes are most essential to your wardrobe. But help is at hand!

Among my top picks below you'll find some of the footwear staples that will see you through several seasons, as well as a few of my trendy favorites.

1. RSVP Collection "Como" - Easy to Wear Pumps

The best advice I can give when it comes to women's dress shoes? When you find a classic style, with a comfortable heel height, at a price you can afford, buy it in every color available. There's a reason basic pumps like these have been classics for decades: they look great, and will work with just about everything in your wardrobe. Available in a staggering array of perfect colors, these pumps have 2.5" heels and pointy toes.

2. Moda Spana "Katri" - Elegant Evening Shoes

elegant_evening_shoes.JPGImage courtesy of Zappos.com
Evening shoes can be a little tricky in the respect that sometimes you want "over the top" glam, and other times you want pretty sophistication without going overboard.

This delicate evening shoe is the perfect compromise. The satin uppers and jeweled embellishments add a bit of shimmer, making them an obvious choice for evenings and special occasions. And the chic sling-back styling adds an element of class.

3. Nina "Desiree" - Glamorous Dress Shoes

Here's a pair of dress shoes that are so glamorous, just looking at them is wearing me out. With a satin upper, open toe, 2.75" heel, and sexy ankle strap, you wouldn't think they'd need much else. But when you see the rhinestone-covered t-straps, you'll be glad the designers at Nina thought to include it. Incredible in black satin, this is the type of shoe that transcends trends and seasons -- it always looks great.

4. RSVP "Lucy" - Hot Dress Boots

Woman can not live by shoes alone -- she also needs boots. And for every cute casual boot I can find, there's ten dress boots I'd consider selling an organ for. Great for adding a sophisticated, chic touch to pants, dresses or skirts, lots of boots will even dress up jeans. These boots from RSVP feature 3" heels; leather and suede uppers; and are so hot it's nearly criminal.

5. Nicole "Delores" - Flat and Low-Heeled Dress Shoes

low_heeled_dress_shoes.jpgImage courtesy of Zappos.com
While it's far easier to find really dressy shoes with heels, there are plenty of flats and low-heeled shoes that work beautifully with trousers, or even skirts. Ballet Flats and Loafers are both popular, but if you want them to look as dressy as their heeled counterparts, avoid excess bulk and opt for streamlined styles that aren't too busy. The "Delores" from Nicole is a perfect example, with only a 1" heel and pretty link detailing.
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