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. Guess "Jules" - Classic Dress Shoes with Trendy Updates
Featuring an open-toed design, a platform sole, and a 4" stiletto heel, these shoes have many of the season's hottest trends well in place, without sacrificing classic good-looks. The black or blue suede versions are especially nice, but if you have an aversion to suede, there's a black leather version that will do the trick as well. Ideal for wearing with slacks, skirts or dresses when you want to look chic but not overly dressy.2. 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 a toe that is just pointy enough for office or evening wear.3. Moda Spana "Katri" - Elegant Evening Shoes
Image 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.
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.
4. Nina "Lauren-LS" - 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, pointy toe, 3.5" heel, and sexy ankle strap, you wouldn't think they'd need much else. But when you see the fanning t-strap covered with shimmery stones, you'll be glad the designers at Nina thought to include it. Incredible in black, and divine in tan, this is the type of shoe that transcends trends and seasons -- it always looks great.5. Donald J. Pliner "Biddy" - Mules for Slacks or Jeans
Image: Endless.com
One look at my shoe shelves, and it's immediately apparent that I have a bit of a problem saying no to backless dress shoes. I'm particularly fond of styles I can wear with jeans or pants, like these Donald J. Pliner shoes with their sexy 2" heels, pointy toes, and stretchy black fabric uppers. But if you're more of a skirt kind of woman, there are still some mules that can work for you. After looking at these killer shoes, be sure to check out my Tips for Wearing Mules.
6. Guess "Newbury" - Colorful Print Dress Shoes
Image courtesy of Zappos.com
Dress shoes in basic, solid colors really are the backbone of a most women's footwear collection, but nothing can inject a little adrenaline into your wardrobe like a pair of print shoes, or shoes in vivid or unusual colors.
Of course, they'll need to work with the clothes you wear, but when you see something that makes your heart jump a little, don't be afraid to try it out. I'm crazy enough over these floral print pumps from Guess that I'm likely to invent an outfit just to wear with them.
Of course, they'll need to work with the clothes you wear, but when you see something that makes your heart jump a little, don't be afraid to try it out. I'm crazy enough over these floral print pumps from Guess that I'm likely to invent an outfit just to wear with them.
7. 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.8. Nicole "Delores" - Flat and Low-Heeled Dress Shoes
Image 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.
