By Amber McNaught
They may be fun to wear, but dress shoes can be some of the most difficult shoes to buy. When you're attending a formal occasion, you can't just sling on your most comfortable footwear and hope for the best. You have to look the part. That's why weddings, proms, and parties often have us trying desperately to find the perfect pair of formal footwear.
Men's Dress Shoes
Men have it easy when it comes to buying dress shoes, purely because the range of available shoes tends to be underwhelming. However, maybe that's not such a bad thing. At least the search is shorter!
Most men, when attending a formal event, will wear a black tux or suit. While the jury's still out on whether or not brown and black look good together, a dress occasion is not the place to put it to the test. Go for a simple black brogue or slip-on to match your suit. If you must choose something different, wear a patent pair instead of standard leather.
Of course, the "black goes with everything" rule just doesn't apply if you've chosen to wear a navy blue suit rather than a black one. Black and blue together is a big style no-no. Choose brown, tan, or blue instead.
As an alternative to the dress shoe, men also have the option of wearing dress boots. While a woman could never wear cowboy boots with her prom dress, a nice pair of boots can look classy and elegant with the right suit.
Buy men's formal shoes from:
Women's Formal Shoes
This is where things get complicated. Heels or flats? Pointy-toed or rounded? Color? Style? No wonder we end up tearing our hair out as we struggle with the great dress shoe hunt. For women, what you plan to wear will largely determine what kind of dress shoes you'll want to buy. However, comfort and body shape will play a part too. If you're not used to wearing heels, for example, prom night is not the time to try. What is important, on the other hand, is to wear your dress while you're choosing your shoes. Remember, one pair of shoes can totally transform the appearance of your outfit.
Think about your body type, too. If you're short and curvy, heels will elongate your legs and give you a more slender silhouette. If you're tall and skinny, flats may help make sure you're not towering over everyone else; although, if you love your heels, there's absolutely nothing stopping you wearing them!
Buy women's dress shoes at:
Children's Dress Shoes
Yes, children need dress shoes, too! The key point here really is comfort rather than style, though. Children's feet are still growing, so stiff shoes can harm those developing bones. However, it is possible to find children's dress shoes that look good while still remaining comfortable. Soft-soled shoes in patent leather or silk fabric will go with almost everything. Plus, they will be comfortable enough to wear all day. Remember to have them professionally fitted, though, to make sure you have the right size.
Buy children's dress shoes from:
