Stepping out in Style – Night Addition

December 20, 2009 Comments (6)

There are a few shoes every woman needs for going out at night. Once you have these three styles of shoes, you’ll find yourself accepting every invitation out for a night on the town. The key is to let the shoes or your apparel (never both) stand out and serve as the focal point for your look. Remember to experiment with texture, prints and color to add a pop to any cocktail or evening look.

Black Shoes

Black shoes are a must for more conservative events. The fabric and style are up to you, but basic pumps with a stacked or cone heel and a rounded toe work well with everything from your favorite little black dress to a feminine blouse and pencil skirt. You can also use black shoes worn with black opaque tights to tone down a bright or sparkling cocktail dress. Go-to styles for black shoes include the basic black pump done in satin or brocade, a strappy version with a covered toe, and a strappy version with a peep-toe.

Red Shoes

When you need to spice up a look, but have little time on your hands, reach for red. Bright, siren red shoes are just the ticket for adding oomph to that little black dress or any all-black ensemble. Finish with sleek hair and a nude lip, and you have a look that says high fashion in minutes. Look for red shoes with a blue base, meaning they aren’t orange red, which can look garish in some fabrics. Satin is a great pick for red, as is leather. Red also looks great with other neutrals, such as gold, champagne, charcoal and silver.

Metallic Shoes

Add some drama to your look with a pair of metallic shoes. Silver, gold, bronze or pewter, it’s up to you, just be sure they sparkle and can serve as the bling for your cocktail ensemble. Other metallic accessories in you look don’t have to match perfectly, just keep them in the same color family as your shoes. For example, going with pewter shoes? Keep the clutch and jewels silver to tie together the look.

Collect these three styles of evening shoes and you’ll be ready to go for cocktail hour in mere minutes. To keep shoes comfortable, insert gel or cushioned insoles and have rubber soles applied to the bottom of the shoe to add some bounce to each step you take across the dance floor.

Samantha Cabrera