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Types Of Evening Shoes
So let's take a look at the different types of evening shoes.
1. Slingback Heel
Slingback heels are a reference to the style of the shoe. Your toes slide into a pump, peep toe, or open-toe shoe body. Your feet stay secured by a strap that goes around the back of the ankle. Heel heights vary depending upon the individual shoe. These shoes have a classic design that goes with a multitude of evening looks.
This gorgeous pinkish lavender slingback from Calvin Klein is a delicious match for creams or pastel-colored dresses or slacks. This shoe has a 3.5" heel and comes in several other colors.
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2. Stiletto Heels
Stiletto heels refer to shoes with a skinny pencil heel that typically starts at about 4" in height and goes up from there. The overall type of shoe can change as this is a reference to the heel height. These shoes lengthen the look of your leg but are not practical for many people as they can be challenging to walk in if you're not accustomed to heels.
This nude patent stiletto from Jessica Simpson comes with the classic sky-high heel at 4". This shoe is available in many colors. Your legs will look fantastic set off in a shoe like this.
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3. High Heeled Sandals
The name says it here. Shoemakers take the loved sandal, typically a summer shoe, give it a heel and dress it up for evening wear. They are feminine and beautiful but are not typically the right shoe for a winter evening.
This elegant high heeled sandal is by BCBG Max Azria. It has a 4" heel and a rich suede upper. It's also available in black.
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4. Kitten Heels
The term 'kitten' heel is a reference to heel height. A kitten heel takes all of the gorgeous style elements of a taller pump and places it on a 1-2" heel. Kitten heels can come in various shoe styles like mules, pumps, and peep-toe styles.
This dressy little kitten heel in a big cat print is from Sam Edelman. Elegant but with a low 1" approximately heel for just a little lift; it's a great shoe if you want dressy but without the heel height.
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5. T Strap Heels
T-strap heels have a strap that connects the toe of the shoe with an ankle strap. The strap paints a line down the center of your foot, which can add some visual interest to your footwear. They are available in a variety of heel heights and often have cross strap styles as well as ankle strap styles. It's essential to get the right fit, so the ankle strap doesn't rub or cause a blister.
This T-strap heel from Steve Madden is sparkly, and silver glittered. A great look to go with metallics, blues, or blacks. It can even be worn with a wedding dress. This shoe also comes in rose gold and white.
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6. Platform Heels
Platform heels have stacked front heel beds. This gives the shoe an edgier look, which isn't for everyone. You probably won't find your grandmother wearing platform heels unless she's a super style maven. If you want a slightly daring look, the platform heel is perhaps for you.
This platform heel by Jessica Simpson has stiletto height and a T-strap design, packaged in shiny patent vegan leather. If you're going for an edgier look, you might consider a platform heel for your night out.
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7. Ballet Flats
Ballet flats originated with the dance of the same name. Dancers have long worn these shoes but eventually made their way into the world of fashion. Now ballet flats can be found in velvets and rhinestones suitable for evening dress looks. They're a great shoe for someone who can't or won't wear a heel.
If a heel is not your thing, you might want to check out this bejeweled ballet flat from Betsey Johnson. It's sparkly and dressy but won't wear your feet out if heels and your feet don't go together. This is a perfect dress up look for a women's tuxedo, as well. It is available in gold, as shown, as well as champagne and nude satin.
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8. Stacked Heel
Stacked heels take a traditional pump and beef up the heel. This structure gives the wearer a sturdier platform to stand on. This thicker heel may not be dressy enough for some when it comes to evening wear, but there are more formal versions available.
A fun stacked heel like this floral from Nine West can give you the dressiness you're looking for while also giving you stability for walking and dancing. This would look so nice with black or silver.
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9. Ankle Strap
An ankle strap shoe holds onto the foot by a strap around the narrowest part of the ankle. It is a very feminine look in a shoe, found on both pumps and sandal type shoes. The strap must fit well so that it doesn't rub on the wearer's ankle.
This satin dress sandal with ankle strap is from Chinese Laundry. We love this soft rose color, but it's also available in nude and black satin.
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10. Cross Strap
A cross strap shoe is similar to an ankle strap shoe, but rather than it being one strap that circles the ankle, these two straps cross at the front of the ankle and connect back into the footbed. They will sometimes zip at the back for easier entry.
This cross-strap sandal in turquoise from Kenneth Cole is the perfect pop of color for a night out on the town.
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11. Peep Toe Pump
Peep-toe pumps give away what they are in the name. These shoes reveal a tiny half-moon of the toe at the end of the footbed. It gives a slightly sexier look than an enclosed pump.
These peep-toe pumps in red from Jimmy Choo are fire hot in engine red. A sexy peep of the toe and a flash of leg, and all eyes will be on you as you wear these on your evening out.
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12. D'Orsay Pumps
D'orsay pumps have cutaway sides, which makes them different from a regular pump. They slip easily onto your foot. The sides of your foot shows as they would in a sandal type heel.
These snakeskin D'orsay pumps from Sam Edelman are elegant and edgy all at the same time. This style is also available in 13 other colors.
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13. Mules
Mules are in every style, from slippers to evening wear. These slip-on shoes have no heel, and the foot slips into the shoe. If not fitted correctly, you do have to be concerned about kicking them off or falling out of them.
This blush suede mule from Linea Paolo is the perfect blend of elegant design and practical heel height.
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14. Satin Pumps
Satin pumps are made from the fabric satin. These shoes are dyed to coordinate with a particular dress and are associated with weddings and fancy balls or proms.
These satin pumps with rhinestone brooch detail are the perfect shimmering, elegant accessory for a wedding, bridesmaid, or prom outfit. This shoe is also available in champagne, blush, and black.
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We hope you enjoyed this post here at StyleCheer.com. Please check out a few of our others below:
What Evening Shoes Go With a Black Dress?
What Color Shoes With Gold Dress? [Six suggestions that work!]
