Shoes Every Woman Needs: Evening Shoes

You may have caught on by now that we’ve been constantly expanding on our Shoes Every Woman Needs guide by providing you with recommendations based upon type.  So far, we’ve discussed the following: (1) Neutral pumps; and (2) Black pumps. Given that it’s the festive season, we thought now would be a good time to discuss one of the more controversial additions to that list: the evening shoe.  You might recall that Elizabeth did not feel like this should be included in the list but Katie 1 lobbied hard for it and it was included.  Katie 1 stands by her choice and is now going to share her evening shoe expertise with all of you.  Get excited.

Evening shoes come in all shapes and sizes and depending on the shoe; they can be quite the versatile addition to the real working girl’s wardrobe.  The versatility will certainly depend on the shoe but a good rule of thumb that has worked for us is that embellished shoes in leather/suede/non-traditional evening fabric can be pretty easily integrated into work or casual outfits.  Shoes in evening fabrics cannot.  For example, remember these Oscar de la Renta embellished pumps that Katie 1 featured on our Instagram a few weeks back?

They are embellished and the shoe is made from metallic silver leather that is meant to look like a metallic tweed.  Clearly they are meant to be an evening shoe.  However, when styled with drapey pants, a black tshirt, and long line grey cardigan they become the focal point of Katie’s business casual outfit.  

For a quick desk-to-holiday party look, Katie will likely pair them with wool Black watch plaid ankle length trousers and a black cashmere cowl neck drapey sweater. 

In contrast, these blue Valentino satin pumps that we featured in our essential shoes post are really an evening only shoe because of the satin. 

This doesn’t mean they aren’t a versatile shoe, it just means that the versatility is limited to fancy occasions.  As a result, this post is going to be broken up into 2 parts – evening shoes that can be worn in a professional setting and evening only shoes.  As always, recommendations will be at 3 price points and we will try to include a variety of patterns, colors and heel heights.

Evening to Day Shoes

Frugal (less than $100)

• Zara has been killing it lately with their shoe game and these yellow embroidered pumps are no exception.  
• Yes, they are satin, but we’ve seen them in person and the satin doesn’t read particularly evening (probably due to the embroidery).  We’re obsessed and think they would look awesome paired with skinny black pants and a black turtleneck sweater for work and with a simple black cocktail dress for holiday parties.  Not into heels or yellow?  Check out this blue velvet slide loafer.  

• Embroidery is an embellishment that translates particularly well from evening to day.  These Imagine by Vince Camuto pumps are a particularly lovely example.

• We’re like cats in that we’re immediately drawn to anything sparkly (Katie 1 believes that she is in fact half cat).  These J. Crew Factory suede pumps with a glitter block heel provide that perfect amount of sparkle that can translate from party to work. 

Mid-Line ($100 - $200)

• Holy crap!  These glitter speckled loafers from J. Crew are awesome and we get the feeling that they will prove to be surprisingly versatile.  

• One of our favorite parts of the festive season is the cornucopia of tartan prints featured by our favorite retailers.  J. Crew typically has some amazing offerings in both clothing and shoes.  This year is no exception.  How amazing are these embellished tartan pumps?  Yes, full price is $248 but J. Crew literally always has a sale and right now they’re 40% off- so well within mid-line prices.  
• Another awesome option?  These embellished plaid pumps that Katie 1 may or may not have already purchased.  #sorrynotsorry 

• We’ve never heard of this brand before but we love the look of these Klub Nico Roxie Pointy Toe Pumps from Nordstrom. 

• Sam Edelman is always a solid choice in terms of shoes.  Quality is good, comfort level is good, and the price point can’t be beat.  We’re particularly fond of these Hazel pointy toe pumps in a rainbow of colors and prints, especially the pink velvet and black jacquard print. 

What Katie 1 Spends (more than $200)

• We’re really loving the velvet trend this season and these Ted Baker pumps are no exception, especially the burgundy.  

• We’ve been in love with the Prada oversize bow collection for a couple of seasons now and these pumps are no exception.  Love the look but not the price? Try this frugal Zara option for 39.90.  

• We love a good animal print and these Jimmy Choo pumps fit the bill. 

Strictly evening:

Frugal (under $100)

• Remember when we said that Zara was killing it with their shoe game lately?  These slingbacks are yet another example of that.  A little formal for work but would be super versatile for fancy occasions.

• These mirror metallic J. Crew strappy sandals are about as versatile as it gets when it comes to evening shoes.  Yes they are $149.99 but they’re an additional 40% off (it is J. Crew so there’s always a coupon code or something) so firmly in the frugal camp 

• How adorable are these Ann Taylor jeweled pumps?   The crystal bow puts them firmly in evening territory but they are classic enough to be worn for years.  At 50% off $158 these are a versatile steal!

• Now this is a classic evening only shoe.  The lace!  The crystal embellishment! Nina has been making evening shoes for years and it absolutely shows.  

Mid-line ($100-$200)

• You know we love Kate Spade and sequins.  And the Licorice pump. These are no exception. 

• Badgley Mischka is where it’s at when it comes to evening only shoes at a moderate price point. They offer a ton of options and they are actually pretty comfortable. While we LOVE these red satin pumps, sadly they are only available in a size 11. Never fear, we’ve found some great alternatives like these, and these.

• Um, these Stuart Weitzman peep toe slingbacks are kind of perfect. 

What Katie 1 spends (more than $200)

• This is about as classic an evening shoe as you can get.  Naturally, they are Oscar de la Renta. 

• The shoe made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex in the City movie and inspired a million brides to get married in a blue shoe is now available in a rainbow of colors and is still stunning. 

• These are simply stunning. Absolute show stopper. 

So there you have some of our favorite evening shoe recommendations.  Did you notice any themes?