Women’s Shoe Style Guide: Selecting Casual or Dress Shoes

You have the outfit decided but then it comes to the shoes. With so many types of shoes out there, you get confused. And finding the right fit can be hard. Some shoes are designed to fit both casual outfits and elegant dress looks.

Whether it is for a casual outfit or an elegant dress, there are so many options to choose from. The trends are endless, ranging from historical to modern or even fusion. Historical shoes are inspired by the trends of civilizations, and we will see one such example of casual looks!

Moreover, you will find that some shoes can fit right for all types of occasions. And no, these don’t have to be only sandals! With the help of a few steps, you can make choosing shoes a piece of cake. Let’s go through a few different types of trendy shoes and when to wear which one.

For Casual Outfits

Flats

No shoe type can be more comfortable than flats. Perfect for occasions where you know you have to walk around a lot. However, flats being suitable for casual doesn’t mean they should be boring. Flats are much more than sandals. Any shoe type can be moulded for a flat look. Here are a few types of flat shoes you should be looking out for:

• Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are the top choice in casual wear for the summer. They are airy and the peep-toe look is perfect for all casual occasions. They can be combined with summer dresses like maxi skirts. Or even with flowy short dresses, when you are heading for a walk around town. If you want flip-flops for a particular dress, you can choose from variations. Usually, flip-flops differ in the way their straps are designed or intertwine with each other.

• Trainers
  Not only are these good for casual wear, but they can have health benefits too. Since they are so comfortable, they can be worn to go to any place. You can pair them with your gym wear or even while going on a jog or run.

• Ballerina Shoes
  Another kind of flat shoes that go well with dresses and jeans alike. You can get them in neutral tones, animal prints, polka dot prints and much more. As their name suggests, they are inspired by ballet shoes. This means they can look most classy with dresses or even a casual jean outfit that looks bubbly.

• Canvas Shoes

You can also think of sneakers like canvas shoes. There are plenty of colours to choose from. Canvas shoes usually go best with casual outfits that have jeans paired with a top, shirt or t-shirt.

• Sandals

Sandals are a variety on their own. There can be many to choose from. One example of a historically inspired sandal is the gladiator sandal. Inspired by the gladiators in Ancient Rome, these look stylish when paired with skirts in particular. Other casual sandals include peep-toe, decorated sandals like those with laces and beads and so on. 

Heels

• Blocked Heels/Wedge Heels

A more modern approach to the classic heels. Blocked heels are shoes whose heels are ‘blocked’. That is, these shoes do not have narrow heels like court shoes usually have. This makes them more suitable for a casual look. But they can also suit casual dresses as well, such as long skirts or bubbly dresses. Both in terms of looks, as well as the comfort they provide.

Casual Boots

• Wellington Boots

These are tall boots that cover half of the legs under your knee. The wellington boots are best if you are going to airy locations or events such as festivals. They come in many prints and colours. 

You can check out the Alexander McQueen flat boots and trainers here.

For Elegant Dresses and Formal Occasions

Heels

Heels are of various types but usually, the narrow ones suit best with  elegant dresses.

• Court Shoes

The types of shoes you would wear to a formal occasion. Court shoes can work for almost any event as long as you want a formal look. However, these are not the shoes if you are planning for a casual look and comfortable feeling. Don’t go for court shoes if you plan to walk all day or all night long. This is because court shoes are tightly closed from the front and can put extreme pressure on your toes and heels while walking.

• NeedlePoint Heels

The sharp-pointed needle of these heels makes them the most elegant choice for any dress. These heels can look best for classic looks such as feminine dresses paired with pearl accessories. These types of heels can even be open from the front.

Check out a few trendy heels from the Alexander McQueen shoe collection.

Versatile Shoes and Seasonal

You will find some sandals that are suitable for both casual wear and dresses. But other than that, below are a few types of boots for protection in winter and that goes with both casual wear and dresses.

Versatile Boots

• Ankle Boots
  
  These can be good for both casual as well as wearing to the office. You will find a neutral colour like black is more flexible for this type of boots. Ankle boots look good on dresses and casual outfits such as jeans or trousers alike.
  
  Needless to say, ankle boots are perhaps the most versatile boots out there. The Alexander McQueen ankle boots prove just that.

• Chelsea Boots

With a flat look, the Chelsea boots can be used with dresses and casual looks alike. The Chelsea boots are classic as they were first manufactured in the 19th century in the UK. 

• Calf Boots

Calf boots are the classic go-to boots for winter. These are the shoes you should look out for both casual wear and wearing with dresses. Your only priority when choosing these shoes is bearing harsh winter winds in mind.