For me it was a total game-changer to discover dressy fabric boots! Especially tall boots. They make formal dressing in winter soooooo much easier for those who have cold toes like me. And it prevents the whole “what kind of tights or socks” debacle.

I currently have a pair of boots that are sorta brocade-ish, with a bit of shimmer. But have my eye on satin and furry pairs too.

Jessikams, I appreciate that comment. I’ve wanted equestrian style boots forever. Nearly got some when my son was a baby, but low heels were $20 cheaper, and 3” heels $20 cheaper than that, so… Now that my tall brown boots with heels are wearing out, I’ve said for a couple years that I want equestrian boots. Haven’t found “the” ones, and now that I’m moving to horsey country, I’m skittish about them, sort of like when we lived on the High Plains of Texas & I didn’t want to wear cowboy boots because there were so many people who worked on ranches. Brocade or something else “fancy” might be my answer—the sophistication I like in that cut of boot without looking like a wannabe rider. (Yes, I know how to ride a horse, and I stand on the same side of my bike as one does of a horse, but no, I’m not going to make it part of my life or join the horsey set).

Jessikams, yes to a fitted fabric/sock boot style! I think they work so well with skirts and dresses in winter because the snug fit can look so flattering on the ankle visible under a skirt! In fact, I always feel like the closer the ankle fit, in general, the dressier a boot can look. There are exceptions of course, but for me, avoiding any “flower pot” effect definitely helps elevate a boot style into dressier territory.

These are my winter dressy boots, but TBH I haven't tried them on yet this year. Not sure I'll still be able to walk in the black ones!
I have heeled ankle booties too, but they're just daily workwear to me.
Been admiring these with the gold!

I have perhaps too many boots (though they all get worn) but would love a flat boot in an unusual fabric.

Shoe folks seem to think if it's not plain leather, it has to have a heel?

So much eye candy here! I really need summer dressy and winter dressy. I had 2 winter weddings last year and no good shoes to wear. I ended up wearing some black suede wedge heel pumps that hurt after a few hours but did the job. I have summer ankle strap sandals in black and nude that serve most purposes. I am pretty picky about heel heights with certain dress lengths which doesn't help.

I’m with you, April - a flat (maybe 1” heel) boot, knee high on my leg (not over and not cutting in). Maybe a beige patent. Or a metallic, or a colour. Tibi has some gorgeous boots - well outside my price range and so I will tell myself also not a good fit for my foot - that serve as my inspiration. Ok universe, over to you….

Meanwhile, still considering whether to take a leap on ordering the Betsey Johnson sneakers.

I also looked at those sneakers and the blingy ones are available in my size. I semi-convinced myself that since one reviewer's comment said "shoes are very heavy" they would not work for me.

BTW, I'm not 100% convinced.

The heaviness comment deterred me a bit too, April. But the “too wide” comment made me think there might be hope for my feet, even if they are lacking in support.

YES!! to gold loafers and cream booties. I probably wear them more than any other footwear I own.

I lean on my rose gold Boden flats (below) for almost every dressy occasion. These are few so I am hoping they last forever. They don't quite work with everything, and I wish I had a silver equivalent.

I second or third the recommendation for sleek cream boots in the winter. I had a pair and wore them out at work holiday events and parties. They had an odd one-piece rubber sole, so I couldn't resole them. I have a white pair but I really think cream or ivory is more versatile.

I've been able to get by with a pair of black booties for cold weather, white booties that work year round, and a pair of sandals for hot weather so far, but I'm thinking that neither of these will be dressy enough to attend a wedding as grandmother of the bride. Not that one is scheduled so far but I want to be ready with something comfortable and useful and not a flimsy last minute pair that I just settled for. Here is what I have and a few possibilities for a new purchase.

Thanks for sharing what you have, want, and why you made the footwear decisions you have. Very helpful!

Dressy shoes are less dressy than they used to be - and that's a good thing. Kinder to our feet

great post Angie - you have a lovely and varied collection! It takes time to find a special item and I am always hesitating as cost per wear can be very high...
In winter, I tend to use my silver pumps (5 years old now, still ok) and my black suede boots (4 years old, keeping well as I always waterproof them!).

Would velvet pumps / mocassins work for a formal event?

I finally donated a pair of evening shoes with heels that are too high for me now.

Your dressy footwear collection is fab, Angie, and totally you! I agree about nabbing this type of shoe whenever you can find it. After seeing everyone's collections, I've realized I don't really have any dressy footwear. I tend to default to slim-fitting black ankle boots in the winter, and I haven't been to a dressy summer occasion in ages. Hmmm...

I’ve got over my embarrassment about the number! 3 definitely dressy sandals, all get worn. 4 winter dressy shoes, the black and white are a bit high, the highest, have tried them on and they are still wearable if not much walking.
And 2 other flatter pairs that could be worn for dressy depending on outfit/ event.

Excellent suggestions, thank you Angie! What a fun thread, it's been a pleasure to look at all these fab shoes while i am on the sofa at home with a flu. The only pair of "dressy" shoes i have at the moment are these black suede moccasins with a dachshund embroidered on them. They make me happy and are very comfortable!

Late to this party ... the last time I needed dressy shoes was 8 years ago when I had two weddings in one year. The higher heeled shoes I could wear back then are long gone, and I have not NEEDED anything dressier than regular footwear since then. I do have one pair of bone ankle strap pumps and some black sandals that boht pass for dressy but they really are not. I do wish I had at least one pair of slightly dressy shoes and am sure I could put them to good use if I had them. I tend to look around (online) for them from time to time, but not find anything suitable and give up. I can't wear heels above 2", ballet flats, or sling backs, and have a super poison eye for anything resembling a Maryjane, so very slim pickings. A lot of the fab shoes folks are showing here are slightly older styles and I don't see similar right now A black patent version of Angie's gold loafers might work. I need to make more of an effort I like these Sam Edelman ones and they are are more "closed-in" than most ballet flats so might work.

Lots of gorgeous footwear to look at here. I have a pair of leopard print ballet flats on my shopping list. I think I may have found a pair. I like the idea of dressy booties.
I still have my wedding shoes from 18 years ago. They are reasonably comfortable. They are black velvet low-heeled pumps. Very simple. There is an evening bag to match.

Christina --- Those sparkly Converse were available locally a year or so ago and now I really wish I had picked then up at the time! (where have I heard that before....!?!)

Also, I love your gold quilted Eccos -- I haven't seen that style before!

SUCH a good idea to duplicate fab comfy shoes! I LOVE hauling out my second brand new pair when the first is finished.

Thanks foe showing us your shoes! Go Team Happy Feet