ISO dress shoes/booties - YouLookFab Forum

Hi fabbers,

I have a wedding to attend on March 1, 2025, on Long Island New York. The bride’s dad is a business friend of DHs that I met once and do not remember. So I essentially will know NO ONE at the wedding except DH. We're going to make a long weekend of it. The vibe is “black tie optional”. We’ll be doing the “optional” version.

Coat. I don’t believe it’s super cold on LI in early March but I have two good possibilities.

I am likely to wear this dress, mostly because I really like it and don't feel like spending a lot of time looking for something else.

...and a bag like the ones below.. the Amazon one is the gold color I prefer, the PomPom one is a little less yellow but I have a few of these bags and love them so would be happy to have another.

The footwear is the quandary.

Thinking black but might consider bone. My bone pumps are no longer comfortable unfortunately - they would be perfect! (last find)
I have one pair of “dressy” black shoes that are quite comfortable, but really boring with a dress and I’d rather not wear them. I like them with pants ok. (The ARA patent leather ones below).
I want something fairly refined but edgy might work too.
I do not like maryjanes of any type and cannot wear heels above 1.5” or any sort of ballet flat. I'm not generally a fan of loafer styles in a "dressy" vibe but maybe.
A pointy toe flat might work if the vamp area comes up high enough on my foot to keep them on. I tried the cole haan's below and confirmed that this brand never fits me right; toe is too tight while heel slips; but the vibe is good
Snipped or almond toes work better than pointy ones.
I need a lot of sole padding and am happy to add insoles – do it all the time.
I’m thinking either a slingback style (shown below) or maybe some sort of refined bootie (several options below). The booties with buckles are ones I owned for several years and finally had to pass on - really like that style too.
suede or patent leather would be great

Would love to hear any and all suggestions!

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Maggy London Ruched Waist Midi Dress

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Nordstrom

Ara Gabrielle Pump

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L'Amour Des Pieds Hulda Kitten Heel Slingback Pump (Women)

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Nordstrom

Donald J Pliner Dasia 8 Bootie (Women)

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Amazon

Dolce Vita Women's Fahari H2o Fashion Boot

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Amazon

Italian Genuine Metallic Suede Leather Small Crossbody Bag Purse for Women with Zipper, Long Strap and Cute Tassel

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Cole Haan Women's Viola Skimmer Flat

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Nordstrom

Via Spiga Dinah Ankle Strap d'Orsay Pump

$195.00

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1 day ago

Sisi

Veteran

I like the dress! I think it's perfect for a wedding. I was going to suggest the cream (bone) D'Orsay pumps before reading they are no more comfortable. I suggest to look for a similar shoe, or a slingback as you say. I vote for a light color.

Chris987

Thanks Sisi! Good suggestion, in fact I have been looking for something similar to the bone pumps. Most have heels that are too high but it's still a good idea.

Roberta

The black slingbacks are exceptionally beautiful. I'm sure they're expensive but what a timeless style. However, I am going to bang on in my usual fashion about metallic shoes for fancy events. You can choose a simple style and the silver or gold or bronze will pep up the whole look.

Roberta, I agree with everything you said!! The L'Amour slingbacks are $240 so definitely pricey. The find below is a good example in bone patent (does not come in metallics) ... but it's a $65 Amazon shoe so I can't imagine it would be comfortable. Might try it anyway.

WAYDERNS Women's Solid Patent Leather Ankle Strap Pointed Toe Buckle Slingback Kitten Low Heel Pumps Shoes 1.5 Inch

Suz

(website)

Love the dress! I passed mine on last year, but I truly enjoyed wearing that one!

For a low heel slingback I recommend trying the Naturalizers that Carla has in yellow and I have in silver. It's a rare slingback that will stay on my foot, but this one does and it is very easy to wear. It comes in many colours and neutrals and different widths in some of the colours. Metallic would be great, but so would blush or bone.

It's very classic, not at all edgy, but feels really fun to wear -- I like it with slim pants and jogger pants a lot, as well.

I love the Via Spiga ankle straps and bet you could find something similar that would be more comfortable. Just a question of try ons.

Naturalizer Banks Pump

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I used to have that dress too, Chris! It's a beauty in motion, especially. Gorgeous swoosh

I do find the dress a little casual for "black-tie optional". If you think it will pass when it's dressed up - I'm with you!

I echo Roberta and Suz too.

I vote dressy shoes - not boots, unless they are VERY dressy. Metallic, cream, or tan instead of black.

Sooooo, my foot needs are similar to yours. I think we have similar feet too. I can't wear anything over 1.5 inches, and that is when I'm not walking much - I got these and LOVE them for dressy capsule! I added a cushioning insole for even more padding.

Zappos

Michael by Michael Kors Cosmo Kitten BootieWomen's

There are also these, which I considered, but the boots won out:

Naturalizer Natalia Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump (Women)

Anthropologie

Bibi Lou | Anthropologie Bibi Lou Heeled Ballet Pumps

Coming back to say...a slingback is really pretty -- but are you not going to need hose? In early March? If you are wearing hose, sling backs are much harder to keep on comfortably and you might be cold anyway in those.

Thanks Suz, I will definitely give that Naturalizer a look. That brand usually works well for me.

Angie, thanks!, Yes I agree that the dress might be a little less formal than "black tie optional" might indicate, but based on discussions DH has had with the bride's parents it would prob be ok. I may double check. I think you are right that our feet are similar, except that I know I need more sole cushioning than you do! Those boots are not quite my vibe ... and I think I agree shoes would be better than boots. Will check out the other two - I've tried bibi lou loafers and the fit was good although the specific shoe was not right so the brand may work.

Suz, will DEFINITELY be wearing hose of some sort in early March. Good point about hose not necessarily working with slingback shoes.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I like the idea of gold shoes or booties, along with a gold bag! Looks like there are some good options between Suz's and Angie's recs. The metallic will help dress up your look.

If it were me, I would hesitate to spend time and money looking for something dressier for the wedding of someone I'm not that close to. Unless I wanted an excuse.

Do you have a lighter colored coat? Cream or tan? If not, either of the two you show would work fine, especially if the event is indoors.

Jaime

Ok I don't have any specific shoe recommendations - although Angie's low heeled gold pumps caught my eye - but the dress is beautiful and I would tend toward a lighter shoe I think.

17 hours ago

Lisa

Pretty dress. I've had a lot of success with Naturalizer, Rockport, and Ecco for dressy shoes.

14 hours ago

RobinF

Love the dress! I was thinking light shoes but with that pattern you could go black or metallic just as easily. Love the black sling backs and they would be a nice basic for future dressy events also.

3 hours ago

kinnick

Active Member

I would feel uncomfortable in that dress in a black tie optional event. The print reads casual to me and may cause you to stand out which is never good at a wedding. Maybe you could rent a dress? This is your husband’s business friend so what does your husband think?

2 hours ago

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