One shoe to rule them all? - YouLookFab Forum

I've got a question, ladies....does anyone have ideas for a good day-to-night shoe? Most of my shoes are in the brown-navy range, as those are my go-to neutrals. However, I've recently had to buy a new suit, and also picked up a cocktail dress, both of which are black. As such, the "goes with black" portion of my shoe collection is woefully underrepresented.

I've got two events coming up, so I can't wait too long on a decision. Event 1 is a birthday party (mine) that I'm planning on wearing the dress to, and Event 2 is an industry conference for work (work = academia, the physical sciences). Dress there is going to likely be everything from hiking gear to suits, leaning on the side of smart casual. But these people are going to be hiring me one day, so I'd like to leave an impression. I'll be sporting the suit as separates.

Because I'm of limited budget and space, I'd like to find one shoe to work with both of these outfits. Is this possible? Or should I just not bother and go for two different styles? I am single, on the dating scene, and have a relatively full social calendar so a pair of "night on the town shoes" wouldn't out of line for my life.

Here's the dress in question: http://wikifashion.com/wiki/Fi....._front.jpg . The suit is a garden-variety black suit with pencil skirt.

Right now, I'm thinking something along the line of:

http://www.zappos.com/gabriell.....st=fcl%3A0

http://www.zappos.com/j-renee-.....st=fcl%3A0

or possibly
http://www.zappos.com/lauren-r.....st=fcl%3A0

I think the cocktail dress could easily be styled in a retro, gatsby-esque sort of way. I'm also not afraid of color, and would probably even prefer something in an unusual color (green, perhaps?), if I could find the right thing. I have a love affair with Fluevogs; rocking unusual shoes isn't hard for me.

Thoughts?

12 years ago

Anonymous

I like the idea of a closed toe or a peep toe to go with both rather than a sandal like the third pictured. A metallic would be versatile, as would red.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The red shoe feels a bit heavy for the dress, IMO, but the colour is fun. I also love the idea of a metallic. The second shoe might work for both -- though then the shoe might feel a bit light for the suit. (Light as in "weight" as well as colour). Hmmm.

The easiest would be black patent pointy toed pumps, classic ones. Those would definitely work with both, but they might not add as much to your outfit.

Diana

What about the Okalas that Angie posted about yesterday? Zappos has them in burgundy, which is a good pseudo neutral that is not too glitzy for business but still fun for night/parties. plus she says they are comfy enough for nine hours shopping. If your conferences are anything like mine, they'll require some standing and walking around at poster sessions, coffee breaks, etc. so you'll want comfy shoes.

http://www.zappos.com/sam-edel.....st=fcl%3A0

Of the ones you've shown,I think the two metallic ones are too evening to work with the suit. The red would be ok with the suit but conversely might be too heavy for the dress.

I'm not sure I would wear any of these for work, but what about Angie's new favorite shoes?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sa.....prheIq7rrA

Claire, great minds think alike!

rebekahphoto

I like the red shoe & its vintage T-strap details. I could see it working with different outfits, as a stand out piece. The closed toe would be versatile

I also like kind of funky shoes & love fluevogs....they are having a sale right now. These jumped out with their color & shape .....

http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w.....ourID=3506

http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w.....ourID=3828

Cindy

Active Member

I agree with Suz that, if you are only buying one pair of shoes, black pumps would be the way to go. Of the choices you posted I prefer the red for business attire and the strappy silver shoes with your dress. Honestly, I don't think the ankle strap Okala shoes would look right with your black dress.

froggiebecky

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!
Cindy, I agree with you--I really like those Okala shoes, but don't think it goes with the cocktail dress.

Thanks for the links, Rebekah. Unfortunately, I can't see them because they don't ship internationally for sales ('vogs in Australia are marked up to ~$400-500.)

You make a good point, Diana. All my former conference wear had navy and brown for a base, so my comfy 'vogs are all in those colours.

Sounds like black or red pumps (or for me, mary janes) with or without a peep toe are probably the way to go.

Thanks for your help!

Susie

I think Diana's suggestion is a great option to be able to wear with both. But I'd also be happy to be an enabler and encourage you to get one for each!

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