A fun question - I recently started giving test prep and academic tutoring presentations to parents at schools, usually at a college night or similar function. These require me to be on my feet for the entire event, either presenting for up to an hour (doing the teacher strut up and down the aisle, bringing the mic to people like I'm hosting a talk show) or chatting while standing at a table for up to 4 hours.
I need some new shoes that will look professional (but not stuffy or old-ladyish) and comfortable. I typically wear either a black or navy blue knee-length dress to these events. I would love to invest in a good pair of shoes ($100 - $150 if needed to get something that looks and feels great) so if I spend that kind of money, I'd like to get one pair that I can wear with either dress.
Any suggestions on a color that would go with both black and navy? Any recommendations of brands that you've worn that have been comfortable and durable? I tend to be really h*** o* the heels and wear them down pretty quickly so something worth repairing could be an option. Also looking for something that won't be slippery on a smooth floor.
Adding a link in the SWH to a pair from Kohls - what do you think of the color and style? I'm looking for better quality perhaps but want to see if the color is too much before I go hunting down red. Thank you!
ETA: a response mentioned nude shoes. Would love your opinions on those! I actually have never worn nude shoes and I can't really say why. I think with my winter coloring I'm usually wearing bold or dark clothing so I've always carried that to shoes as well but are nude a good option? Love 'em or hate 'em?
http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1410850/croft-barrow-sol...
Thank you - I definitely can't buy on-line but like to window shop for colors and styles first and then I can hone in on what I want in the store. Cheryl funny that you mention being comfortable in C&B shoes - I have two pairs of dress sandals that I bought over the summer that were way more comfortable than I thought they would be. I was thinking of spending more to have something last longer (I can easily destroy a pair of shoes in 6 months) but maybe it makes sense to spend less and just buy shoes as needed...
I like the shoes, but I wouldn't wear any of those colors with black and/or navy. I like the idea of nude - goes with everything!
I think they go with black or navy. So would a redder red, ivory, caramel/gold and possibly green (depending upon the shoe).
Love the color, but I know I would be looking for ballet flats! You are very brave to wear heels for hours! Besides this red, there are several neutral colors out there that border on gold or pewter, without actually being metallic. They are quite versatile.
I like the shoes. Red is a neutral enough color to wear with black or navy, but I think it would limit accessories too much.
Taupe is the way to go.
Aerosoles, 9 west have worn like iron for me & I'm h*** o* shoes.
I would not go with Croft & Barrow if you're looking for long life or comfort--sorry!
Those shoes are super cute and go with everything but red and pink. They will look great with grey pants also.
Nordstrom has great shoe sales - try going there. As well as Macys. Kohls tends to have cheaper shoes.
Personally they are not my style.
I do not think those shoes are going to support your arches -- without arch support your feet, knees, and back will hurt. Make sure they fit snug in the heel and you have plenty of room for your toes. The best thing to do if you are going to be on your feet a lot and not used to it is to have an extra pair of shoes, maybe two extra pairs of shoes with you. You can discretely change your shoes during a break. All shoes even if they have the same heel height will rub your feet a different way.
As far as color goes both navy and black go with about anything. Nude colored shoes might make the black outfit look kinda boring or bla, depending upon your own coloring and how you accesserize. You could also think in all colors then match a belt, earrings and a necklace or scarf to blend it all together.
Go shopping later in the day when your feet are a bit swollen to try on shoes. I love DSW, I hit the clearance racks, take off my shoes (sometimes socks) and go from rack to rack trying on shoes. Sometimes I'm lucky and find a few pair to fit. You do not want to know how many pairs of shoes I have -- you really don't. LOL
I would go with nude/neutral
I personally wouldn't wear those with Navy - unless the top I had on had some of the brown in it.
I would wear the gray ones with Black and Navy - but I would be sure to accessorize and make sure it blends together.
What do I think of the style? I am NOT a patent leather girl. So I wouldn't buy them. I think they are cute but wouldn't work for me and the clothes I wear. I'd have to see outfits and such.
I love Croft & Barrow shoes!! I love Naturalizers and Craigs. I'm sure there are others. I need to try shoes on - and can't buy on-line! I envy you being able to do that!!
I have a pair of Croft & Barrow boots that I wore to my last job fair - 5 hours of standing and talking with candidates!! My feet did NOT hurt when I got home....
Hope this helps!
I like the pair you picked out, and they would go great with either color dress. With the kind of wear you'll be putting them through, I would go with two pairs. I am rough on shoes, so I do the BOGO 1/2 off at Shoe Carnival. Not sure if you have that shoe store in your area....
Red will go with just about everything and is good summer or winter.
If you are going to be on your feet all day you need to keep the heel between 1 to 2 inches - no higher.
Your feet will thank you.
The shoes in your link seem a bit too high.
You also want something that has room for your toes without pinching them.
Take a look at these:
http://www.footsmart.com/P-FootSmart-Stretchables-Womens-...
I say nude or gray! Maybe red too.
If this was comfortable I would get the red pair and the grey pair. I like a more neutral color for dress clothes so I would wear the grey with Navy and with Black.
I have bought a brand called "Sofft", I think they are European, but I have bought them at department stores. $80 to $100 a pair but I was able to wear them all day while doing both sitting and standing. They have grippy bottoms and modern dressy styles in both higher and lower heels.
What about tall boots? I love tall boots with dresses, and I think it looks professional. I'm a huge fan of ECCO brand. I have four pairs of boots from them, plus a pair of flats. Very well made, and the styles are classic. Good luck!
My rule for shoe color is typically that the shoe should never be lighter than the bottom article (pant/skirt), unless the bottom is a "regular" wash denim. (There's more flexibility with a dress. Adding a jacket to a dress turns the bottom of the dress into an official "bottom". If top and bottom are the same shade of the same color, then it can act as a one-piece article.) That would rule out the option of nude. A navy bottom should only be paired with a navy, black, or dark (dark) brown shoe. A black bottom should only be paired with a black shoe. Especially if the top is white/light. A red shoe or something funky is the exception, and that is judged on a case-by-case basis.
