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Original poster

Are there 'rules' for shoe colour with a black evening dress?

73 replies

Intomyarms · 08/10/2017 02:12

I was wondering what colour shoes look better with a black dress. I like the idea of a primary colour shoe but would this make a dress look 'cheap'? Is it better to stick with silver sandals or shoes. Is it better to be like Kate Middleton and opt for nude. I know nude is a marmite colour but I like them, probably because they are easy to wear. Or are black shoes the only way to go. Bearing in mind that the shoe can be mid heeled at best, are black shoes with a black dress very frumpy unless they are killer heels?

What do you all think?

OP posts:
OlennasWimple · 08/10/2017 05:10

Depends entirely on the dress and how you are accessorising it, IMHO

Dancinggoat · 08/10/2017 05:13

No rules it totally depends on what suits the dress.

tehmina23 · 08/10/2017 08:28

With my black cocktail dresses I've worn silver sandals, gold sandals & black heels.

I think black didn't look right.

As you are wearing black you can go for some really glitzy heels with accessories

Peppermeant · 08/10/2017 10:17

I think u can wear almost any colour with a black dress except maybe navy or brown? I've worn: hot pink, white, black, pewter, snake skin (ie beige), gold, silver .... tan, um ... probably more! My sil wore cobalt and turquoise block heels with a black dress and looked amazing.

Original poster
Intomyarms · 08/10/2017 12:07

The dress is a full skirted midi.

Even though I'd like the comfort of block heels, I'm concerned they might look clumpy with it.

Does anyone have any idea where to buy cobalt shoes?

I'm guessing red is a complete non runner - too cliche?

OP posts:
CountFosco · 08/10/2017 20:48

Red is fine. It's classic not a cliche, and red is very fashionable at the moment.

Original poster
Intomyarms · 08/10/2017 21:41

Really? I'm sure I have read on here before that red and black is a complete NO!

OP posts:
elephantoverthehill · 08/10/2017 21:46

Would go red, with a red bag or red earrings or red necklace, but only the shoes and one other accessory.

Peppermeant · 08/10/2017 22:44

Red shoes (& lips?) and black dress could look really good. What style of shoes do you want?

Original poster
Intomyarms · 08/10/2017 22:47

I'd like some height but not too high as I will be wearing them for ten hours!

I must get red lipstick too.

OP posts:
OlennasWimple · 08/10/2017 22:58

Red and black is fine as long as you steer away from the flamenco dancer look (so go easy on the red lipstick and leave off the hoop earrings and flower hair slide) Smile

What size and shape are your feet? And what budget?

There are some really nice block heels around now - more sturdy than stilettoes but not as clumpy as they used to be

Original poster
Intomyarms · 08/10/2017 23:05

I think that is what I'm afraid of, the Spanish dancer look.

OP posts:
Peppermeant · 08/10/2017 23:27

I think if it's a plain black dress, then red shoes (with or without a bit of red lipstick) aren't going to take you into flamenco dancer territory Grin But yeah, I'd go for a black bag and simple earrings. And no flower hair accessories.

FrenchQuarter · 08/10/2017 23:34

Nude is a total no-no with a black evening dress. Nude is basically a day shoe.

There is a school of thought (French elegance!) that decrees any bright color with black makes the black look cheap (no matter how expensive). The theory applies to clothes (bright top with black suit) and shoes.

I don't agree with it - but think that the trick to it is making sure that the "bright" item is itself well made if not expensive. A bright red pair of Jimmy Choos is less likely to cheapen an item than a bright red pair of New Looks.

If you are wearing a single bright item amongst all black it will attract the eye as first call so if it is cheap it devalues the whole look..

I'd go for some kind of stylish unusual black shoes or a bright shoe that is a well made non-cheap/non-high street show stopper.

Original poster
Intomyarms · 09/10/2017 00:52

There is a school of thought (French elegance!) that decrees any bright color with black makes the black look cheap (no matter how expensive). The theory applies to clothes (bright top with black suit) and shoes.

I adhere to this usually and when I worked in a large corporation often thought female colleagues with an otherwise nice black suit looked terrible with a brightly coloured top although even that was better than a cheap looking cream polyester 'blouse' that others wore.

That is off topic but an area I find fscinating.

Back on topic, I can't afford an expensive pair of shoes that I will wear once. The dress itself wasn't expensive either so a crazily priced pair of shoes would look even more ridiculous I think

Gosh I'm really stuck now. I was hoping to get a pair of shoes for approx 75 pounds max but wanted to spend less!

What on earth will I wear. Any links would be really great if anyone has any time on their hands.

OP posts:
IvorHughJarrs · 09/10/2017 01:15

I'm sorry but some of these posts sound like snobbery rather than fashion.

I don't profess to be a fashion expert but went to a black tie event recently and one lady who looked stunning wore a very simple black gown with red shoes and a large red gemstone necklace, she looked far more sophisticated than many others there (although she was blonde so avoided the flamenco look)

I think it comes down to what you feel confident in rather than what anyone tells you is stylish or not

Original poster
Intomyarms · 09/10/2017 01:43

I'm sorry but some of these posts sound like snobbery rather than fashion.

I'm torn between a desire to look younger (funky)' and a desire to look classic.

OP posts:
onceisok · 09/10/2017 02:32

Aren't we all lol? Grin

OP posts:
FrenchQuarter · 09/10/2017 22:29

No ankle straps ever unless you have the legs of a new born gazelle. They break the line of the leg and are never flattering - unless your legs are so abnormally thin they benefit from the optical illusion that an ankle strap gives of making them look thicker.

Have you had a look at New Look if you are looking for a classic black shoe that is cheaper?

I saw one in the window the other day that looked ideal for you - black court shoe with a heel but with a hint of a sparkle - it wasn't quite "glitter" which looks naff but more of a black material with a woven sparkle into it. I looked online for it now for you but can't find it.

Also New Look do a wide fit which even if you don't think you need it - can't make a heel surprisingly more comfortable if you are standing around for hours.

littlechou · 09/10/2017 22:34

We need a pic of the dress!

OP posts:
Peppermeant · 10/10/2017 02:00

The red ones are cute. Not sure I love the others. Have to agree the ankle strap on those m&s ones would be super unflattering.

These are similar to the ones that my sil wore, except hers had a block heel and peep toe.

verite · 10/10/2017 12:06

I disagree with the prevailing wisdom on ankle straps. I have very slim ankles and think that a strap can be very flattering as it draws attention to them. Obviously not if you have chunky ankles though.

Original poster
Intomyarms · 10/10/2017 12:37

I have thick calves and definitely don't want to draw more attention to them.

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