Dress Shoes

The term " dress shoes" implies that these are shoes which are not used for purely practical purposes, or even for business. Dress shoes are those, for men and women alike, which are designed for occasions when one " dresses up." Dress shoes can be used for a multitude of occasions. Dress shoes might simply be used on a dinner date. Dress shoes would be worn for a cocktail party. Dress shoes would certainly be worn for dancing, and in many instances for parties with friends. Of course if such parties were something like a backyard barbecue, dress shoes would certainly not be worn. On the other hand, for an evening of wine and cheese, dress shoes might be in order.

For men and women in business or the professions, it is sometimes wise to have a simple change or clothing and dress shoes on hand for sudden need, such as an unplanned evening out. Politically active persons in the public eye sometimes also need to be prepared with clothing change and dress shoes.

Most people, however, know in advance when they will be dressing for an occasion, and will have in their wardrobes perhaps two or three pairs of dress shoes for various situations.
For women, dress shoes may be very elaborate; for men they are simpler and sometimes not much different from business dress. The need for dress shoes varies widely with one's social life, status, and means. There are women, for example, such as known celebrities or wives of famous or important men, who may have literally dozens of dress shoes in their closets.

Fashion designers pay particular attention to dress shoes. Dress shoes for women may be elaborate and extreme, ranging from sandals with rhinestone straps to soft leather to satin, often in highly impractical but exotic designs. Dress shoes for women are often uncomfortable when they incorporate extreme designs, such as stiletto heels and very pointed toes. Such extreme dress shoes are not designed for much moving around, and would be nearly impossible to dance in beyond a bit of swaying romantically.

Designer dress shoes for women are often very expensive, and only a few can afford the price of such originals. Copies, of course, are available, usually in high end stores, and here also the shoes will be expensive. Much less expensive dress shoes are of course available, many very attractive and fashionable. Dress shoes for women and men can be found in some discount stores, and careful shopping can result in excellent bargains

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