Last week, I posted some dresses that I was considering as ‘date night’ purchases. Some readers felt they were too dressy, but your date night attire should be dictated by what you like to do on date night. I like to go out and have a reason to get dressed up, and luckily, I am seeing someone who feels the same. I have no problem going to a bar or restaurant and being dressier than everyone else, because I’m almost always dressier than everyone else.
This week, I want to talk about date night shoes. Complaining about how your feet hurt is not chic. So I like to choose heels that look fun and sexy, but are actually comfortable. I know, a shocking concept right? Here are a few pairs that fall somewhere above a 7 on the shoe comfort scale.
Jeffrey Campbell Berlin Heel ($158)
Jeffrey Campbell Callista ($130, also in silver)
Tara Fringe Suede Sandals ($138)
Steve Madden Slithur Sandals ($109)
In truth, I added a ball of foot cushion to these heels. That’s all they needed to be comfortable.
Any other heels worth mentioning? Leave the link in the comments. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Thanks for all of your wonderful posts! I have noticed that many of the shoes you feature have ankle straps. I am a little self-conscious about my “cankles”/thicker legs and think that ankle straps do me no favors. Would you mind perhaps pointing out some styles that could work with my shape/lengthens the leg? Thanks again!
I have the same issue, and I’ve found it depends on where the strap is placed, the heel, and the shape of the skirt I’m wearing. I own these: https://www.jumia.com.ng/steve-madden-bi-material-heeled-sandal-with-ankle-strap-black-202709.html. I have somewhat wide feet, so I like that the front strap is wider than most ankle strap styles, and they make my ankles/calves look pretty thin when I wear them with a pencil skirt or dress. Flats are a lot harder to pull off, and it’s also tough to wear ankle strap styles with fuller skirts.
You do you, Belle! I love that you like to get dressed up and love your taste.
totally agree with you on dressing up. Ladies should look like ladies.
I usually avoid fringe on bags and clothing because it gets stuck to things and rips, but I love the detailing on the Tara sandals.
And yes, wear whatever you want!
Any chance you’d be willing to do an ask belle for more casual date outfit options? My dating clothing style is more casual than the gorgeous dresses you posted, but would still benefit from your advice.
I agree, when I’m just getting to know someone I prefer going for coffee or lunch, and I prefer to be more casual. But not too casual, and not jeans. Casual date looks would be awesome Belle!
Also, I’ve had my eye on these pumps for a while, waiting for them to go on sale. I know they’re a bit nutty color-wise, but they would look amazing with a neutral toned dress: https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/pumpsandheels/PRDOVR~E0126/E0126.jsp
Yes, I agree, Belle! I love going out with a dapper guy and getting dressed up, and you’re so right with the shoes – they always manage to suggest walking somewhere.
I would love your opinion on “day date” outfits – coffee, the museum, winery day trip, etc.
I love your options Belle!
Just wanted to point out that for petites, shorter heels are way more comfortable. has to do with how high our feet can realistically extend 😉
Nordstrom’s BP luminate (which Belle has recommended in the past actually) worked really well for me. I’m 5’2″
I’ve had really good luck with Madewell heels, They may not be dressy enough for some of the dresses you featured, but they are very walkable and work with a wide variety of my outfits. At their price point, I don’t feel I need to worry about if they get accidentally scuffed or stepped on.
Any date shoe suggestions for the tall ladies? I don’t want to wear my work flats, and dressy heels can feel a little awkward (looking down on my date from above…).
Maybe a lace up flat? I would also try like a bold color or a metallic.
Do you have any recommended substitutes for Cole Haan/Air Nike shoes? Now that Cole Haan no longer uses Nike soles, they just are not comfortable. I have an older pair of black patent peep toe slingbacks that go with everything (especially dinner dresses). They need to be replaced. Any ideas?
Belle- I am so with you on the dressier dates thing! dressing up is just fun for me, so it enhances the date night experience. Thanks for the great shoe and dress options. I am still lusting after the first Nicole Miller option you posted last week.
+1 on the bp luminate! I’m tall and have big feet, and love that they give me the look without putting me taller than 6′
Hi Belle, great that you’ve decided to jump back into dating and found someone with a similar interest in dressing up for nights out! I think many of us just misinterpreted your last post — the intro didn’t make the distinction that you do above between outfits for dates in general and outfits for dressy nights on the town. Anyway, enjoy! If only I had a reason to wear those fantastic fringed heels like you do 🙂
I just bought these Clark Sage Heels from DSW for about the same price as the link I’ll list below. Come in both black and light grey. I’m a former ballerina with years on pointe shoes so my feet have gotten really picky with heels. It’s like walking on pillows with these shoes and they feel more comfortable than some of flats.
https://www.6pm.com/clarks-sage-glamor-black-combination-leather?zlfid=125
I’m glad you held your ground last week. You do you! I’m glad you found a man who likes to dress up like you do. They are not easy to find. Have fun!
Glad to see you stood your ground. Dressing up is fun! Frankly, my husband and I don’t do it enough.
On dressing up, I think it also depends on the area you live in. I absolutely love to dress up, but I also live in San Diego. Outside of a wedding or similar soiree, there are maybe five places (okay, maybe a few more but not many) where you can wear a cocktail dress and not look totally out of place. I mean, everyone wears flip flops here and is generally super casual, even at upscale places.
Totally agree. Los Angeles is the same. People “dress up” but not in those types of dresses unless it’s a wedding or maybe the philharmonic.