The invitations are starting to arrive: office parties, family gatherings, formal holiday functions. How can you update the evening-wear already in your closet or find the perfect punctuation for one great wardrobe purchase?
Consider the discount-shoe venues, where you`ll find substantial quality, a profusion of luxe looks and affordable prices.
”This season there`s a lot more glitz,” says Paul Kilian, vice president of merchandising for the fashion division of Kobacker Co., parent company of Gussini/The Shoe Works. Dress shoes sold by the chain, which has about 250 stores, all have price tags below $20.
Among the offerings: shimmering silks, suedes, sequins, velvets and patent-leather styles in a multitude of hues. Choices with unusual heels-such as the curvier, sculpted Louis and Comma styles-also are popular, Kilian says. Metallics are making news, too, says Kaye Simmons, women`s dress-shoe buyer for Famous Footwear, especially in flat ballerina and loafer styles.
”It`s a multi-option footwear,” says Simmons, whose company sells most women`s styles for $25 to $50. ”They`re nice with a velvet skirt, a pair of holiday pants. But they also are acceptable for street wear. They don`t have to stay put in the closet until next year.”
Classic, spiky and strappy pumps remain staples, but have been updated with rhinestone, faux pearl and ”be-jeweled” embellishments.
If simple elegance is your aim, pick classic silhouettes in black. Not only will they go with many things, they also can be coordinating chameleons with the addition of shoe clips.
But don`t dismiss the possibility of a knockout color.
”Buying a great-looking pair of fuchsia shoes is fun and can make you feel great,” Simmons says.
