Dress shoes are intended for formal or smart casual wear. They are usually worn on special occasions, parties, and dances gatherings.

Dress shoes for men

Men’s dress shoes come in different types including Balmorals (or Oxfords), Bluchers (or Derbies), Monks, and Loafers. They usually come in black and brown varieties, though there are also other colors such as oxblood, white, cordovan, chestnut, and burgundy. Usually made of leather, men’s dress shoes usually have rubber soles for a more elegant look and durable quality.

Balmorals

Known as Oxfords in Britain, Balmorals are dress shoes that are tied around the feet to keep them in place. Their lacings are closed, with the leather and laces sewn together. These usually have toe caps, which are pieces of leather sewn on the toe end. Balmorals or Oxfords are appropriate for suits.

Bluchers

Bluchers or Derbies are men’s dress shoes that are quite similar to Balmorals. However, they have open lacing and are slightly more casual than Balmorals.

Monks

Monks are men’s dress shoes secured through a buckle and a strap that holds the shoe in place. Monk dress shoes have no lacing.

Loafers

While most loafers are considered casual shoes, there are also loafers that can be used as dress shoes. Loafers have a low profile, which makes them easier to wear or take off.

Other styles of men’s dress shoes

Other types of dress shoes for men include dress boots and court shoes.

Dress shoes for women

Since women are more picky and concerned about style, women’s dress shoes come in more varieties and styles than men’s dress shoes. Some of the most popular types of dress shoes for women are pumps, mules, slingbacks, loafers, ballet flats, and sandals. Most of them are heeled, and they come in almost any color tone.

Pumps

Pumps are women’s dress shoes made of leather. They can have a pointed or round toe, depending on the shoe style. They come in different colors amd have peep toe and closed-toe varieties. Some pumps have ankle straps.

Mules

Mules are slip-in or slide-on shoes that have no heel cover. Mules with heels are usually those considered as dress shoes.

Slingbacks

Slingbacks are women’s dress shoes that are similar to pumps. But while pumps usually wrap all the way to the heels, slingbacks only have sleek straps that are pulled over the heel. The heels are left open.

Loafers

Traditionally used only by men, loafers already have varieties for women. They are usually flat, with square toe boxes and comfortable structure. They usually come in dark colors.

Ballet flats

Ballet flats are flat dress shoes with rounded toes.

Sandals

Sandals are usually strappy and stylish, appropriate for dresses.