If you are going to wear a formal dress, then it is imperative that you select the types of shoes that match up with the things that you are trying to do. Find out the current trends and make sure that you see the patterns that are making the waves at the moment. Do not take a prudish approach to shoes. There is plenty of fun to be had from the selection process and you need to be at the forefront of using the right shoes in the right circumstances. If you are going on a red carpet then you need to find shoes that will not overwhelm you or disappear into the background. Where you are going to have extreme dancing then the shoes have to protect you from the pressures of standing upright for long periods of time.
The criteria for your shoe selection on formal occasions
The first rule of thumb is to select something special. One would assume that this is a special occasion and it therefore makes sense that you will find a dress that indicates the special nature of the occasion. Make sure that the general ensemble that you are wearing is in keeping with the gravitas of the occasion. The last thing you need to look out of place or uncomfortable on the occasion. Make sure that you have looked at the color and texture of the shoes. For example suede has elegance about it but there are materials where it is more appropriate than on other materials. You will need the support of someone that understands these things in order to make selections that are not going to embarrass you in the long run. There is a wide selection of shoes that you can look for including strappy sandals, wedges, pumps or even stilettos.
Contrary to some myths you do not really have to match everything up. You can have a perfectly good ensemble without matching up the dresses that you are wearing. Contrast can be a good thing if it is done in good taste. You also need to think about the possibility of spicing up things so that you do not end up looking frumpy or uninspiring on the big day. You might want to coordinate the fabrics so that they do not clash with one another. If you have summer cottons, then find simple shoes that complement your style including mules, strappy sandals of wedges. Embellishment is not a bad thing especially if you intend to spice things up. However the embellishments on your shoes have to match the ones that are on your clothes or else you might end up looking like a Christmas tree.
Beauty is not necessarily comfort
If you decide to go for stylish shoes that are a nightmare to wear then the price will be paid later. You could end up having a terrible time on the event and might even damage your long term health. If you are going to be standing up for extended periods of time then the comfort levels within the shoe have to be a priority.