Q.  I love high heels, but my feet don’t! I can’t handle really high heels anymore.  Does party footwear of the non-killer kind really exist and how appropriate is it to wear an evening dress without high heels?

Whether we love them or loathe them, high-heeled shoes are synonymous with women’s eveningwear.  Over the decades we have seen countless movie stars and models sashay effortlessly down the red carpet or runway wearing flowing evening gowns teamed with killer high-heeled shoes.  

The silhouette itself has become iconic and most women today do consider it a fashion ‘faux pas’ to match an evening dress with low-heeled footwear of any kind.  The general rule is the higher the better, even if it means tripping over your own feet and suffering ‘hammertoe’ by the end of the night.  Despite the logic of knowing there is probably nothing more embarrassing than wobbling on high heels, women are still convinced it is the only look that can be sexy. 

The truth is if shoes with heels any more than 3 inches high strike you with fear and uncertainty do not attempt to leave the house wearing them under any circumstances - walking in heels can really torture feet and leave you vulnerable if you’re not prepared.  You’d be putting yourself at risk and are highly likely to be grounded in your heels halfway through the night.  

Fortunately, more women are starting to admit they actually dislike wearing high heels.  Leading this footwear revolution is Hollywood actress Kristen Stewart who has proven she is definitely not a fan of the high heel.  Every time she walks the red carpet in heels there’s inevitably been a photo of her leaving wearing flats or trainers underneath her couture gowns.  

Recently, she proclaimed to Elle magazine “These days I live life in the flat lane.  After decades of trying every height of heel imaginable, I can now say with almost giddy abandon, ‘I'm free to be me.’"

Dress flats are a great option for any woman who simply cannot walk in heels.  This season the flat shoe is one of the hottest trends and the variety of choice is abundant.  Try a slipper shoe as sparkly or embellished as you dare or a simple thong slide in quality materials like patent leather and satin for the most elegant evening look.  If you can handle a low heel, your options increase dramatically.  

Wedges and kitten-heels are perfect for teaming with an evening dress. Choose ankle boots with cut out toes or an open sandal with eye-catching embellishment.   With so much choice available there really is no excuse for any woman to be seen struggling to walk in her footwear this season.

Bohemian Gold  

Relax in decorative foiled brocade, lace and opulent embellishment.

Gold embellished evening gown by Jenny Packham £2,849 at Jane Davidson.  Mood ring £48 at Fabulous Jewels.  White satin touch stay ups £21 at Wolford.  Gold & ivory “Marina” wedge sandals £135 at Russell & Bromley.

    

 

Gold brocade trench coat by Burberry £995 & white embroidered dress with embellishment by Christopher Kane £805 both available at Harvey Nichols. White satin touch stay ups (cut by stylist) £21 at Wolford.  Gold & ivory “Marina” wedge sandals £135 at Russell & Bromley.

 

   

    

Gold lace evening gown with fishtail by Temperley London £1949 at Jane Davidson.  Silk printed scarf by Biba £65 at House of Fraser.  White satin touch stay up £21 at Wolford.  Gold & ivory “Marina” wedge sandals £135 at Russell & Bromley.

   

    

Styling:  Lisa Ringrose

Photography:  Jeff Mars

Hair:  Isabella Watson Artistic Director Toni & Guy Glasgow using Label M

Make Up:  Susan Lucas using MAC

Location:  The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh