Dress Pumps

So, what makes a dress pump shoe a specific style of shoe, you may ask? Most people tend to think of pumps as high heel shoes, but in fact pumps may have no heel at all. There are two special traits to keep in mind: the back of the shoe is closed, with the edge touching the base of your ankle, and the top for the shoe is cut much closer to the toes than most shoes, which tend to cover ore of the top of your foot. Everything else, including straps, buckles, heel height, and whether or not the toe is closed or open, is fair game.

Check out Vince Camuto for a flavorful variety of pumps, including the basic black patent leather pump Saran, with a sturdy yet elegant cone-shaped heel, as well as the surprisingly sexy Fame sporting studded gold hardware and bold cutouts along the sides. We also admire Vince Camuto's Roxy pump, a sleek silver, gold or pewter gray gathered satin number with a patent leather bow and a sweet peep toe.

The Carlos Santana line is very impressive, including the gorgeous Royale in blue or fuchsia tapestry-style jacquard set off by a band of jewels. Honestly, it's difficult to find a style we don't like here; check out the black leopard Roulette or the nicely detailed Tropicana with cutout and embellished details across the top of the foot. Guess is equally creative in leather and other materials; take a look at their Erinna high heels in cranberry and bronze or zebra stripes, beautifully detailed with dots of color arching across the top. Their Carlile style is quite cool, a mix of smooth leather and suede, the latter peppered with tiny silver studs.

Rockport tends to approach pumps from the business perspective, their Barbarella style a good indication of very classic styling and shape with fantastic contrasting color. Lucy is another almost-basic shoe, the squared toe and lower heel making it a smart choice for busy women. Nine West takes a similar approach, using the dramatic pointed toe in most styles and embellishing their designs with gathered bows or suede accents.

Another dressy set of shoes comes from BCBG, including the BCBGirls line. Their Valerie style sports a natural curve descending down the shoe and a double buckle across the top. Altero is a bit fancier with a snakeskin print, while Ariel is dreamy in a pink and coral watercolor wash or a pebbled buttermilk. J. Renee also offers sophisticated style, particularly with Cheer, a mid-height heeled shoe with a textured raffia weave, as well as with Gabriele, a satin peep-toe shoe with a rhinestone studded bow.