Dress Slings or Slingbacks

Slingbacks or slings are a curious design for shoes not quite sandals because the toe is mostly covered, but certainly not pumps because the heel of the shoe is held in place by just a single strap. Although most slings are casual shoes simply because of their design, there are some nicely dressy exceptions, and we'll share what we've found for dress slingbacks with this quick guide.

Start at the top with Bruno Magli and check out the Gregorio sling, a gorgeous combination of suede, patent leather and metallic nappa in black or brown tones. Or try Stuart Weitzman for the same level of quality, with featured styles such as the Tweeting with a marbleized pointed cap toe and perforation details. We also like Stuart Weitzman's Daisysling, a snake-print leather upper in multicolored serpentine or metallic but natural bronze and gold.

For half the price, look to Donald J Pliner for a great range of designs, including the saddle shoe style of Ryba and the leopard spots on Avery's elasticized fabric and suede. VANELi will run you a bit less for the Pesca, a black fabric shoe with a dramatic shimmering gem centerpiece. We also like their Gardy, a handsome deep brown satin slingback with a double line of rhinestones across the top. J. Renee is comparable, with styles from casual to formal, including the every playful polka-dots on the Elisha, dressed with a fluffy little bow.

Don't forget Me Too for their Jeanette style, which starts out as a simple black or taupe leather shoe, but is accented by an old-fashioned ribbon candy bow. Offering still more options in the slings, Via Spiga has the Finley, a traditionally-shaped shoe that's completely covered with diamond-shaped cutouts, as well as the Glades, a pointed-toe sling with Black or steel metallic snake-print calfskin leather. Finally, look to Annie for some adorable details, including Lola's bejeweled flowers across satin in various colors, or the silver metallic-trimmed Darius in an otherwise sheer mesh.