by Aisling Ashbery

Created on: July 20, 2009   Last Updated: November 02, 2009

Shopping for evening shoes is fun; they're shiny, bold, and just generally pretty. But although nighttime footwear is eye-catching, it's important to remember to focus on casual wear, too. After all, those metallic brocade stilettos might be fierce, but are you going to be wearing them five days a week from 9 - 5? Don't think so.

A good selection of casual shoes is essential for the modern woman, even though they might not be as much fun to shop for. Here are a few ideas for some great versatile casual shoes.

1. Ballet Flats: These flat, soft shoes are available in a wide variety of colors and prints. They're very comfortable and quite versatile, and their soft quality means they're easy to wear every day. Choose a neutral color if you want them to be a wardrobe workhorse, or a pop of something fun and unexpected for when you feel like jazzing up your jeans.

2. Gladiator Sandals: Not only are they comfy, but you score extra points for being current with this trend. Gladiator sandals are great for shorts or casual skirts. If the gladiator look isn't your style, consider a flat sandal with a strap that goes behind your heel (instead of just a flip-flop). They will still be easy to slip on and very comfy, but you won't have to worry about losing your shoes.

3. Sneakers: Of course, every woman needs to own a great pair of sneakers. Try to have casual sneakers that are different from any running/ walking shoes you may have. That way you can slip them on and be totally comfortable, but not look like you're about to start running a marathon at any minute. There are a wide variety of casual sneakers on the market; some of my favorites right now have elastic instead of tie strings, which means you just slip them on and off. Cool colors and unique details are also good things to look for in a pair of sneakers - they don't have to match the rest of your outfit exactly. Just like it's ok to have red high heels when you're not wearing anything else that's red, your sneakers can be your pop of color in a casual outfit.

4. Boots: A pair of well-fitting, comfortable boots can be invaluable in almost any wardrobe. They're great because they're so versatile. They can be worn with skirts or jeans, and with dressy or casual outfits. When looking for casual boots specifically, look for flat boots with a wider opening so that you can tuck your jeans in if you want to. A neutral color will probably be best.

5. Pumps: Although some women probably consider any heel at all to automatically disqualify a shoe from casual status, there are casual pumps out there. They can be very useful for days when you want to look professional, but not necessarily dressed up. Casual pumps go great with jeans, and if the rest of the outfit is casual they'll fit right in. For heels to be casual, the heel itself should be thick enough to offer good support (but not chunky. The silhouette of the shoe should still give the impression of sleekness). Don't choose anything to strappy or shiny. Look for soft fabrics or muted tones. One of my favorite pair of casual pumps is covered in a tweed-esque fabric, making them feel and look comfy and cute.

Now you have the tools to tear your eyes away from those sparkly sky-scraper stilettos and pay attention to staples for building your casual footwear wardrobe. Remember that casual shoes don't have to be boring - you can still have fun with color and texture. There are countless casual styles available, so you'd better get shopping! And now that you've got a guideline, I bet shopping for casual shoes will be just as much fun as browsing the evening sandals.

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