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It's that time of year where High School students are getting ready for the prom. For girls this can be an extra scary time because one of the most important things to pick out is a pair of shoes. A night of dancing is ahead of you, so you need the right pair that will accentuate your dress and won't destroy your feet.

The very first thing you do when you enter a shoe store is to get your foot measured. If you feel to embarrassed to have the store clerk do it for you, there are usually measurement devices located throughout the store. Just stick the proper foot that the tool indicates in there, and read the lines. Now you know what the correct shoe size for you is, which not only automatically reduces the amount of choices before you, but also will help you find a comfortable pair of shoes.

Color is an important element when choosing your shoes. If you have a dark dress, you should definitely go with darker shoes. Black matches with all colors, but if you need a little accent, be sure to pick out shoes that match whatever color is in the dresses fabric. With lighter colored prom dresses, lighter colored shoes are more appropriate. White will go well with anything, and can be used for other occasions where you won't be wearing the gown. Again, if you choose to stray from the white, match the shoe color with the dress accordingly. Before bringing your dress to be altered if it has to, ask the tailor to save a piece of fabric from it. You can bring this piece of the dress to the shoe store to find the perfect match.

The next thing to decide on is the style of shoe. Open-toed shoes are the most popular because it allows your feet to breathe and have a more glamorous appeal to them. If you do go with the open-toed, be sure to match your pedicure with the dress as well. Lime green toe nails with a red gown might draw unwanted attention to you. Also, be conscientious of the dresses length. If it is a shorter dress, strappy shoes that wrap up your calf are very stylish. If your dress is on the longer side, such extravagant shoes are unnecessary and will only be a pain to put on and take off.

The heel is a very important aspect of a nice shoe. You want enough of it so that you don't have to stand on your date's feet to reach his shoulders, yet you don't want to wear these clumsy clunkers that will make a fool out of you on the dance floor. As with most things, moderation is key. Also note that the thicker the heel, the easer it will be to walk or dance around. That being said, don't choose anything too chunky because it tends to take away from the shoe's sex appeal.

Lastly, be sure to try on the shoes. This may sound a little too obvious, but you do not want to be stuck with a pair of shoes that take a toll on your toes. Make sure they aren't too tight and that they don't pinch your skin. If your toes are squished, try something else. If you have to, dance around in them for a minute to see if you can stand to wear them all night long. You don't want to spend half of the night rubbing your bunions. In my own personal experience I put up with seemingly endless hours in my high heels because I was too stubborn to take the darn things off due to my height. If I had taken the necessary precautions when I bought them, I wouldn't have been so miserable the next day.

One last thing...be sure to leave a pair of sneakers in the limousine. You will be happy you did when you climb back out of it and walk into that after-prom party.

Learn more about this author, Kelly A. Mello.
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