Your choice in women’s shoes can speak volumes. Whether you’re going to a formal gala or hitting the gym, the right pair of shoes can simultaneously pull together an otherwise blah-outfit, while creating a chic, classy appearance. Here’s a list that will give you tips on expressing your personal style- through your footwear!

Dare to Wear Brights
A dramatic hue can liven up a look instantly, and that includes outfits in colors other than denim and black! Try wearing vibrant shoes with khaki, pastels, and white. A scarlet red dress, however, warrants neutral footwear.

Choose One Attention Getter
A good rule of thumb is to keep your shoes toned down if you’re wearing a flamboyant gown, but if your look is more modest, an eye-catching shoe (something like this pair would certainly qualify!) adds excitement.

Dress for the Occasion
Flats can be too casual for a cocktail party, while peep-toe sandals may be too risqué for a more conservative gala. Keep your sneakers relegated to gym clothes or casual jeans. When in doubt, you can’ go wrong with a classic black pump like this pair.

Going Outdoors? Say No to Stilettos
Not only will you ruin your shoes, but it will be decidedly ungraceful to try and walk when your heels keep sinking into the ground. Flats will work with a more casual look, but if you want height, wedges are ideal.

Leave an Impression
While a bow-emblazoned kitten heel veers more toward cute, a spindly stiletto sandal is all about looking sexy. Decide what look you want to capture, and work it.

There is a Time and Place for Sultry Stilettos
Nighttime is the best time for eye-catching shoes. If you still want to rock a killer look throughout the day, choose a closed or peep-toe pump.

Couple Sky-High Shoes with Tame Hemlines
When going for major air, keep your hemlines at an inch above the knee. But when wearing a short skirt or dress, wear a lower heel or flat — it will balance you out and keep you from showing altogether too much leg.

Pair Flats with Neatly Hemmed Clothes
If your clothing isn’t tailored, you’ll run the risk of looking unkempt. A pant leg should fall at or above the ankle, while skirts or dresses should halt above the knee.

Look Pretty and Poised
Shoes are all about balance- and I’m not talking about the kind you need to walk! Thicker-heeled shoes create frightfully layered look, while more delicate heels could look off balance. The same is true vice-versa. Pair a dainty outfit with a thinly-strapped sandal for a cute match!

Polish Your Look with Boots
Boots can give you a rugged country look, an equestrian vibe, or a trendy, urban charm; they allow you to get wear out of your lighter dresses and skirts when it’s cold. Try picking a pair that’s fitted around your leg but not so tight that your skin bulges out from the top. There shouldn’t be more than a half inch of space between your leg and your boot.