What do your shoes say about you?

We women know that shoes are everything – and that as much effort as we might put into finding the right prom dress, we know it's the shoes that really complete the look. In fact, you might find it easier to settle on a dress than on the shoes that will accompany it. If you're stuck, consider the following factors when it comes to choosing footwear:

What Color Should You Choose?

You might be tempted to automatically choose shoes in a color that matches your dress perfectly, but don't limit yourself to this possibility. If you've chosen a solid-colored dress, like a black sheath or a red cocktail dress, consider shoes in metallic colors or fun animal prints to add visual interest to your ensemble. Or, if you're particularly bold, pick another brightly colored shoe to complement a single-hued, brightly colored dress – think bright pink pumps with a short, vibrant purple gown.

Heels vs. Flats

Ah yes, the eternal debate – should you wear heels or flats with your prom dress? Unfortunately, there's no right answer for everyone. High heels are very flattering because they add height and increase the perceived leg line. However, if you're someone who tips over wearing high heels, you'll want to consider a pair of flats or sandals with a shorter heel. There's nothing more embarrassing than getting down and shaking your groove thang, only to wind up flat on your backside in the middle of the dance floor!

If you aren't sure you'll be comfortable in heels the whole night, pick up a pair to practice in a few weeks before the big night. Make sure they're similar in style and height to the shoes you plan to wear on prom night, and wear them as often as possible. Do the dishes in your heels, walk the dog in your heels – basically, do whatever you can to get as much experience in the shoes as possible. If, by the time you're a week or two out from the prom, you aren't yet comfortable walking and dancing in heels, it's time to consider a shorter alternative.

Of course, if you're wearing a full-length ball gown, you've got a lot more flexibility in your choice of footwear. Heck, since no one's even going to see your feet, why not wear a pair of sneakers that you know you'll be comfortable in all night? Whatever you decide, make sure you choose your shoes with enough time to have the hem adjusted to the right length – your dress needs to be longer with heels and shorter if you're wearing flats.

Bring Alternatives

If you've decided on heels, but aren't 100% convinced that you'll be able to handle wearing them all night, buy a large enough purse that you can carry a small pair of flip flops with you in case of a shoe emergency. At prom, you'll see dozens of girls ditch their heels in favor of bare feet, but this can be dangerous. If anyone's tracked in shards of glass from the parking lot, you risk a serious cut to your foot, not to mention infection from whatever germs are lurking on the gym floor. Loose beads and sequins can also cut open your feet, as can an over-enthusiastic Romeo who's determined to trod on your tender little tootsies. Be smart – bring alternative footwear with you in case you need to ditch the heels.