You want a pair of black heels for a formal affair, but the store only has boring pumps and clunky boots. If you’ve been struggling to find black heels that show class, look no further. We have some tips on how to select black heels that will help you get your fashion fix.

There are many styles of shoes that can be categorized as black heels. You just need an open mind and willingness to try out different looks until you’ve found the perfect one for your needs. But before we get started on narrowing down your options, let’s talk about some general guidelines for selecting a heel.

The shape is more important than height or width – You may think a high-heeled stiletto is the sexiest shoe you’ve ever seen, but if it doesn’t fit your feet well or is too low for comfort, it won’t do much to make you look good. A closed-toe pump with a classic design will always be more flattering than an open-toe stiletto.

A black heel isn’t automatically elegant – While most fashion designers have caught on to the fact that women love wearing dresses and skirts with heels, they can still find ways to ruin otherwise classy pieces by opting for cheap material or poor design. The height of the heel also plays a role in classiness so go easy on the 6 inches unless you’re attending a party at the Met Gala. Pick up some dress shoes with lower 4-inch heels for a dinner party.

Don’t overdo it on the bedazzling – If you want to add some bling to your ensemble, you can do so in a subtle manner with a simple pair of earrings or a big cocktail ring. Save the rhinestones and crystals for another day, or wear them sparingly when attending events that call for sparkle. The same rule applies to shoes with animal prints which can look tacky if overdone.

For those who think stilettos only come in black, we have some bad news: a black heel is a type of shoe where the heels themselves are black regardless of the rest of the shoe. This means high-heeled pumps, boots, booties, sandals, and even slippers can all be black heels. For a true wardrobe of black heels, you have to experiment with different shapes and styles until you find one that flatters your feet and looks good on your body. A pair of fantastic black boots or pumps are like gold in the shoe world, so it’s important to stock up when you find something that works for you.