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What is a No Shoes Invitation. The New Year’s Eve invitation says “Shoes are to be left at the door.” Is that serious? My outfit is in good part about my shoes, which I just love and want to show off with my new cocktail dress on New Year’s Eve.

Wearing a cocktail dress with bare feet or stockinged feet is not my thing.

What do you suggest?

–HW, Boston, MA

The No Shoes Invitation is more common than you think. By adding this dress code to the invitation your host is asking you to conform to the rules of the house: No Shoes. Some hosts provide flip-flops to wear when you leave your shoes at the door.

It is entirely possible that your hosts recently had their floors redone or installed. Perhaps there is all new carpeting. The spikes of stiletto heels can wreak havoc on soft wood floors, newly finished floors and soft plush carpets.

In a small fashionable tote bag or shopping bag, slide in a pair of your favorite ballerina-style flats that go well with your new dress and you’re good to go.

That way you can leave your stilettos at the door and slip into something more comfortable.

~Didi