The dress shoe revival is in full swing.

In the past few weeks, a number of retailers have reported significant strength in the category — across a broad range of styles — despite a challenging climate overall. That’s due, at least in part, to the return-to-office mandates making headlines across the country, but retailers said special occasions are also driving the category.

At DSW, the shoe retailer’s CEO Doug Howe told analysts during a conference call last week that the company saw “dramatic improvement” in the women’s dress category.

Jennifer Capuano, head of women’s shoes at Macy’s, told FN this summer that the retailer’s dress shoe business has seen significant strength. This summer, the excitement was led by excitement around the sandal category.

As for which brands are winning in the category, Capuano cited Coach, Ralph Lauren, Easy Spirit and Guess.

Michelle Mackin, senior vice president, general merchandise manager and head merchant at DSW, told FN that Jessica Simpson, Kelly & Katie (a DSW brand), Betsey Johnson, Steve Madden and Dolce Vita have been selling well.

This fall, women are gravitating toward a refined aesthetic, explained Anne Lee, divisional vice president, accessories at Canadian department store Holt Renfrew.

“As quiet luxury evolves, we are seeing sophistication in dress shoes this season,” Lee said. “From pumps to loafers, we are seeing dress shoes updated in rich neutral color palettes and textures. You can see this play out in Manolo’s Maysli slingback in woven denim or the iconic boat shoe from Miu Miu updated in the mule version. What is driving this trend is not loud or bold logos, but distinctive iconic detailing.”

As for silhouettes, Mackin affirmed that higher heels are in the spotlight right now. “We are seeing a boost in stiletto heels. Block heels are always on, but now she’s adding a sexier stiletto to her closet. The kitten heel comeback is still going strong — it’s all about variety.”

Over at Macy’s, Capuano reported that mules have been selling well in the heel category: “Some of our favorites are an easy mid-kitten heel, but we also have mule sandals with three-inch heels as a night out or occasion dressing shoe,” she said.

While Capuano saluted the success of the backless sandal style, Lee cited an adjacent heel-revealing silhouette in Holt Renfrew’s heel department. “One standout this season is slingbacks in various heel heights — but reimagined. These are not your traditional pumps, but updated with modern texture, sculptural accents, and walkable sensibility.”

As for the brands selling at Holt Renfrew, she has noticed a duality in the market.

“On one hand, brands like Aeyde and Veronica Beard are stepping up to provide novelty and fashion driven design with levels of originality and quality. They provide all the personality and have a competitive price value,” she said. “On the other hand, there is meaningful return to the heritage brands. These names do not just carry prestige but there is a sense of craftsmanship, permanence, and value,” she said, citing brands such as Gianvito Rossi, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin.

Looking ahead, retailers are betting on dress to continue to drive excitement.

“DSW is most excited about the return of the pump. It’s not just for career anymore — it will be the stylish silhouette for any occasion,” Mackin said. “In 2026, DSW will be introducing new silhouettes and higher heels to sit alongside our strong core pump assortment.”

Capuano is forecasting that brands will continue to play with materiality: “Looking ahead, I am most excited about some of the unique fabrications we have seen utilizing mesh and jelly details. I think we will see them done in a bigger way in 2026.”

Meanwhile, Lee is looking ahead to spring ’26: “It will be all about sandals. Whether it is a flip flop or toe-ring flat sandals, we are going to see it in all shapes and forms. Playful accents, architectural heels, experimenting with materials (transparent uppers, printed leather, fringe, or weaving). While the neutral tones will always be the volume driver, I expect that we will see bold pops-up, colors and patterns.”