Will I Be Able to Find Dress Shoes?

I don't know how much traveling between cities you plan. Only the 3 cities you mentioned? Other destinations? You will have to pack the shoes to travel between those 3 cities in any case, so why not just take shoes with you from home? I suspect finding shoes that size in Europe will be difficult and the time it would take to go shopping for them wouldn't be worth it IMO.

I'm in agreement with Andrea, since you're an 11 might be best to bring them with you--evening shoes aren't clunky like boots or oxfords so wouldn't take up much room. I had to buy emergency shoes in Vienna when my tried-and-true boots turned on me and liked a store called Humanic, and I've since noticed they are in Budapest and Prague as well if you decide to chance it.

Do you HAVE to wear heels? There are cute 'foldable' flat ballerina type flats that a would work. I've seen them in plain black, gold, silver and black with gold or silver touches. They take up very little space. Also- do you REALLY need an evening dress? Black flowy pants with a sparkly top or a black top and great scarf would work, I'd think. Then the flats would really be perfect. An outfit like that would be easy to pack and take up little space and probably not need ironing, etc.

So we are planning to do Munich, Vienna, Budapest and Prague. I will listen to your advice and just take shoes with me.

I think a dress will be easier for me to pack than pants and a top. I don't own flowy pants, so that would be another purchase, and not likely something I would ever wear again. As where I have about 2 dozen evening dresses that I already own. I could wear flats but I really prefer heels (irony since I am 6'1"). Maybe I can find a pair that are relatively packable. Or I could just casually slip them into my husband's bag...
Thank you all for the advice!

"Or I could just casually slip them into my husband's bag..."
Isn't that what they are there for? ;-)

Take them, whether you do flats or heels that way they are broken in and fit. We got an unexpected invite to an event in London a few years ago and I wasted over three hours searching for heels in my size, that were affordable and that would be comfortable to walk in to and from the train station and then all evening at the event. Such a waste of a beautiful afternoon in London, don't make the same mistake and waste your precious afternoon! Take an older pair wear them and donate them for more space for souvenirs on your way home!

I think I've found a solution-- I have a black halter jumpsuit (flowy as Toni suggested) that I can wear with a sequin cardigan/jacket. Then I can wear flats and I'll be set! Thank you ladies!

Depending on the specific venues, you might be surprised at how casually people dress. Google each of them to see about any dress codes.

I have a friend who went on classical music tours several years in a row and never dressed up like you are describing.

The times we have dressed up for anything, we have been in a very small minority of the attendees.

I do carry-on only. My 22" roller bag has about the same capacity as my RS convertible backpack. I'm only 5'8" tall, but I have found no skirt or dress that takes up less room than a pair of pants and a top that coordinate with everything else I take and are much more versatile than a fancy dress.

Go to the Vivienne Files online for good packing and wardrobe coordination tips. She shows way too much stuff and the garments are way too expensive, but the concepts are what's important.

As to your height and shoe size, my tallest female cousin is 6'4", so I have some understanding of that!

If I may add one suggestion – while the foldable flats are very convenient, the soles are paper thin and could be really difficult on certain types of pavement. I have taken Sabrinas-brand flats with me to Europe. They're very delicate looking, lightweight, and come in dressy styles, but they also have a sturdy sole, and I found them to work well on uneven surfaces, like cobblestones.

They are made in Spain, and you'll find them at better shoe vendors, particularly those that specialize in "comfortable" shoes.

Lo-- I know what you mean about dressing up, but from what I have read it seems that the holiday season is a little less casual for "the arts". Maybe because there are more locals/Europeans and fewer tourists and because it is a more formal time of year. I would rather take something that I know will work than feel underdressed. Plus there have been several threads I've seen where people get down right hostile about inappropriately dressed patrons at the opera/theater/ballet. I appreciate the tip on the webiste-- I'll check it out!

Sherry-- I was going to look into a pair of Tieks-- they are pricey but the soles look like they will do the trick.

Realize you aren't going to be in London, but if you ever are....Chiltern Street has a cluster of shops that sell women's larger shoe sizes, and there's also a Long Tall Sally shop along the block.

If you get the Tieks, I would be interested in your experience with them. I was looking at them when I found the Sabrinas. I liked the Sabrinas because I could try them on (rather than having to order online), they had dressier options than the Tieks, and they were about $25-$75 cheaper. The Sabrinas also have a sturdier sole with subtle texture, which could make a difference on a slippery surface.

FYI, I think both brands would need protection if you're going to encounter pouring rain.

I'll take a look at the Sabrinas too. Since I have plenty of time to plan, I can shop a bit before deciding!

If you do end up taking a shoe that doesn't pack "flat" you might try these two suggestions to maximize your precious luggage space. (1.) Put some small things or articles of clothing in a small thin plastic bag and put it inside your shoe (also helps retain shoe shape). (2.) As some others have suggested, take an old pair of shoes and toss or donate them when you are finished with your events. This way you have a little more room for souviners. Also the streets and sidewalks can be wet, dirty (gravely) and slushy in cities at that time of year and if your shoes suffer the effects of a wet winter, it won't be much of a loss. Spoken from experience...

Winter. Boots. You probably have some that are nice-looking and comfortable for walking. Pants will cover almost everything, anyway. If you REALLY want to fit in for Vienna, take along your full-length fur coat.

I am taking boots, but the ones I have are not appropriate for formal attire (Sorels). They are the only other pair of shoes I am planning to take as they will go with everything I am packing and are extremely comfortable for walking long distances.
I typically put my socks and/or panties in my shoes when I travel, so that well help a little with saving space.

In Budapest you will be most appropriate if dressed very well. Most of the venues are still predominantly part of the local culture. And yes more formal in the holiday season. For all the venues Google images and look at interior photos that show how people are dressed.