Whether you’re looking for a new pair of wedding shoes or prom shoes, the style you choose can make all the difference to how you’ll look on your special day. That’s why we thought we’d explain the different shoe types you can consider.
Whichever shoe style you decide to get, bear in mind that they can affect the length of your dress as well as the overall look. So, if you’d like your dress to sit at a certain length on your leg, such as just below the knee, then make sure you think about how your shoe choice might alter this.
Here are some of the shoe styles you might like to wear for your next formal occasion. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with getting ahead of the curve and choosing your wedding shoes or prom shoes before you’ve chosen your dress - just make sure they match if that’s important to you!
Heels
Also referred to as stilettos, high heels are a popular shoe choice for weddings and proms. One thing to bear in mind is that if you do opt for heels, the length of your dress is likely to be slightly shorter on you than how it appears when you wear it with flats or no shoes on.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – especially if your dress is skimming the floor when you’re barefoot.
When you wear high heels, your posture also changes, which slightly alters the way you walk. This helps to accentuate your curves, so your back and bust are more pronounced. Of course, heels also add height to your appearance, so can be a good choice if you’d prefer to appear a bit taller or curvaceous on the day.
Just remember that if you’re wearing a long prom dress or a wedding dress with a train, then you’ll need to be careful not to trip on your heels or get the dress caught when you’re walking down the aisle in your new stilettos.
When it comes to wearing high heels, it’s important to think about the prom or wedding venue. If you’re hoping to get married at the beach or having a winter wedding, for example, then the setting may not be suited to heels, as you could trip over. If you’re taking photos outside on the grass after rain, remember there’s a risk of getting stuck in the mud.
In these scenarios, if you have your heart set on wearing heels, we’d recommend keeping a spare pair of boots or trainers on you for the walk to the wedding venue, then changing into your wedding shoes once you’ve arrived at the door.
Kitten heels
If you’d like to add a little height to your dress to help it sit better, but you’re worried about being comfortable on the day, then a kitten heel may be your ideal shoe. Kitten heels are a shorter version of a stiletto heel and are usually around 1 or 2 inches high.
They are ideal for adding a dressy look to your outfit, without making you wonder whether you’ll fall over on your big day!
As well as being comfortable, kitten heels are also a versatile choice, as they complement many outfits. You can get them in a variety of styles too, including open toe, slingback or even kitten heel boots.
Slingback heels
Slingback heels have a strap that sits around your ankle and is connected to the front of the shoe. They’re available in a wide variety of heels and can be ideal if you have narrow ankles, as they will give you extra support to help hold your wedding shoes or prom shoes in place throughout the night.
Slingbacks can also be the perfect option if you’re not used to walking in heels, as they’ll help ensure your wedding shoes stays firmly on your feet as you walk down the aisle. If you don’t wear heels much, we’d recommend opting for a pair of low heels, such as kitten heels or a slingback design with a low to medium heel.
When it comes to slingback shoes, the strap itself shouldn’t noticeably affect the appearance of the dress or shoe. So, when it comes to choosing shoes for your special day, if you’re comfortable in heels, then you have the flexibility to opt for the heel type that sits best with your dress.
Wedges
If you’re looking for wedding shoes that can be stylish and comfortable, or a pair of prom shoes to add a little height, then wedges could be the shoe style you’re after.
Wedges tend to go well with flare dresses, as the flare bottom creates a slightly more casual look. If you can find an elegant pair of wedges to wear for your wedding or to prom, then they’ll go well with a variety of dresses, including maxi and A-line.
They’re also flattering on the legs and help you make a statement with your dress. Some are available with straps too, for added security.
Mary Janes
A simple but stylish shoe option, Mary Janes can be the perfect wedding shoe choice for a bride-to-be who doesn’t like wearing high heels. They’re also a very fashionable choice, as they’re often considered on-trend. This is especially true since shows like Bridgerton have begun to air.
A key feature of Mary Jane shoes is the strap that goes across the arch of the foot. They’re often available as flat shoes or with a slight heel, as they are becoming more popular for formal occasions.
Shorter women sometimes choose to avoid Mary Janes, as they think they may not be the most flattering for wedding or prom shoes. However, Mary Jane shoes can offer a very elegant look, especially when paired with a vintage wedding dress.
Mary Janes are also another example of a wedding shoe that would be ideal for a bride-to-be who isn’t confident walking down the aisle in high heels, as they strap helps secure the flat or low heel shoe.
Converse
If you’re hoping to avoid heels altogether (it can be done!), then converse may be your perfect shoe type. Ideal for adding a casual element to your look, they offer a great contrast for your prom dress.
Converse shoes are also ideal for making sure your wedding dress shines as the main feature of your outfit. They also help you to stay comfortable throughout your special day. After all, you can wear whatever you’d like as the bride!
If you’re into a rock/alternative look then there’s no reason you can’t wear a shorter dress and a chunky pair of boots. After all, this is your day and it’s your time to look and feel comfortable. Be yourself, and you won’t go wrong.
If you’re still looking for your perfect prom dress or wedding dress, contact a member of Lily’s Boutique today, and we’ll be happy to help you.