Types of Shoes to Wear to a Wedding
You’ve just RSVP’d to a wedding, but the biggest question still remains: What to wear? Wedding fashion comes with its own set of unspoken rules and expectations, and chief among them is the art of choosing the perfect pair of shoes. Whether dancing the night away at a lavish ballroom affair or celebrating under the stars in a romantic garden setting, the proper footwear can elevate your ensemble and ensure you're not just a guest but a style standout.
This guide offers a curated selection of shoes for both men and women that strike the balance between elegance and comfort. From classic pumps to sleek loafers, we've got you covered with options that will complement any wedding attire while allowing you to put your best foot forward on the big day.
Black Tie or Formal Wedding Shoes
For a black tie or formal wedding, both men and women should aim for formal and sophisticated footwear that complements the elegance of the occasion.
Formal Wedding Shoes for Women
Classic Pumps: Opt for closed-toe pumps in neutral shades like black, navy, or nude.
Look for styles with elegant details like pointed toes or subtle embellishments.
Strappy Heels: Delicate strappy heels add a touch of femininity to your ensemble while maintaining a formal look. Choose metallic or jewel-toned options for added glamour.
Peep-Toe Heels: If the weather permits, peep-toe heels can be stylish. Stick to sleek and sophisticated designs in luxurious materials like satin or velvet.
Evening Sandals: Consider elegant evening sandals with embellishments like crystals or pearls for a modern twist. Opt for styles with a sturdy heel for comfort during a night of dancing.
Closed-toe Flats: If heels aren't your thing, closed-toe flats in luxurious materials like suede or leather can still exude sophistication while keeping you comfortable throughout the festivities.
Formal Wedding Shoes for Men
Classic Oxfords: Black patent or polished leather Oxfords epitomize formal footwear for black tie events. Make sure they are well-shined for a polished look.
Formal Loafers: If you prefer something more relaxed than Oxfords, opt for formal loafers in black or dark brown leather. Look for styles with minimal detailing for a sleek appearance.
Monk Strap Shoes: Monk strap shoes add a sophisticated touch to your ensemble with their buckle closure and sleek silhouette. Choose a pair in black or deep brown leather.
Velvet Slippers: Consider velvet slippers in rich colors like burgundy or navy for luxury and personality. Look for styles with embroidered details for added flair.
Dress Boots: In colder weather or for a more contemporary look, men's dress boots in black or dark brown leather can be a stylish choice. Ensure they have a sleek and polished finish to maintain the formal dress-code.
Cocktail Wedding Shoes
A wedding with a cocktail dress code allows guests to showcase their style with fashionable yet elegant footwear.
Cocktail Wedding Shoes for Women
Heeled Sandals: Opt for chic heeled sandals with elegant straps or embellishments. Choose styles in metallic tones, bold colors, or luxurious materials.
Pointed-toe Pumps: Classic pointed-toe pumps in sophisticated colors like black, navy, or burgundy are versatile for a cocktail dress-coded wedding.
Slingback Heels: Slingback heels offer a blend of sophistication and comfort, making them perfect for a wedding where you'll be on your feet dancing. Look for styles with kitten or block heels for added stability.
Strappy Block Heels: Block heels with multiple straps can provide style and support. Choose styles with an ankle strap for added security.
Fashionable Flats: If heels aren't your preference, choose stylish flats in bold colors or patterns.
Cocktail Wedding Shoes for Men
Classic Dress Shoes: Classic dress shoes such as Oxfords or Derby in black or brown leather suit a cocktail dress-coded wedding.
Loafers: Loafers are a versatile option that you can dress up or down depending on the rest of your outfit. Opt for loafers in leather or suede with a polished finish.
Brogues: Brogues with intricate perforations can add a stylish touch to your ensemble. Choose styles in classic colors like black or tan or two-tone options for a modern twist.
Monk Strap Shoes: Monk strap shoes with a single or double buckle closure can offer a sophisticated alternative to traditional lace-up shoes.
Dress Boots: Dress boots can be a fashionable and contemporary choice for a cocktail dress-coded wedding, especially in cooler weather.
Semi-formal/Dressy-Casual Wedding Shoes
Guests can balance style and comfort at a semi-formal or dressy-casual wedding.
Semi-formal Wedding Shoes for Women
Classic Pumps: Opt for closed-toe pumps in neutral colors or understated patterns. Choose a shoe with a moderate heel height for a touch of sophistication without sacrificing comfort.
Block Heel Sandals: Block heel sandals offer stability and style, making them an excellent choice for a semi-formal or dressy casual wedding.
Pointed-toe Flats: They are chic and comfortable, perfect for a semi-formal affair.
Wedge Sandals: Wedge sandals provide height and comfort, making them a practical option for outdoor weddings or events with uneven terrain. Opt for styles with espadrille detailing or metallic accents for a touch of glamour.
Dressy Boots: Wear dressy ankle boots for a more relaxed yet stylish vibe. Choose styles in leather or suede to complement your outfit.
Semi-formal Wedding Shoes for Men
Dress Loafers: Dress loafers are a versatile option. Styles in leather or suede with a polished finish and minimal detailing will add a sophisticated look to your outfit.
Chukka Boots: Chukka boots blend casual and formal elements, making them suitable for a dressy casual wedding.
Dressy Oxford Shoes: Oxford shoes in leather or suede can add a touch of refinement to your ensemble. Look for styles with subtle brogue detailing or unique finishes to stand out.
Fashionable Brogues: Brogues with intricate perforations can add visual interest to your outfit without appearing too formal.
Derby Shoes: Derby shoes are a stylish alternative to Oxford's, offering a slightly more relaxed aesthetic.
Casual Wedding Shoes
For a casual wedding, guests can express their style while keeping comfort at the forefront.
Casual Wedding Shoes for Women
Flat Sandals: Opt for comfortable flat sandals made of leather or fabric. Sandals with beads or straps can add interest.
Wedge Sandals: Wedge sandals provide height and stability, making them a practical yet stylish choice for a casual wedding. Look for styles with espadrille detailing or cork soles for a summery vibe.
Canvas Sneakers: Canvas sneakers offer a relaxed, laid-back look that is perfect for a casual wedding.
Ankle Boots: Ankle boots can provide style and comfort if the wedding is in cooler weather or outdoors.
Ballet flats: Ballet flats are a classic and versatile option for a casual wedding.
Casual Wedding Shoes for Men
Loafers: Loafers are a versatile option that you can dress up or down depending on the rest of your outfit.
Boat Shoes: Boat shoes offer a relaxed, nautical-inspired look perfect for a casual wedding.
Casual Oxford Shoes: Casual Oxford shoes in leather or suede can add a touch of refinement to your outfit without appearing too formal.
Canvas Sneakers: Canvas sneakers are a comfortable and stylish option. Choose styles in neutral colors or fun patterns to match your outfit.
Tropical or Destination Wedding Shoes
For a tropical or destination wedding, guests should prioritize footwear that is comfortable, practical for warm weather, and suitable for sandy or uneven terrain.
Destination Wedding Shoes for Women
Flat Sandals: Opt for stylish flat sandals with comfortable straps that are easy to walk in. Look for styles in materials like leather, fabric, or woven raffia for a beachy vibe.
Wedge Sandals: Wedge sandals provide height without sacrificing stability, making them a practical choice for a tropical wedding.
Strappy-Heeled Sandals: Opt for strappy-heeled sandals with a sturdy block heel if you prefer some height.
Canvas Espadrilles: They offer comfort and style, making them ideal for a beach or destination wedding.
Destination Wedding Shoes for Men
Boat Shoes: Boat shoes offer a casual, nautical-inspired look perfect for a beach or destination wedding.
Canvas Sneakers: Canvas sneakers are practical and versatile for a tropical wedding.
Flip-Flops: Consider wearing flip-flops to a tropical wedding for ultimate comfort and beach-ready style. Choose styles with cushioned footbeds and sturdy straps for all-day wear.
Casual Sandals: Casual sandals with adjustable straps and supportive footbeds are a great option for navigating sandy or uneven terrain. Look for styles in materials like leather or rubber for durability and comfort.
Choosing the Best Wedding Guest Shoes
Choosing footwear for a wedding can significantly impact your comfort, confidence, and overall style. Whether attending a formal black-tie affair or a laid-back beach celebration, selecting the right shoes is crucial. For men and women alike, understanding the dress code is essential in making the appropriate footwear choice. From classic Oxfords and strappy heels for formal events to sandals and sneakers for more relaxed affairs, there's a shoe for every wedding dress code. By considering the venue, weather, and level of formality, you can ensure you’re appropriately dressed and ready to dance the night away.