Now that spring is officially here to stay and summer is just around the corner, it's the time of year for everything wonderful that comes along with warm, balmy weather. That means wedding season is also upon us, and it's definitely never too early to start thinking about what you're going to wear to the impending nuptials.
It's not just about choosing the right dress and hairstyle, either. The finishing touch to any picture-perfect outfit is, without a doubt, the shoes.
Whether you're the blushing bride, a member of the wedding party or merely an excited guest this season, your shoe of choice needs to hit all the right marks. It must be stylish and absolutely beautiful, of course, but it also needs to be comfortable enough to let you dance the night away without a second thought.
Thankfully, this season's finest footwear offerings include plenty of options that are a perfect fit on every level. Here are just a few of our favorites to help you style yourself to perfection.
Sexy Silver Metallics
If ever there's a great time to turn up the fairy tale factor on your ensemble, it's definitely a wedding. Luckily, some of this season's best looks make it all so easy. Metallics of all tones and types have been popular for quite a few seasons running, and we're happy to report that you'll see this trend continue throughout the spring and summer. You'll definitely see a few fashionistas wearing head-to-toe, metallic-inspired weddings looks, but using a gentle hint of shimmer is popular as well.
Add an elegant touch of subtle twinkle to your wedding outfit this season with a beautiful silver heel like the Reason from City Classified. The classic design, pretty cut-outs and glorious glitter detailing add a lovely finishing touch to any ensemble.
A lightly padded foot bed keeps you comfortable all night long while the adjustable ankle strap keeps your shoe perfectly in place, even while you're cutting loose on the dance floor.
Very Wearable Mules
When it comes to wonderfully wearable shoe styles, we can't think of any trend we like better than the mules we've been seeing so much of lately. Throughout the season, you'll see mules in every color, fabric, shape and style.
Not only are they incredibly comfortable -- especially in comparison to traditional heels -- but they're versatile as well. Some of this season's hottest styles look as chic and perfect with a pair of jeans or a sundress as they do with a pretty pantsuit or a shift. You'll get plenty of wear out of whichever option you pick.
Try adding a pop of juicy color to your outfit with a comfy pair of mules in one of this season's lovely signature colors. Think lilac, periwinkle, mint or rose pink for starters. Trendy ladies might also want to consider one of the electric, '80s-inspired shades that are also all the rage right now.
Last but not least, look for trendy stacked heel styles or kitten heels when it comes to height. They'll give you that pretty, feminine line you're looking for, but not at the expense of your comfort.
Strappy Euro Sandals
Of course, not every wedding this spring and summer will be an ultra-formal black-tie affair. More and more couples are opting for destination weddings that will find guests and the wedding party gathered at the beach, in gardens or in the middle of a majestic wooded area.
Naturally, stilettos and standard dress shoes won't do if you'll be attending a wedding like that -- but don't fear. Some of this season's prettiest options in Euro sandals are absolutely perfect for any destination.
We're talking elegantly strappy options like the Mekelle from Eurosoft. Criss-crossed bands of supple woven leather and silver studs form a beautiful and very comfortable network over the top of your foot to keep your sandal securely in place. A delicate 1-inch wedge heel, a luxurious latex cushioned foot bed and built-in elastic panels combine to guarantee a comfortable experience that will see you through any outdoor wedding.
This is yet another footwear option that's also very versatile, so you don't have to worry about shelling out money for a pair of shoes you'll never wear again once wedding season is over. These sandals are so comfortable and stylish, you'll likely find yourself wearing them with everything from your favorite pair of jeans to your prettiest sundresses all season long.
Grecian Toe Ring Sandals
Need something effortlessly stylish, but not sure the European sandal look is right for you? You'll definitely want to take a closer look at this season's Grecian-style toe ring sandals. Minimalist styles fit well with any look, whether it's traditional and conservative or unique and eclectic. Plus, a comfortable toe ring design lets you enjoy the freedom you'd expect from a slide with a little extra security to keep your shoe in place. Plus, they look pretty chic as well.
Look for sleek, streamlined leather options in wearable neutrals like taupe, white and granite. You can opt for a look that includes a heel if you like, but toe ring sandals still look amazing in ultra-comfortable flat styles. Finish off this simple style to perfection with a cute pedicure and perhaps a coordinating ankle bracelet. Tres chic!
Pretty Pops of Color
You don't need to dress in head-to-toe color to make spring's prettiest hues work for you. Some of this season's trendiest, most stylish looks use hyper-saturated pops of color to add appeal and dimension without overdoing it.
Try coordinating an understated, neutral shift dress or pantsuit in beige, taupe or black with a pretty pair of sandals in a beautiful, bright color of your choice. Cheery sunflower yellow is a popular choice that looks wonderful on everyone, but we've really fallen for the teal, fuchsia and tangerine options we've seen this season.
Candy apple red is another color that would work well as an accent color, especially in a fresh, springy style like the Yolo from LifeStride. Comfortable fabric uppers and elastic goring help ensure a comfortable, secure fit that won't leave you wincing in pain by the end of the ceremony. Soft System cushioning helps absorb shock and keep your feet happy, no matter how long you'll be on them. A fashionable but practical low wedge heel makes sure this look hits all the right notes.
Cunning Little Kitten Heels
Some people love them; others have yet to truly warm up to them. However, one thing's for sure when it comes to kitten heels. They're red-hot options that fashionable people will wear this spring and summer, so you'll definitely want to give them a second look if you're in search of the perfect wedding shoe. They lend any look the elegance and style that is perfect for attending a wedding but without the discomfort you'd expect from a much higher heel.
Although any color kitten heel looks great this season, the hottest looks are bone white or eggshell taupe. Colors like these set the understated, unique look of a kitten heel off to perfection, but they look wonderful in other shades as well.
If you don't believe us, do yourself a favor and slip into at least one pair of these elegant shoes this season. You'll be singing the praises of kitten heels in no time.
Chunky and Funky Block Heels
If you love the elongated leg line and height associated with higher heels but could do without the pain, you're in luck. One of the hottest footwear looks for spring is a retro platform block heel. Think chunky-but-chic slingback mules that look great with everything from a crazy pair of boho bellbottoms to an exquisitely elegant shift dress made for a spring or summer wedding.
Which spring block heel really has our attention this spring? We're all in love with the Season Black from Dansko. Buttery soft milled leather uppers feature lace-like cut-out patterns, and they are fully lined for even more comfort. Best of all, the Danae features Dansko's own molded EVA footbeds for superior comfort that will have you believing that you're dancing the night away in a pair of sneakers.
We also love the array of colors this shoe comes in. Whether you want to keep it neutral with basic black or white, add a hint of shimmer with metallic silver or inject a juicy hit of color with royal blue, there's a Danae shoe made with you in mind.
Flats on Fleek
Don't worry if the thought of wearing heels gives you anxiety. Not only is it perfectly acceptable to wear flats to dressy occasions like weddings these days, but some of this season's hottest picks are every bit as elegant as a pair of heels.
Think sleek and feminine ballet flats that feature tasteful embellishments like bows, medallions or floral prints. Metallic flats are another very popular way to add a little glamorous appeal to any look.
Although you're perfectly welcome to wear your flats all day and night if you wish, they make incredible back-up shoes to keep at the ready. Just stow a pair in your purse or glove compartment in case they're needed later on in the evening when the party goes into overtime.
Wear your sky-high stilettos for the ceremony, then switch to the flats when you're ready to give your feet a break and go where the night takes you. How simple and smart is that!
Fierce in Florals
If there's one look that's always perfect at a wedding, it's a pretty floral print. They go hand in hand with everything people love about spring. They're also a lot more versatile than you think, especially since this season's floral footwear looks are the very furthest thing from the dated, overdone styles you'd expect older women to wear.
Stay on the look-out for updated takes on baroque-inspired classics like the Renetti from Pierre Dumas. Beautiful multi-colored floral uppers are set off to perfection by elegant glittering highlights that twinkle slightly with every step.
The finishing touch is a lovely rhinestone buckle accent for an extra hint of glamorous visual appeal. Last but not least, lightly padded insoles and a modest 2.5-inch heel keep your feet happy from the first dance to the last.
Outside-the-Box Booties
If you're looking for a footwear option that's a little more unique than your standard pair of heels or flats, you might want to take a second gander at the latest spring booties. Among the most versatile shoe types out there, these cute shoes look great with everything from skirts to slacks to dresses.
They're easy to dress up or down, and they're beautifully appropriate for just about any occasion, including weddings. Try slipping into a pair of bohemian-inspired booties that feature a sleek Victorian-inspired silhouette or a subtle floral pattern to add some flair to your ensemble.
Of course, these are just a few of the many exciting footwear looks just waiting to be discovered this spring and summer. These shoe trends are definitely among our favorites, and each of them is well worth a second look. Explore the possibilities and find your perfect pair of wedding shoes today!
