Fashion

Mar 28, 2017

Flat shoes and sandals to wear to a summer wedding

By: Alexandra Donaldson

Yes, you can wear flats to your next formal event—just pick the right ones!

It's true that sky-high heels make our legs look great. And they often seem to perfectly complete even the most casual of outfits. But some days (see: most of them), we prefer the comfort and down-to-earth (literally) quality of flats. Even when we have somewhere fancy to go. Which, thanks to so many shapes, styles, textures and patterns, is no longer a problem.

Here are some of our favourite flat shoes and sandals to wear to the next wedding, party, graduation or cocktail night you need to go to. We promise they'll stun just as much as the stilettos gathering dust in your closet.

Embellishment is a great way to make sure your flats are black-tie appropriate.

Slingback embellished flats, $90, zara.com.

Florals will always be a great accent to any formal outfit.

White floral flats, $216, jcrew.com.

Yes, you can wear even a more casual shoe like an espadrille—just make sure it has details like metallic, texture or appliques.

Pour La Victoire applique espadrilles, $198, anthropologie.com.

This pointy-toe flat is a classic—but gets upgraded with va-va-voom red.

Red stappy flats, $70, aldoshoes.com.

A little glitter and a bow or two never hurt anyone.

Wide Fit Bow Flat sandals, $28, asos.com.

You can elevate a beachy sandal by adding an ankle wrap—this one is in ribbon.

Wrap sandal, $78, freepeople.ca.

The champagne colour of these satin slides is perfect for a wedding—and the pineapple is just cute!

Pineapple slides, $70, zara.com.

Elevate a simple sandal by picking one in a metallic. Gold, silver and rose gold are all great formal options.

Simple metallic sandle, $60, aldoshoes.com.

Don't be afraid of prints and colour. As long as the shape of the shoe is classic, you can get away with bold hues and patterns.

Billy Ella printed lace up flats, $168, anthropologie.com.

Satin is a go-to fabric for black-tie affairs—and your flat shoes should capitalize on that!

Satin slingbacks, $30, hm.com.

For a more casual wedding (think outdoors or backyard), have a little more fun. We love the idea of incorporating a pom pom or tassel.

Lace up with pom pom sandals, $162, jcrew.com.

Glitter, sequins and shimmer are all fair game on your flats for a big event.

Glitter flats, $28, asos.com.

We recommend wearing these to a more casual wedding. Although, gingham peaking out from a tulle ballskirt would be amazing too!

Gingham ankle wrap flats, $175, jcrew.com.

Embroidery is big for 2017—so take the trend to your toes.

Nine West embroidered flat, $110, thebay.com.

Pair a floral dress with a standout shoe. Forget making an impact with sky-high-heels and instead pick a saturated hue.

Nina Originals Kelly Green sandals, $128, anthropologie.com.

You can't go wrong with black—but a strappy black sandal will elevate the whole look.

Steve Madden strappy sandal, $112, nordstrom.com.

If you're worried about footwear, simple but stunning is best. This T-strap shape is minimalist, but the metallic keeps it appropriate.

Silver T-strap sandal, $55, aldoshoes.com.

Yes, you can wear oxford to a formal event. Just make sure to keep the toe almond or pointy, and look for luxe details. Metallic or patent are always good texture options.

Metallic oxford, $118, freepeople.ca.