What Shoes to Wear for a Winter Wedding
While weddings are still mostly associated with summertime in the UK, there’s always a slight bump in the figures when winter – especially around Christmas and New Year – comes around. It could be down to the cosy romance of the festive season, or it might simply be because venues and services tend to be a little cheaper in the off-peak season. Whatever the reason, it’s likely that anyone with a family or active social circle is going to be invited to a winter wedding at some point.
We’ve covered what to wear at a winter wedding in a previous piece, but it was a little thin on the ground when it came to footwear. So with winter knocking on the door, it’s time to round off the winter ensemble by focusing on the types of shoes you should be thinking about wearing with your winter wedding suit.
Understanding Dress Codes
Weddings tend to straddle the line between the formality of black-tie elegance and the relaxed sophistication of semi-formal gatherings. You should find the dress code on the invitation, but in the absence of instructions for a formal code, you can probably assume it’s semi-formal.
Classic Formal Shoe Options
A formal do will guide you towards the timeless appeal of a tuxedo. In such cases, your shoes should really speak of understated elegance. A beautifully polished pair of Oxfords will certainly fit the bill here – they’re not too flashy, but do emit a sense of occasion.
The closed lacing system brings a sleek silhouette, ideal for complementing a well-tailored suit. Choose shades like a classic black or a deep chocolate brown, hues that complement the winter palette. If you want a touch less rigidity, the Derby offers an open lacing variant, marrying formality with flexibility.
Semi-Formal Freedom
For semi-formal occasions, you’re balancing your personal style with the decorum of the event. Oxfords remain a strong choice, but you could introduce a little more personality by buckling up your monks. Then again, you can push the boat out with something a little more showy but on the right side of the formal fence – two-mood lace-ups spring to mind.
When the occasion allows for a bit more wiggle room, brogues and loafers enter the chat. Brogues, with their decorative perforations, have a rustic charm that never sacrifices sophistication. They effortlessly adapt to varied suit fabrics, especially rich tweeds, bringing warmth and texture.
Loafers have more of a relaxed poise, and are loved for the easy elegance they bring, especially when the time comes to hit the dance floor. Just ensure your loafers are in darker shades to match the season’s spirit.
The Leather Look
When it comes to fabric, you’re always best sticking with leather. Its capacity to withstand the challenges of winter weather while staying polished and smart is what makes it the go-to material for winter wedding shoes. A glossy finish not only satisfies the aesthetics – it actually offers a functional barrier against drops of water, an ever-present threat for the outdoor sections of a winter wedding.
Suede presents an appealing alternative if you’re brave (and careful). There’s definitely something wintry about suede – it’s a cosy-looking fabric, after all. If you can pull off the look and end the night with an unblemished pair of suede shoes, you’ll have earned your gentleman card.
Don’t overlook faux leather, which is becoming almost indistinguishable from the real thing, at a fraction of the price and ecological footprint. Faux leather can be less breathable than the real thing, so consider brogues or sleek slip-ons to keep your feet fresh over what can be a very long day.
Comfort and Fit
When we say a long day, we mean it. A morning wedding can keep you in the same pair of shoes for much longer than a normal work day, and the last few hours can be pretty active. Prioritise shoes that offer support without compromising on style. If you’re getting brand new shoes for the occasion, take a few days to wear them in as you relax at home. You’ll warm and soften the leather enough to give you the confidence of knowing your shoes – and your feet – will go the distance.
Matching with your Suit
Colour harmony between shoes and suits drastically affects an ensemble’s impact. For a classic black suit, black shoes are pretty much non-negotiable. As soon as you enter grey territory, however, your options open up a little. Black, burgundy or darker brown shoes will break up the look wonderfully. Navy suits pair perfectly with both brown and oxblood, resulting in a look that is perfectly balanced.
