There are two sentences I hear almost everyday as a Milliner. The first is, "I don't think hats suit me". I answer that question separately in another Blog post! Click here if need me to show you how Hats can suit everyone. The second sentence is "I don't know if I have a pair of shoes to match. What shoes should I wear with this outfit? Where can I get a pair of shoes to match?".
No Mother of the Bride outfit is complete without a stylish pair of shoes. You don't always have to match your shoes to your Hat, but rather one that "coordinates". The two shouldn't touch unless you are kicking your hat around the floor, so a perfect match is certainly not required.
The same with pairing the shoes and dress. Perfectly matching the color of your shoes to your mother of the bride dress is not only very difficult (even if the same dye were used, then the dye will look different on a silk or poly, that on leather), but perfect matches make the outfit flat and dated. Choose a shoe color that coordinates with, your dress but is one shade darker. For example if the dress is Baby Blue, then choose a shoe in Cornflower Blue. If the dress is Baby Pink, then choose a shoe in Dusky Pink. If your dress has several colours, then it's perfectly acceptable to have your hat and bag in different colours picked out from the dress, and more creative than being matchy-matchy with your entire outfit.
Please don't be tempted by the shoes that are dye-able! I've never yet seen a pair be colour matched perfect. They don't mix dyes and test and remix, and retest, till they get it perfect. They simply choose from their limited colour palette, so only those with a dress colour on that palette will indeed get the perfect match. The second issue is they aren't expensive shoes (under £100 / $130 usually) and like most shoes in this price bracket, they don't fit or breath the best. The third issue being the dye and shoe are not run proof or water proof so you need sprint for cover once a single drop of rain falls. End Result = Cheap Shoes, that don't colour match, and have the colour run into your feet instead.
Who's the LEAD Singer: The Hat, the Dress or the Shoes? If the dress has oodles of detail or color, then let the dress steal the show. Keep the shoes to Neutral shades. This includes Champagne, and Metallic tones. Champagne, a soft, light gold nude is popular in the summer, or deeper hues in Winter (champagne shoes can get dirty at winter weddings) .
The SEASON: Cold toes aren't a good look. If it is a winter wedding a closed toe shoe is of course best. There are also lot's of pretty velvet shoes in rich jewel colours that are very regal looking for a Winter wedding Mother of the Bride. In Summer months, a peep toe is acceptable, although I prefer closed toes but in mesh or lighter fabrics.
Chose a Feminine Shoe: I know you might not wish to wear the 5" heels you used to wear in your twenties, but please choose a pretty shoe. Choose a 2-3" mid heel, with an pointed toe, and they'll will still be elegant and comfy, rather than frumpy. The mid heel is having a fashion moment right now, so you'll be on trend. Mid heels are high enough to make an impact, low enough to wear all day - a perfect blend of style and practicality.
The Venue: Needless to say, a High, Stiletto or Kitten heel won't be ideal for a Beach wedding, but exactly the shoe for a City wedding.
Quality and Comfort: You might think comfort can be best addressed by wearing flats, but actually comfort in a pair of Mother of the Bride shoes (in fact all shoes) comes from the quality, not height of heel. The more expensive shoes have better construction, using more flexible materials, and more breathable materials. If you don't have the budget to spend hundreds on every item in your outfit, then cut costs on the other elements. A cheap handbag won't make you uncomfortable, nor would cheap jewellery. But sweaty, sticky, tight swollen feet make for an unpleasant day.
Ever, and always willing to help my customers out I've compiled my selection of the best Mother of the Bride shoes to compliment your Mother of the Bride outfits and hats, that are on trend, fashionable (to your daughters brief), and comfortable (to your brief!).
I've divided the shoes into a few different categories (budgets), from Mum totally spoiling herself on her daughters wedding day, to the more budget conscious, so you can select from the category that suits your requirements. I constantly update, add, remove shoes each season so you should find you can still grab them.
If you are also on the hunt for the perfect Mother of the Bride Clutch Bag, you might also enjoy my picks of those, on my article: The best Mother of the Bride bags.
If like many and want to keep it simple with a pair of Nude shoes, then I also have a post constantly updated with the best of the seasons Nude shoes: Here.
This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've selected you. If you see anything you like, click the links and decide to buy the suggestion, then the retailer will give me a little commission (maybe even enough to buy me a latte) to thank me.
Below is a gallery of some Luxury Shoes I've hunted out for you to splash out and show off with on your Daughters Special Wedding Day.
View: Mach + Mach Green Shoes (International). Need I say more? How divine for a Spring / Summer Wedding Mother of the Bride.
View: Amina Muaddi (UK). A rich cobalt blue shade brings an artistic sentiment to Amina Muaddi's Rosie slingback pumps. They're crafted in Italy from sumptuous silk satin with a sharp point toe set with a by a glittering bow plaque that's adorned with an array of baguette and round-cut crystals.
View: Jimmy Choo Odette Shoes (UK). Dramatic and eye-catching. The beautiful decoration crystal bow clasp is completely made by hand and composed of approximately 650 crystals interspersed with silver beads.
View: Sophia Webster Champagne Gold Jasmine Shoes (International) and also at: Neiman Marcus (USA). Sophia Webster "Jasmine" glitter and mesh pumps with napa trim in a Champagne Gold perfect for so many Mother of the Bride outfits.
View: Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Shoes (USA). Sparkling crystal leaves vine across this satin mule pump, showcasing Manolo Blahnik's flair for dramatic embellishment.
View: Jimmy Choo Romy Shoes (International). Platinum Ice Dusty Glitter Pointy Toe Romy Pumps with Crystal Tiara.
View: Manolo Blahnik Lurem Shoes (UK) and also try here for:: Harrods (UK). Manolo Blahnik's penchant for embellishment is perfectly captured by the Lurum mules. Adorned with a cluster of sparkling crystals to the toe and across the top strap.
View: Sophia Webster Laurielle Shoes (USA). Ballet-pink and white open heel mule shoes.
View: Jimmy Choo Lucele Shoes (International). The Jimmy Choo Lucele in ballet pink nappa lace is a stunning sandal that demands to be seen. With a flamboyant floral embellishment, which is applied on soft French lace, finished with an open toe.
View: Mach & Mach Pink Shoes (International). Mach & Mach’s glamorous vision is encapsulated in these pink Double Bow pumps, rendered in smooth silk satin and leather with a glittering crystal bow.
View: Aquazzura Pink Suede Crystal Shoes (International). Suede slingbacks with a medium height stiletto heel and crystal wrap foot.
View: Malone Souliers Pink Raffia Shoes (UK). Malone Souliers brings textural contrast to the pared-back profile of its signature Maureen mules with this light pink pair in woven raffia which is offset by the elegant burgundy leather straps and stiletto heel.
View: Rene Caovilla Gold Lace and Crystal Shoes (USA). Rene Caovilla Veneziana Embroidered Lace Mid-Heel pump in bejeweled, embroidered lace.
View: Manolo Blahnik Velvet Shoes (USA). Perfect Mother of the Bride shoes for the Autumn Winter Months.
View: Christian Louboutin Galativi Strass Shoes (International). Christian Louboutin's pumps glisten beautifully under the light thanks to the constellation of crystals at the pointed toes. They're made from lightweight mesh and detailed with metallic leather across the vamps.
View: Malone Souliers Pink Maureen Shoes (USA). A duo of sleek bands arc over the dramatically curved topline of an elegant mule done in smooth ombre pink leather with a pointy toe and slender wrapped heel.
Below is a gallery of some designer shoe (but not empty your bank bank account shoes!) I've hunted out for you. Beautiful Mother of the Bride Shoes, priced between £100.00 to £450.00 ($130 to $640.00), that you will love and use again for evening wear, Kentucky Derby, days at the races, and formal events in years to come.
View: Dune Adorned Gold Shoes (UK) .
View: Boden Navy Star Shoes (UK). With a comfortable elasticated satin heal strap, these fun shoes are adorned with a glittering constellation across the front strap to complete your stellar Mother of the Bride look.
View: LK Bennett Lace and Crystal Shoes (UK) and also available at: John Lewis (UK).
View: Ted Baker Blush Pink Shoes (UK) or for in the USA.
View: Kurt Geiger Shoes (UK).
View: Ted Baker Floral Shoes (UK) and also from Ted Baker (USA). Can't bear to wear a floral dress as Mother of the Bride? Wear a palest pink dress, then add flowers through your shoes instead, with these pretty Woodland Floral Ted Baker Shoes.
View: LK Bennett Viola Shoes (UK).A stand-out court shoe, the Viola courts are pretty in pink. Crafted from vibrant watermelon pink satin, they have a pointed toe, bow detail across the front of the foot, a sleek silhouette and a leather-covered stiletto heel.
View: L.K. Bennett Franny Shoes (UK) and also available here at: John Lewis (UK).
View: Ted Baker Pink Satin Shoes (UK) or for in the (USA).
View: Phase Eight Kitten Heel Shoes (UK). The Dasha occasion kitten heels are designed with a crystal detail atop a satin ribbon, laid over petersham grosgrain fabric body, and a pointed toe.
Looking to complete your Mother of the Bride outfit with pretty shoes for under £100.00 ($130). Below is a gallery of some still super pretty shoes, more than suitable for Mother of the Brides. There are still glamorous shoes within a budget price range (but the crystals won't be Diamonds or Swarovski!). Still perfect for once or twice use occasions like weddings. If your dress is busy, you could choose one of the less ornate pairs.
View: Dune Blush Pink Shoes (UK) and also available at: House of Fraser (UK).
View: Dune Cheska Shoes (UK).
View: David Tate Shoes (USA).
View: Nina Bettey Shoes (USA). Also available in other colours. A frothy tulle flower brings a romantic allure to these Mother of the Bride shoes. A chic, pointy-toe pump in lustrous satin with mesh on a delicate kitten heel.
View: Ted Baker Gold Shoes (UK) or also from: Ted Baker (USA).
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