The “go to” wedge for Summer
June 12th, 2008Three seasons along and still going strong, wedges continue to make a huge fashion statement in America. They aren’t as popular in Europe for some reason (this has been my experience in Paris, Barcelona and London).
You’ll get away with wearing one style of wedge with most of your Spring and Summer outfits if you choose wisely. Here are key characteristics to consider if you’re looking for one wedge to woo them all:
- Heel height: Select a height that’s manageable for you.
- Shoe colour: Keep the colour metallic, cream, off-white or a shade of tan. Don’t choose black. This is heavy for warm weather and won’t look as fresh and Summery as a lighter colour.
- Heel colour: Make sure the heel is in a light colour too. A contrasting black or dark brown heel has the same “heavy-looking” effect. Wood, cork, wicker or self-fabric are good options.
- Style: Opt for a refined style as opposed to anything clumpy. That way you can wear the wedge with dresses and skirts as well.
Add a pretty pedicure and Bob’s your uncle. You’ve got a flop-proof Summer shoe that matches almost anything.
There is loads of variety when it comes to this type of wedge. Select a ped that matches your style and make it your “go to” and fall back option for warm weather dressing.
June 12th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Tanya, you drooled a little on your keyboard…..
June 12th, 2008 at 7:14 am
He he Nicole you are absolutely right. I love pretty much all the options Angie posted above! I already have a pair for this purpose: a nude d’orsay peep-toe, and the second one - those silver Cole Haans you approved of earlier are on their way ( and third pair too-gold wedge BCBG slides- not quite in this category). But now this post makes me want a pair in gold, and one in cream and…
This the toughest test yet for my shopping ban! Must … stay away… from buying more wedges…
June 12th, 2008 at 7:15 am
What do you think about wearing a some of the above wedge styles with a sundress for a wedding? Would this style shoe be appropriate?
June 12th, 2008 at 7:27 am
The Onex Trish one in the middle is calling my name! Hmmm, visiting this site daily is damaging my wallet in a big way…
June 12th, 2008 at 7:31 am
I’ve been seriously considering a pair of gold wedges for this summer. I’m not really capable of walking in anything higher than a kitten heel so wedges seem like such a great alternative.
June 12th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Is it a day wedding, Anna?
You were in my thoughts every second I wrote this entry, Tanya. I’m sure the YLF community would appreciate any pointers you could give them on how to find the perfect wedge from “the” wedge queen herself.
June 12th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Lannie, wedges are easier to walk in than regular heels. You could probably successfully walk in a much higher heel. And if you make that a platform wedge, you can actually go even higher. (If you are trying to add a little height to yourself.)
June 12th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Thanks for this article! I was wanting to get a pair of wedges, but didn’t really know what to look for to get one that’s versatile and elegant. Tanya, I would be interested in hearing your take on finding the perfect wedge as well!
June 12th, 2008 at 8:08 am
I Hate wedges. Hate Hate Hate. They will always look clunky and they will never be as feminine as a nice pair of kitten heels or flats. I can’t wait for this trend to go away! Have you ever known an outfit to look BETTER with a wedge than any other shoe that would work? I didn’t think so.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Well, one wedding is at 7 pm but it’s outdoors, so maybe wedges would be a smarter choice walking around outside anyway. The other wedding is at 1 pm and it’s going to be pretty casual/simple as well. I should probably stick with lighter colors, cream, or metallics, like the ones you picked above, and probably not go over the top with the heel height; 2-3 inches?
June 12th, 2008 at 8:13 am
That’s what I was figuring- I really don’t like heels, I can’t walk in them and just generally find them really uncomfortable so wedges just seem like the better option. I don’t think I need extra height per se (I’m between 5′8″ and 5′9″) but for those occasions when you need a bit of height in your shoes, I’d like to give wedges a go.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I just wrote a huge post but it was lost due to some glitch. I have to run now but will rewrite it later in the afternoon.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I’m a recent wedge convert! I have the FUSSIEST feet on earth and thought I was regulated to flats (or flat-ish) shoes until I tried my first wedges last summer. The support, the platform comfort, the sassy boho look. I’m in love.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Wedges remind me of the seventies. BUT, if they are easier to wear than heels — at 5′10″ I never learned to walk in heels — I’ll have to give them a try.
-PS, new reader here and I love your site, but fear for my wallet with all this inspiration!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:57 am
I just discovered your site yesterday. I am so glad I did! Angie, your style tips are amazing and your readers have great insight. I’m so looking forward to becoming a part of the community!
I think I need to get me some light colored wedges!
June 12th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I don’t like how wedges look. Even if I could wear heels, I wouldn’t wear these…especially the cork ones. The proportion looks “off” to me. The ones in the middle on the bottom row look the best to my eye…but the rest just look ugly and too sporty. Maybe that’s why they don’t wear them in Europe :)!
June 12th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Ok, I’ll try to reproduce my earlier post that was lost…
Thanks for the compliment Angie, I’ll try the best I can. I have been a huge wedge fan for about 10 years now. About 70 % of my shoe wardrobe are wedges. I need some lheight in my shoes but gind most heels uncomfortable, so wedges are the perfect solution. For me they are comfier than most of the flats too, which can feel too flat sometimes. And kitten heels are for some reason very uncomfortable for me, and I’m not a huge fan of the look either.
Thigs to consider when buying a pair of wedges:
1. Material of the actual wedge. Rubber is by far the most comfortable since it has some give, but can look more sporty. Cork, jutte and lighter plastic are pretty comfy too. Wood tends to be very hard on your ankles for long periods of time.
2. Material of the shoe: leather can stretch out and mold to your foot, but sometimes fall off to. Canvas does not stretch at all. Canvas in light colors such as cream gets dirty very easily and very fast.
3. Shoe details. Peep-toes are very cute, but depending on their cut can really dig in if you have fussy feet. Slingbacks are the best with the adjustable buckle. The ones with elastic can be too tight, or too loose and fall off from your feet. Some slingbacks also tend to make annoying flapping sound.
4. Stylewise, If you’re worried about clunkiness, they look great with pants/jeans etc. which cover the wedge almost completely, which they should be doing if you’re listening to Angie about proper pant-lengths - a just a tad off the ground. So bootcut/flare pants/jeans with wedges are winning combo. You get the look of the heels with additional comfort.
For skirts, low vamp and some kindof cutout helps combat the clunky effect. They make some really narrow wedges which look like heels from the back that are not clunky at all. And this season they have a cutout in the actuall wedge too.
5. Brand Me Too makes some incredibly comfy ones with really padded soles. A bit of platform helps with comfort too.
I personally find a pair in mettalic leather, closed toes, ~2” height to work with absolutely everything and keep my fussy feet happy all day long. Like this one:
http://www.theshoemart.com/cgi.....late=women
June 12th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Good plan Anna who’s going to two weddings and considering wedges.
Thank you to YLF’s Tanya for her comprehensive and sensible defense of the wedge. Your reasoning is logical, and to top it all off, you’re actually a Euro girl. Good thing you live in America. You’d have wedge withdrawals if you didn’t !
My two cents worth: wedges come in all sorts. There are sportier styles and ultra refined styles. There is a modernity about the wedge that I appreciate. They are less fussy than normal heels and for women that lead a more casual lifestyle, they offer a stable solution. The chunkiness of the heel can lend itself well to certain body types and this is a good thing.
I have one pair of wedges. They’re cream, antique-looking, refined, round-toed, sling back and 2 inches high. The sling back has a bit of elastic on one side for extra comfort. I love these 5-hour shoes and they continue to be by fall back option for numerous Summer outfits. I’d really miss them if they were gone.
June 12th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Tanya, I have been wanting those shoes. They are on super-sale at Smart Bargains for only $119! Sadly, they don’t have my size. If you haven’t tried Nike Cole Haan shoes, I encourage all of you to check them out!
Link
June 12th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
He he Rosie, I have actually already ordered them form that same place when they were extra 20% off ( down to $96) and am waiting eagerly for them to arrive.
Thank you for posting that, it so sweet!
June 13th, 2008 at 4:11 am
I have one pair of wedges, too. They are my “go-to” summer heel. I bought them a couple of years ago, so they are starting to look a little worn, but they go with everything, and I’ve yet to find a replacement that I like. They are metallic gold and strappy (with a buckle around the ankle) and about 3 inches high. I wear them with dresses and jeans, and Angie’s right that the metallic style goes with everything.
June 13th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I just came back from the mall with some wedges and I find this article!
I’m not sure I did Angie proud though. I bought the Naturalizer WOW, in black, red and white (They were on sale, plus I have a discount card with Naturalizer, and I haven’t bought any summer shoes yet, so I indulged. I always buy multiples because I’m so picky.)
I’m wearing the red ones right now with jeans and a gray top, and I plan to wear the white with jeans and a white top, but now I’m questioning if I should keep the black? I wear a lot of black so I though black would be useful, but Angie is the style queen and if she says no black, I should probably listen! Maybe I should return the black ones?
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7375489/c/15.html
June 13th, 2008 at 10:03 am
A lovely shoe Tara, and you HAVE done me proud by including white in your purchases. Thank you! You can’t go wrong with a red shoe. It’s a basic and matches just about anything. White is a Summer delight. So take back the black.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:56 am
As I read Angie’s tips on style and color for this ped I received confirmation that the pair of Anne Klein’s I bought last year are still perfect for another season. They are cream patent, sling back, peep toe with wicker heels. This made my day. Thanks, Angie!
June 15th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I am keeping my eyes peeled for some cork wedge sandals that don’t look overly clunky. I had a cream-colored pair a few years ago that were just perfect–should have bought 2 pairs when I had the chance.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:13 am
[…] Taylor items we used to put together the outfits described above, shown with similar accessories. A metallic go-to Summer wedge would work equally well. You don’t need to go to Ann Taylor to put this colour combination […]