Choosing your shoes to match prom dresses

How to Match Shoes to Your Prom Dress

Shoes can make or break an outfit. The wrong pair of shoes will make even the most elegant dress fall flat at prom. Unsure of where to start with finding shoes to match your prom dress? These handy tips will help you pick the perfect pair.

Things to consider

Plain or busy? Is your dress one solid color, or does it have an all over print? Does it feature intricate beading or lace? A simple dress can be paired with a bolder shoe, while more busy designs call for simpler footwear.

Slit or long skirt? Does your dress have a slit, or does it have a long, full A-line or mermaid skirt? Your shoes will obviously be more visible with a slit, giving you a style opportunity to show off some impressive heels! If your dress has a full skirt however, your shoes will not show, making fancy footwear less of a must have.

Gold or silver? Does your dress have gold or silver beading? Matching complimentary metallic colors is a no-brainer. Make sure your shoes don’t clash!

Heel height Make sure that the shoes you choose have a heel height your comfortable with! A 4” heel may look elegant, but the effect will be ruined if the wearer wobbles when they walk. For those who are not comfortable in high heels, look for platforms and wedges, which are easier to walk in. Also practice before prom! Wear your heels around the house to break them in and get used to the height before trying to walk in a floor length gown. You can also wear flats with your dress! Especially if your dress has a full skirt, no one will be the wiser.

Safe bets

- Metallic gold or silver. Just enough sparkle to brighten your look, without clashing with your dress

- Beige; goes with almost every color and style, will elongate your legs and you can wear them again!

- Peep toe; an open toe can lighten a pair of pumps making them more seasonally appropriate for spring or summer events. Plus you can show off a pretty pedicure!

- Black. Like a little black dress, black heels go with almost any dark colored dress. Stick to lighter metallics for pastel colored dresses

Statement shoes

Contrasting color. Go wild and crazy with sparkles and bright colors! Use a color wheel to choose the hue that will most stand out from your dress. Pair bright red heels with a pastel mint gown for a retro pop, or neon with a simple black dress.

Sneakers/boots. Who says you have to wear heels to prom? Add a dose of country chic with cowboy boots, or a rocker edge with combat boots underneath a feminine ball gown. Not only will they be more comfortable, you’ll be sure to stand out. Perfect for girls allergic to stilettos.