Start with the venue, not the outfit
It is the most common mistake: you choose a pair for its looks, then discover on the day that the ground isn't suited to it. The venue should be your first criterion.
On grass, gravel or sand, a slim heel sinks in and twists. You need a block or wide heel, or better still, a wedge, whose solid sole won't sink.
On parquet or smooth tiles, any heel works, but beware of new leather soles, which are particularly slippery. A non-slip sole fitted by a cobbler before the event settles the matter for good.
On cobblestones or an uneven path, choose a style with an ankle strap: it holds the foot in place and prevents missteps.
Lasting the whole day
An occasion is not an evening out: between the town hall, the church, the drinks reception, the photos and the dinner, you are on your feet for several hours at a stretch.
Three elements make a real difference. The ankle strap stops the foot sliding forward, the main cause of pain in the toes. The leather lining, standard on all our styles, grips the skin instead of slipping like a synthetic one as soon as the foot perspires. And breaking them in: wear the pair two or three times at home before the big day, never straight out of the box.
One precaution that saves many an evening: keep a second, flat pair in the car or the cloakroom. A foldable ballet flat takes up very little space.
Choosing the colour
Nude is the safest and most useful choice. It visually lengthens the leg, goes with almost every outfit and can be worn again for several events.
Metallic leathers (platinum, gold, silver) play the same neutral role while adding light. Warm gold complements warm shades, ivory and prints; platinum and silver work better with white, grey, navy and pastels. See our gold and silver selection and our gold pumps.
Black remains a good option if your outfit is printed or colourful, as it competes with no other shade. Under a light or pastel outfit, however, it creates a sharp break at the bottom of the silhouette. See our black pumps.
The occasion bag
An occasion clutch needs to hold more than you might think: phone, cards, tissues, a plaster and a power bank, the two items most often missing at the end of the day.
Choose a style with a detachable chain: worn across the body during the drinks reception, it frees your hands for a glass; removed at dinner, the clutch becomes a dressy accessory again. See our occasion leather goods and our clutches.
To coordinate the two pieces, let the shoe take centre stage: if the shoe is embellished or metallic, choose a more understated clutch. Repeating the same metallic finish on both is enough to tie them together.
Frequently asked questions
Which shoes should I wear to a special occasion?
Start with the venue: on grass or gravel, you need a block heel, a wide heel or a wedge. Then choose a style with an ankle strap to last the day, and a nude or metallic shade, which goes with most outfits.
How do I stay comfortable throughout a special occasion?
Break the pair in two or three times at home before the event. Opt for an ankle strap, which stops the foot sliding forward. Our styles feature comfort padding built into the construction and a leather lining that grips the skin. Finally, bring a second, flat pair for the end of the evening.
What colour shoes should I choose for a special occasion?
Nude is the most versatile and lengthens the leg. Metallics add light while remaining neutral: warm gold with warm shades, platinum and silver with white, grey and pastels. Black works if your outfit is printed or colourful.
What should I put in an occasion clutch?
Phone, cards, tissues, a plaster and a power bank. A style with a detachable chain lets you free your hands during the drinks reception, then carry the clutch in your hand at dinner.
