Wedding Season

Here's how to choose the right designer wedding shoes to get you through wedding season and beyond:

• Think quality: You want shoes that can handle it all, from a hot afternoon to hours of all-out dancing at the reception. You need something that can last and stay looking good, which means choosing fine materials and good stitching.


• Look for shoes that do double-duty: A few pairs of shoes can take you through multiple weddings and some other events. Look for shoes in neutral colors like silver, charcoal, beige and even black. Some of the most flexible shoes have no color at all and are all strappy rhinestone or metallic so they work like accessories. Or, you can start with a gorgeous pair of shoes you love in a bright color and choose your wedding outfits based around that perfect buy. Either way, think about where else you could wear these shoes.


• Read the invite: How long will you be standing? Are you going to be on the beach? Outside on grass? Walking on a hard surface floor in an air-conditioned hotel? Knowing what you're likely to encounter gives you some good clues about whether to pack shoes, sandals or something else entirely.


• Buy more than one pair: Going formal? Mile-high shoes look stunning for photos, but once the music starts, you might want something you can let loose in. Consider bringing shorter heels or flats with you so you can hit the dance floor all night. A more formal pair and a more simple pair also gets you through most weddings, from white tie all the way to beach boho ceremonies.


• Keep comfort in mind: Weddings mean long hours and some serious celebrating, so the best wedding shoes will be light as air and comfy to boot. If you don't usually wear high heels, lower sling-back sandals could work. A chunky heel could offer more stability, too. You can even wear flats. After all — rules never applied to you, right? You don't need stilettos to enjoy someone's big day. And if you do go for mile-high heels, look for quality that delivers comfort.


• Think about care: Outdoor weddings mean your shoes could encounter everything from grass to mud. Look for shoes you can clean up easily.

Looking for women's wedding shoes and accessories to go with your dress? Check out the wedding collection at Shoe-Inn for shoes that take you from ceremony to first dance to the wee hours of the morning.