How to Pick the Right Prom Shoes
Finding the right shoes to pair with your prom dress can be hard, but understanding the process will make it easier. It is important to find the right pair for you, as it ensures that you feel and look your best during prom. In this guide, we will discuss the factors to consider when choosing your prom shoes and talk about the most common types of prom shoes. We will also suggest shoe styles that will complement the different types of prom dresses, as well as recommended colour pairings for your shoes and dress.
What To Consider When Choosing Your Prom Shoes
With so many options to choose from, there are a few factors you should take into consideration before you make your choice.
Heel Height And Type
Before you start looking for your prom shoes, it is best to take note of the height and type of heels that you are usually comfortable with wearing. Higher heels will put more pressure on the balls of your feet, which might cause discomfort after a few hours of wear. Thinner heels, like stilettos, might be harder to walk in than heels with larger bases, like block heels. Depending on your personal preferences, you might gravitate towards certain styles over others.
However, if you wish to experiment with new silhouettes, there are also ways to ease yourself into them. For higher heels specifically, ball-of-foot cushions can help absorb shock and distribute pressure to instantly allow for a more comfortable tread. Read more on how to walk in heels comfortably.
TIP
Whichever pair of shoes you pick for prom, it is best to break them in first. Plan to have your shoes on hand before prom night so there is sufficient time for you to wear them around the house and stretch them out. Doing so will also help you identify areas of discomfort well before the big night and find solutions for them with the right foot care accessories.
Dress Length And Silhouette
The length and silhouette of your dress matter. The length of your dress will determine the height of your shoes: long dresses generally pair better with higher heels, which will lift the hemline of your dress and prevent you from tripping over it. Apart from that, the construction and style of your shoes should also complement the silhouette of your dress — body-fitting dresses will look good with slimmer heels, for example. If your dress features a slit or generally exposes more of your legs, consider bolder styles. Generally, it is best to try on your dress and shoes together before committing to your final choice.
Prom Dress Codes
Ultimately, you should always respect the dress code indicated by your school and try your best to comply with it. There are a few standard dress codes for proms, although each case can vary slightly from the norm.
Formal / Black-Tie Optional
Typically, prom is a formal event unless otherwise stated. To dress the part, long dresses or gowns in modest designs are the standard. Nothing should be too casual nor too revealing. However, black-tie optional offers more flexibility — apart from full-length evening gowns, mid-length dresses are also accepted.
Semi-Formal
Less common than formal and black-tie optional dress codes, semi-formal is more relaxed. Short cocktail dresses, tea-length dresses and elegant jumpsuits are acceptable options that adhere to this code.
Theme-Based Dress Codes
Some schools might come up with their own themes for the proms. Classic examples include Hollywood Glamour, Masquerade Ball, Garden Party and more. Themes may establish a specific styling direction with regards to colour palettes, dress styles and accessories, but still remain generally formal in nature unless otherwise indicated.
Popular Prom Shoe Options
Now that you’ve figured out what you might be looking for, here are some popular shoe options for your consideration.
Classic Prom Shoes
Classic prom shoes can best be described as barely-there styles — they usually have sleek and minimalist designs. Heeled open-toe sandals are most commonly worn, as they visually elongate the legs and are versatile enough to go with most dresses. They are also suitable for the springtime, the season in which prom is usually held. For a dressed-up look, pick styles with crystal embellishments or metallic finishes.
Trendy Prom Shoes
Trendier styles feature more elaborate details, like bows, buckles and strappy designs. There are also more experimental finishes, ranging from shiny metallics to soft-hued satins.
Comfortable Prom Shoes
If comfort is your priority, consider heels of a lower height and sturdier construction. Block heels have larger bases for more stability, while platform heels have raised soles that will better support the arches of the feet. Alternatively, kitten heels provide a modest yet flattering height boost that is still relatively comfortable. More relaxed dress codes might even permit covered flats: pointed-toe silhouettes and Mary Janes are presentable options. While sneakers are typically too casual to be considered, you might be able to opt for a sleek white pair if your school does not have a strict dress code.
Prom Shoe Styles For Every Prom Dress Type
Here are some shoe styles that we think will match well with common types of prom dresses.
Ball Prom Gowns
Ball gowns usually feature fitted bodices with full, dramatically-flared skirts. Since they are typically floor-length, your shoes can barely be seen. However, you should still ensure that they are tall enough to keep your dress’ hemline off the floor, so you don’t step on it. Since very little of your shoes would be visible, you can prioritise comfort — pick platform heels for a sturdy, foolproof choice.
Slit Prom Dresses
Although they come in different lengths, slit dresses all feature an opening that will expose some part of the legs. To keep the attention on the legs, opt for open-toe, barely-there heels in skin tone hues that will help visually elongate your frame. It is best to avoid chunky, covered shoes, as they can cut off the leg line in an unflattering way. However, since the shoes are the focal point, you can also choose bolder, open-toe designs to make a statement.
Mermaid Prom Dresses
Mermaid dresses hug the body down to the knees before flaring out into a dramatic, tail-like skirt. They are often full-length dresses, which means they will obscure the legs and shoes. That allows you to prioritise comfort — opt for low heels or flats since they won’t be seen. Since this type of dress usually restricts your movement, it is important to pick comfortable shoes that you can walk confidently in. For a pair that will firmly secure your feet in place, consider strappy shoes with sturdy heels.
A-Line Prom Dresses
Characterised by a fitted bodice that flares out distinctively at the waist, A-line dresses can come in all types of lengths and designs. Some might feature a leg slit, while others might feature a full floor-length skirt. They generally go well with most types of shoes — most importantly, your choice should complement the colour and design of your dress.
Cocktail Prom Dresses
Suitable for semi-formal dress codes, cocktail dresses can range from knee-length to mid-calf. They are often made with lighter fabrics like satin and are also usually less elaborate in design. Since your shoes will be on full display, you can opt for dressy, eye-catching styles like slingback heels or strappy gem-embellished heels to elevate your dress and create an outstanding look. For a glamorous aesthetic, pick a pair with towering heels and a metallic finish.
Short Prom Dresses
Though it is less commonly permitted, some prom dress codes allow for short dresses. Since these dresses are more casual in style, you can be more playful with your shoe choices — think platform heels and bold covered styles. To maximise the leg-lengthening effect of a short dress, pick a pair with higher heels.
How to Pair Shoe Colours with Your Prom Dress
The colour of your dress is another important factor to consider in the selection of your shoes. It is worth noting, however, that the same hue might translate differently on certain materials — a blue satin dress, for instance, will look quite different from a blue tulle dress of the same hue. Though it is generally advisable to refer to the base colour of your dress, you can also consider matching your shoes to the details and embellishments on your dress.
Blue Prom Dresses
Since blue is a standout colour, it will pair best with shoes in neutral hues like black, white and nude. For something more striking, you can also consider a metallic finish that matches your skin’s undertone. Silver, for instance, would suit someone with cooler undertones.
Red Prom Dresses
As striking as red is, neutral shoes are still a safe bet. Metallics would also work, but to go even bolder, you can consider a tone-on-tone pairing. Instead of finding shoes in the exact shade of red as your dress, you can consider lighter or darker hues of red to add depth and dimension to your look. Discover more tips on how to find the right pair of shoes for your red dress.
Black Prom Dresses
Black is a truly versatile neutral tone that will match easily with shoes of most colours. You can go for a timeless look with minimalist designs, or choose statement pairs with embellishments and striking details. Alternatively, you can opt to match the colour of your shoes to a certain design detail on the dress. Silver shoes, for instance, would complement silver beading perfectly.
Jewel Toned Prom Dresses
Jewel tones are rich, vibrant colours inspired by gemstones like emerald, sapphire and amethyst. They include colours like emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue and amethyst purple. To balance out the richness of these hues, muted neutrals like beige and black are generally foolproof options. If you wish to enhance the glamorous appeal of your dress, gold and bronze shoes will add a regal warmth to your look.
Pastel Prom Dresses
Pastels are light colours, so it is best to pick shoes of a similar colour value. In other words, avoid deep neutrals like black or dark brown as they will clash with your dress. Beige, off-whites and taupe will better match the soft and dreamy aesthetic of a pastel-hued dress. For a touch of glamour, you can also opt for silver or champagne shoes.
Metallic, Glitter and Sequin Prom Dresses
These types of dresses usually make enough of a statement on their own, so it is best to stick to understated shoes to keep the focus on the dress. You can either go for muted neutrals, a trendy see-through design, or a pair in the same tone as your dress. For example, if it’s a gold sequinned dress, your heels should be in a similar shade of gold.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to your prom shoes. Take a closer look at all our recommendations and more by browsing our extensive collection of stylish shoes — we hope that you find your perfect pair of prom shoes.