Ask Angie: Leather shoes with formal attire? - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: Leather shoes with formal attire?

Marlene1

I'm attending a wedding, and the dress code is formal or cocktail attire. I'll wear a lace and embroidered below-the-knee pencil skirt and a lace blouse. I'm shoe shopping and have found some comfortable leather pumps. But 've always heard that leather shoes are not appropriate for formal occasions, and that fabric shoes should be worn instead.
Is this one of those outdated rules like "no white after Labor Day?"
Thanks for your help.

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

Runcarla

Veteran

Never heard this! I’m going to a wedding next month and wearing leather shoes…

BlueJay

Veteran

I've never heard of this either. I'd buy the leather pumps and happily wear them!

Roberta

Veteran

This is new to me too. I always thought that fabric shoes were only for bridesmaids.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Outdated guideline, and one I have never heard of

Wear your fab new formal leather shoes!

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I think this might depend on the finish of the leather - whether it's something more casual (like tumbled leather/ suede) or workwear (like saffiano/ patent leather)?

Though I do think the lines have become more blurred these days (glossy finishes & high-shine would probably be appropriate at a cocktail party now, no?)

Marlene1

Thank you all - I can wear my new shoes with confidence. Maybe that rule is just a Southern thing????

cat2

Veteran

Where is the wedding? I think some parts of the country care about the rules more. I have non-leather evening shoes from shopping for events where people care. Neiman Marcus always has a good selection.

Marlene1

Cat2, wedding is in Atlanta, Georgia. Thanks for the tip about Neiman Marcus.

kkards

Veteran

i think as long as your footwear works with the rest of the outfit in terms of style, tone and formality than it doesn't matter what its made of.

Anonymous

??? Never heard that rule!
I'd wear metallic leather with formal wear definitely at least.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suntiger, I'd wear metallic leather too!

Joy

Veteran

Me too. Metallic leather.

I have several fabric shoes for summer as they are cooler and I can't wear sandals. Several are patterns rather than plain.

CarolS

Veteran

Just a the idea of such a ‘rule’ gets my hackles up.

We should be so past this as a society.

Joy

Veteran

Ignore the outdated “rule” . Have fun and the wedding and feel confident in your leather shoes. I have seen plenty of even leather boots at weddings and brides wearing leather shoes.