Must Have Piece: Neutral Wedges

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If your calendar is filling up with events for this spring and summer, you are not alone. We are entering wedding, shower, and graduation season, and since life was canceled last year, people are celebrating big this time.

Almost all of these events will be held, at least partially, outside, which means we need to give extra thought to our shoe choice. Heels on concrete get uncomfortable fast and are a no-no on the grass.

What we need is a pair of neutral wedges that work with everything from pants to dresses.

Today, I rounded up five options, that will work for any outside party you have lined up this season.

5 Neutral Wedges for Outdoor Events

Espadrille Wedge, $40 | Asymmetric Strap Wedge, $43 | Slingback Wedge, $50 | Raffia Wedge, Price Varies | Ankle Strap Wedge, $60

Wedges are my favorite shoe in the summer. They provided extra height, which is necessary if you wear a long, flowing dress or skirt. As a bonus, they tend to be more comfortable than spending hours in a thin heel, mainly because the wedge helps distribute our weight more evenly.
There is something for any occasion below, from a backyard BBQ to a garden wedding. Please note, sizes are limited, so if you see something you like, don’t wait, there are few appropriate options at reasonable price points despite the growing demand.

Espadrille Wedge

Espadrille Wedge, $40

Espadrilles are the most casual option. They work with light weight bottoms, like linen pants or casual skirts. You can always wear them with white or light wash jeans. This pair from Bandolino has great reviews and are available in up to size 11.

Patent Wedge

Asymmetric Strap Wedge, $43

If you are going to be in a more formal dress or want the look of clean lines, go for something like this Asymmetric Strap Wedge from Charles and Keith (sizes are limited.) I also like this Jeffery Campbell Patent Ankle Strap Wedge available at Nordstrom in all sizes.

Slingback Wedge

Slingback Wedge, $50

This simple, patent pair from Aerosoles is a comfortable option that doesn’t look like an orthotic. With a 1.5″ wedge, you get a little lift while being able to stand in them all day.

Comfort Wedge

Raffia Wedge Price Varies

Another style meets comfort option is from Trotters. Their Raffia Wedge has a two-inch heel and a touch of texture. You can wear this with pretty much anything from a casual pair of linen pants to a long maxi dress.

Casual Wedge

Ankle Strap Wedge, $60

Finally, for a casual look with added depth of color look for something in a rich tan. You can wear this like a neutral as well, just not with formal looks. The wedge above is from Franco Sarto, on sale at Nordstrom Rack for under $60.

If you don’t like an ankle strap, Cole Haan has a gorgeous pair of wedge slides in British Tan at Amazon for under $100 – a great deal if you are looking for a go-to summer sandal.

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