I’ve just come back from my first outdoor summer event of the year, and my mules sunk into the grass. What should I wear instead? Please don’t say espadrilles.
If, like me, you’ve spent hours chipping mud off your beloved heels you know that a certain amount of planning is required for summer parties in the UK.
Short of packing wellies for every eventuality, I would suggest looking for solid heels, blocks, wedges (with caution) and certain flats but they should look modern and fresh.
First point of call is to find out exactly what you’re dealing with. What’s the terrain? Will there be a field, a lawn, a mile-long walk, cobbles, mountain climbing involved? Let’s tackle grassy areas first.
Country weddings, marquee events and garden parties will invariably involve some sort of turf. Let’s assume that the weather is behaving and it’s not a Glastonbury mud pit.
For those of you wedded to flats, these timeless Jimmy Choo’s will get you in the party mood. They’d look fabulous with a ’60s mini, or fitted trouser suit.
And these delicious Tory Burch ankle-tie slippers come in this perfect metallic — they sit happily against any colour and would look sweet with a long dress if you’re taller (£310, toryburch.com).
Slingbacks are flattering to the ankles and useful if you want to show a bit of flesh but not all of your foot. I love the soft texture of these pretty points from Ralph Lauren (£305, ralphlauren.co.uk). This pink is almost a neutral so it will go with lots of colours. Wear these with slim or wide trousers in cream, blue, brown or other shades of pink.
Forte Forte has this divine lilac style with ankle ties — the V cut makes the leg look longer too and compliments a wide foot.
By Far, Stuart Weitzman and Giuseppe Zanotti all have great slingback options too.
Chunky block heels can handle most surfaces. Aeyde have been a go-to of mine for a while. They could single-handedly kit you out for the entire year. The padded straps on its cream Barbara mules (£275, aeyde.com) won’t start slicing through your feet like a cheese wire once the evening comes and your feet start to swell. Nothing more guaranteed to ruin a wedding than sore feet before the first song has even been played.
I have a confession. I don’t like espadrilles in any form either. They bring back bad memories of Don Johnson and his Miami Vice footwear. I always worried he’d slip sideways when trying to apprehend a criminal. But they do have their place. Go super high or super chunky. They make any outfit more casual which is helpful in more informal gatherings — like a beach wedding for instance. Espadrille sandals team up well with midi and maxi dresses in cottons, linens and more textured fabrics. Try See by Chloé’s platform wedge or its flatform sister in “goes with anything” silver.
Staud has also done a brown leather iteration which looks especially good with navy or white outfits and works for city events and parties.
Wedges are useful for adding height and giving a relatively stable sole but they are not safe on cobbles (use flats) or for long walks. They look dated easily so choose something punchy. I’m rather partial to a bit of leopard in the right setting and these Bellini wedges from Russell & Bromley are pure magic. They sit perfectly with white, cream, navy, black, brown, purple . . . you get the picture.
Porte and Paire’s slick black mule is rather elegant too. Add to dresses, skirts and any trouser for a sophisticated look.
If in doubt plump for a platform sandal. They add instant inches and are pretty comfortable, all things considered. Russell & Bromley have numerous options and colours to choose from.
Last, some housekeeping. If there is any chance of rain do not wear suede — they are ruined if you get them soggy — or mules. Mules will kick up tonnes of water and you’ll feel like you’ve been on a bike without a mudguard! Good luck out there.
Anna Berkeley is a London-based personal stylist and style columnist for FT Weekend. She has worked in the fashion industry for more than 25 years, previously as a buyer for Selfridges and Prada, and a consultant for Margaret Howell. Every month, she will answer readers’ questions about fashion and what to wear.
Have a question for Anna? Email her at anna.berkeley@ft.com or send her a message on Instagram at @annaberkeleystyling
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