Can You Wear White Shoes to a Wedding as a Guest?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta | Rach & Troy

The biggest fashion rule for wedding guests is a simple one to follow:

DON’T WEAR WHITE.

Most people already know this and would never even consider wearing a white dress on someone else’s special day.

But what’s the rule on wearing white shoes? 

Are white shoes OK?

Experts have varying opinions on this facet of wedding guest attire. Some say wearing white shoes to certain types of weddings is perfectly fine, while others say to avoid white at all costs.  

Here’s how to decide if wearing white shoes to a wedding as a guest is OK:

Is It OK to Wear White Shoes to a Wedding as a Guest?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Indianapolis | Mack Photo and Film

There’s no hard and fast rule about wearing white shoes as a wedding guest. However, there are several things to consider that can help you decide if white shoes are an appropriate choice. 

The dress code, the venue, the season, your outfit, and your relationship with the bride are all factors to consider.

The Wedding Dress Code 

It’s best to avoid white shoes for white tie, black tie, and formal dress codes. White shoes are generally more appropriate for more casual occasions. 

Unless the wedding invitation specifically says to wear a white outfit on the big day, avoid white shoes for formal weddings. 

The Venue 

The more casual the venue, the more sense white shoes make. 

White or ivory wedges can look oh-so-chic for a barn wedding or a garden party on the grass. Meanwhile, flat white sandals might be the perfect choice for a summer wedding on the beach. 

Check the couple’s wedding website to get a look at the venue. If it’s an ultra-fancy place, leaving your white shoes at home is usually best.  

The Season 

We love the look of white boots and booties in fall and winter, but boots aren’t exactly our go-to wedding footwear. 

White sandals and heels that are wedding-appropriate tend to read more summery, so they’re best for spring and summer weddings. Consider other neutrals — like beige, taupe, or metallic hues — for fall or winter events.

Your Relationship with the Bride 

If you’ve been invited to a wedding as someone’s plus one and don’t know the bride, err on the side of caution and skip the white shoes. Taupe, gray, and metallic hues are all better neutral options. 

If you have a close relationship with the bride, ask her if white shoes are OK. Some brides won’t care, so she might give you the green light and say wear any shoes you want! 

Your Outfit 

Depending on your outfit, no one may even notice if you’re wearing white shoes!

If you have your heart set on wearing your favorite white heels, make sure they’re not the focus of the outfit. For example, if you pair a little black dress with white heels, the shoes may become the focal point. 

You can get the same effect by wearing colorful shoes and won’t risk offending the bride.

Unless it’s an all-white wedding where the bride and groom request you wear all-white attire, it’s best to pair white shoes with long maxi dresses, printed dresses, or jumpsuits or pantsuits that graze the floor. With long garments, white shoes won’t stand out the way they will with a shorter dress. 

Related: Can You Wear a Black Dress as a Wedding Guest?

Our Favorite White Shoes for Wedding Guests

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Julia Wade

White shoes can be an appropriate and stylish choice for some weddings but not for others. 

If you’ve decided that you’re going to wear white shoes to an upcoming wedding, here are some gorgeous options you may love:

Larroude Jasmine Pump in Ivory Leather 

The Larroude Jasmine Pump in Ivory Leather features chic pointed toes in a classic slingback silhouette. Flower embellishments and perforated details add texture and a touch of contrast, so the fact that they’re ivory is almost secondary.

Sam Edelman Kia Block Heel Sandal 

The Sam Edelman Kia Block Heel Sandal is perfect for wearing with a long floral print maxi dress for a more casual wedding. These strappy block-heel sandals feature an ankle strap with a buckle and chunky heels that make them oh-so-comfortable to dance in.

Larroude White Brigitte Ruffle Mule Raffia 

Ideal for pairing with a maxi dress, we love the Larroude White Brigitte Ruffle Mule Raffia for casual weddings. These slip-on sandals feature ruffle raffia detailing and chunky block heels — great for outdoor weddings on the grass.

Larroude Ivy Broderie Flat Mule in White Raffia 

The Larroude Ivy Broderie Flat Mule in White Raffia is a comfy option for casual beach weddings in the sand. These flat sandals are timeless and effortless in soft leather with scalloped edges and a stylish buckle accent. 

Larroude Elle Mule in Ivory Leather 

With stiletto heels and a feminine bow, the Larroude Elle Mule in Ivory Leather is gorgeous with a long dress or a midi dress. The open-toe mule silhouette makes them an elegant addition to any outfit, and the bow adds a fresh, fabulous touch. 

Sam Edelman Daniella Block Heel Sandal in Bright White Leather 

We love the Sam Edelman Daniella Block Heel Sandal in Bright White Leather for semi-formal events. These versatile block heels are super easy to dress up or dress down. They feature a single strap across the toe and a slender ankle strap to complement various dress styles and hem lengths.

Larroude Ines Pump in Ivory Leather 

The Larroude Ines Pump in Ivory Leather has a classic slingback silhouette with pointed toes and an adjustable ankle strap. Super chic with a wide-leg jumpsuit or a long dress, these heels go with everything. After the wedding, you can pair them with trousers or jeans! 

View our entire collection of wedding guest shoes, including flats, heels, pumps, and more!

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There’s no need to make a fashion faux pas on someone else’s wedding day. White shoes are appropriate for some weddings but not others, so if you’re in doubt, leave the white shoes at home. 

As a wedding guest, you don’t want to offend the bride or wear anything that might make you stand out in the wrong way. 

So dress your best, follow the dress code, and if you’re even slightly concerned that your footwear or dress choice isn’t ideal, wear something else. The couple invited you to enjoy yourself and celebrate their big day, not to spend the day worrying that you made the wrong fashion choice.  

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