For centuries, footwear designers have tweaked women’s footwear, ranging from flats and platforms to stilettos and pumps. But designs like wedges have yet to rise to the level of cult following.
Wedge heels are high, chic, and edgy, the perfect addition to summertime shorts and dresses. Pairing a tall wedge with a short outfit is a match made in summer 2023 style heaven.
Wedges with Shorts
Women’s wedges offer a comfortable and fashionable option to heels for any attire. They’re also great for elongating your legs because of their heeled slant, helping you to feel taller and more confident.
Originally introduced as “cothurni” in Greek theatre to provide stability for actors, the platform style grew in popularity during the 1930s with Salvatore Ferragamo’s revolutionary design, which was embraced by Hollywood stars. The espadrille-inspired silhouette became very popular in the 1960s and ’70s, aligning with the boho fashion movement. Today, espadrille wedges feature jute-wrapped soles or rattan to add a natural look to any warm-weather ensemble.
Espadrille wedges are an excellent match for sundresses because they’re easy to walk in and offer a beachy vibe that goes perfectly with vacation days or just a casual, summery look. Pair them with a straw hat or raffia bag to tie in the organic feel of your shoes.
Try wedge heels with a skirt or dress for a trendy look. It looks incredibly chic with pastel-colored dresses or floral prints, like the ones worn by influencers. The heels elevate the feminine silhouette of your look, and you can always wear them with a denim jacket or blazer for colder weather.
You can pair a midi or maxi dress with wedges for a sophisticated look suitable for any occasion, from casual brunches to weekend weddings. This style is ideal for dresses with a romantic lace pattern or floral print.
Sundresses
While the terms sundress and summer dress are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between the two. A sundress is a specific style of dress designed to be worn in warm weather, typically made from light fabric and with a relaxed and flowing design. On the other hand, a summer dress is a broader term encompassing any dress suitable for the summer.
The 1920s saw many changes in women’s fashion, from the calf-revealing flapper style dresses to lowered hemlines and Hollywood glam. In addition, ideas about the female body began to relax, with women gaining greater freedom from the restrictive expectations of previous generations. Corsets gave way to softer, more comfortable styles. Sleeves grew shorter, and the fabric used in women’s dresses began to shrink.
In addition, as skirts widened, the frilled drawers or pantalettes young girls wore to cover their legs became visible. These garments were worn over a chemise, the only part of a woman’s wardrobe that touched the skin and absorbed sweat, protecting the more expensive outer layers of lace and tassels from becoming dirty.
Platform Wedges
Wedges are similar to heels but have thick soles that make them more comfortable. Heels are raised in the front of the shoe, while wedges extend them across the sole. They also are chunkier than other types of shoes.
Heel-height wedges can be paired with just about any sundress in your closet. They’re especially popular with midi dresses, as the high heel provides height without sacrificing mobility or comfort. This pair’s light natural suede color is an excellent complement to any midi dress in your closet.
Platform wedges are an excellent option for those who want the height of heels but prefer something a little easier on their feet. The stacked heel and platform sole provide the extra height boost while still being much more comfortable than high-heeled shoes with more bottomless incline heels.
The wedge-heel shoe style first became popular in ancient Greece and later rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1970s. Originally called “cothurni,” they were worn by actors in Greek theatre to provide height and stability for their performances.
Chunky Wedges
If you were concerned wedge heels were a trend of the past, they’re back for fall 2023. From the runways to fashion people’s feeds, chunky styles have emerged as one of the biggest shoe trends this season, offering a fusion of comfort and style.
The cult-favorite silhouette appeared in various styles on the spring runways.
If you’re short on height, a pair of wedges will help your legs look longer.
