Ask Marion: What Shoes Should You Wear to an All-Day Event?
Wearable and chic are not mutually exclusive. In some ways, Marion Parke is dedicated to dispelling this myth.
Ceremony to Celebration: What to Wear When it's All-Day Everything
When looking for just the right shoes for an all-day event, several factors must be considered. First and foremost, consider the amount of standing and walking you'll be doing along with the surfaces you might encounter. The standing surface might limit your shoe options, from cobblestones and grass to concrete and dance floors. All this is in addition to choosing a style that works for the occasion: formal versus casual, day versus night, high summer versus early fall. We've developed an all-encompassing collection to offer a range of heel heights and shapes, open-toe and closed-toe options, and shoes with adjustable features.
Support Over Softness: What Your Feet Really Need
Block heels are a great option for extended standing or walking periods and for soft or uneven surfaces such as grass or cobblestones. Adjustable buckles or lace-up styles are also great for extended periods of standing and walking, as they can be adjusted for additional support or if you experience swelling. A common misconception is that additional padding will make a high-heeled shoe more comfortable. In fact, the best shoes for standing and walking at events are rigid and supportive shoes, not soft and flexible shoes. More rigid shoes are best as they limit excess motion, as excess motion and flexibility lead to soreness and fatigue. Shoes with additional cushioning are best suited for repeated or high-impact activities, such as running.
Marion's Favorite Styles for Special Events
My favorite heels are, of course, our Classic Pumps. I recommend owning a few core colors, such as navy, black, and a soft pink or soft brown. I prefer suede because it softens the "fierce" look that the pointed toe and stiletto heel can give. Once you own those core colors, add fresh colorways, such as a deep red and more saturated pink, brown, or blue.
For a mid-heel height, I recommend any of our 50-60mm block heels. They transition beautifully from day to night and work on various surfaces from grass to cobblestone.
We always work to incorporate what we call a "dressy flat" into each season. The Faye flat is one of my favorites this season. It's dressy without having a flashy ornament or literal sparkle and can be worn with everything from dresses to trousers.
Form Focused. Function Led.
Wearable and chic are not mutually exclusive. In some ways, Marion Parke is dedicated to dispelling this myth. Our twice-patented insole is seamlessly incorporated into every design so that every style, from a classic pump to a low-profile flat sandal, can be more comfortable.