Cinderella wore glass slippers to the ball, and you can wear them to your wedding -- minus the discomfort and breakability. Today's clear footwear offers a variety of styles and materials. Here's how to get started on your quest for the perfect princess shoe.
Lovely Lucite
Glass is lovely, but it's impractical for footwear. Luckily, there's lucite, a hard plastic that will hold up on both the aisle and the dance floor.
Lucite doesn't have any "give," so you will want to be certain of a good fit. Wear the shoes for a few quick walks around the store. Make certain your foot stays centered in the shoe and doesn't slip. Your toes should feel comfortable and should be able to spread just slightly when you wiggle them.
Be Flexible
Another great option in clear footwear is vinyl. The heel will obviously need to be made of harder stuff, but for the vamp (the top of the shoe), vinyl offers comfort and variety.
A vinyl vamp can cover the entire foot or just part of it. It can also be composed of straps across the foot to form a sandal. Vinyl strings can crisscross the foot and be covered with decorations such as rhinestones. This fascinating effect makes the decorations appear to be sitting directly on your foot.
Clear Tie-Up Shoe
Another dazzling look is the clear tie-up shoe. This shoe uses crisscrossed ribbons to create a "suspended in air" effect. The vamp, heel and sole can be made of lucite or another clear material.
"Cinderella" Shoes
For a true Cinderella look, go all clear. With this look, only the heel will actually show. This elegant and romantic look is best for a bride who is comfortable with the look of her feet. If your feet are among your best assets, then this look is for you. Be sure to treat yourself to a relaxing pedicure beforehand, complete with a soft, subtle polish on the nails.
Fillable Heels
Something new in footwear is the fillable heel. This see-through, hollow heel can be filled with a variety of materials. Confetti, beads or fabric fit are all possible choices.
You can match your bridal party's colors with the filler, or use sumptuous ivory-and-white beads to match and softly offset your gown.
Beautiful Buckles
Making use of buckles on a clear shoe is another highly glamorous look. Go for ultra-shiny buckles (gold or silver work best for this style). The buckle will appear to be lying against the skin.
You can also use black buckles, but these can look unbalanced unless they're supported by more black, so go for a black sole or detailing as well.
Don't Forget the Bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids and maid of honor might also like to check out what's new in clear shoes. Have their footwear contrast with yours by adding a splash of color or a metallic-look stripe along the side. A solid color heel with a clear vamp works well for bridesmaids, too.
Keep in mind that the look of a clear shoe is extremely eye-catching. If one of the bridesmaids will be wearing this style of footwear, the rest of the wedding party should match. Take your girls shopping and make a day of it.
