Ask RemChic: Stylish summer wedges and how to wear them

Time for another post for Ask RemChic! Remember, if you have a question for RemChic you can...

1) E-mail me at info at remchic dot com with the subject line "Ask RemChic"
2) Become a fan of RemChic and ask via Facebook!

Here is our question for the day... 

Question: "So I have been looking everywhere for a pair of cute and affordable wedges. I feel like they are fitting heels for this hot weather. Can you give me some ideas of what the best styles are, [and] also, what to wear them with for casual days and dressed up nights?"

Okay, so I'm going to break this down in a way that answers all of the aspects of this reader's question, meaning this season's best wedge styles, as well as complementary daytime and nighttime outfits.This post is fairly self-explanatory, so without further ado, let's get to it!

The Gladiator-Meets-Wedge

For the past few seasons, gladiator sandals have undoubtedly become a reoccurring trend. Designers have come up with wedge designs that cater to the gladiator style, while still providing height for any fashionista who insists on a summery shoe with pizazz. This shoe is also great because it can be dressed up or down.

For my first look, I've chosen to create a casual look inspired by Jennifer Aniston's adorable Bermuda shorts. I selected a white blouse because it will be airy and refract the sun's light, keeping you nice and cool throughout the day. The overall neutral color pallet of this outfit would work well for work, running errands, or meeting for lunch....and of course, everyone knows I'm a sucker for neutrals. Finally, I would tuck the blouse in the shorts to finish off this chic and classic look.

American Eagle Clean Bermuda Shorts in Black
Steve Madden Tuscaan Sandal in Grey Multi (although it looks more like a coffee bronze to me)
Anthropologie Daring Dart Blouse in White
Urban Outfitters Cascading Mixed Metal Rhinestone Necklace
Vaselina Perfumada Fragrant Vanilla Lip Balm

For a night look, I thought these wedges would be great for going to a cantina for salsa dancing or an evening patio dinner date, so I chose this amazing blood orange Alice + Olivia dress to compliment the bronze tones in the wedge. Top it off with some cute accessories and you are good to go!

Steve Madden Tuscaan Sandal in Grey Multi
Alice + Olivia Kiera Dolman One Sloulder Dolam Dress in Blood Orange
French Connection Costal Clutch in Natural
Kardashian Square Point Earrings

Here are some more examples of gladiator wedges:

The Wedge Pump

The wedge pump is amazing for the working girl because they are totally work appropriate and provide you extra support while you are running around the office. In addition to my example, Urban Outfitters also has a really great canvass wedge pump that is really inexpensive. Check it out here!

The distributor for the Pour La Victoire shoe I've selected recommends "mixing and matching with both ruffly and tailored ensembles for a feminine yet totally chic and contemporary look," so for my day look I've incorporated both ruffled and tailored pieces into the ensemble.

Pour La Victoire Women's Edie Wedge Pump in Black
Pins and Needles Ruffle Dress (I also featured this as one of my items for the month of May!)
Topshop Shrunken Blazer in Grey Blue
Anthropologie Plucked Berry Tote in Red
Michael by Michael Kors Drake Sunglasses in Black

For the nighttime look, why not go for an easy transition? Lose the blazer and rework the accessories and you're ready for a night out! Easy and versatile is the way to go!

French Connection Dallas Sparkle Clutch
Nine West Python Fold Over Bracelet in Grey/Silver
Dior Addict Lipcolor in Pop Red

Here are some more examples of wedge pumps:

 

The Espadrille Wedge

What classifies an espadrille wedge from other wedges is the canvas or twine-looking rope, which is usually fastened in layers to a rubber or flexible sole. Espadrille wedges are very popular during the summer seasons, but probably aren't a good choice for all-year-round. The two most common espadrille wedges are the sling-back and ankle strap varieties. I prefer the ankle strap because I think the sling-back versions tend to look kinda chunky and weird; however, the Banana Republic sling-back espadrille wedge I've chosen to feature is pretty tame. Maybe it's a matter of how hard you hunt =)

Banana Republic Maureen Sling-Back Espadrille Wedge in Natural

Topshop Gold Button Mini Skirt in Khaki

Kain Silk and Model Tank

CIVINDI Women Silk Cardigan in Brown

Anthropologie Fancy Free Tote

M.A.C. To The Beach Bronzing Powder

This evening outfit could actually work in the daytime, too, and I think we can attribute that to the casualness of this shoe- you can really only dress it up so much. 

Anthropologie Grand Island Dress in Plum

Free People Bohemian Opal Ring

Hot Tools Professional Marcel Curling Iron

Frederic Fekkai Coiff™ Fini/Sheer Hold Hairspray

Here are some more examples:

And just for kicks, while I was putting together this post I found these Leather Wedge Sandals by Alaïa, which retail for over $2,000! The all-leather, Italian crafted wedges have "stitched paneling with cream thread, an open toe, cutout detailing, a back zip fastening and come in a signature brown buckle-fastening box." Oh la la!

I hope I've answered this reader's question. If you have any feedback for this reader and/or in regards to my advice leave a comment with your thoughts!

 

Photo Credits:

-Jennifer Aniston: http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl0/0/88/12_2008/JenniferAniston31808.jpg