Summer weddings and ceremonies: footwear to choose for an outdoor occasion

Elegance and comfort under the sun: a guide to the perfect footwear for special occasions.

Summer is the time when life moves outdoors, and with it, so do the most important events: garden weddings, villa ceremonies , terrace receptions, or elegant aperitifs with friends at sunset. These are occasions where the dress must interact with the setting, the natural light, and the weather. And shoes are no exception: they're not simply an accessory, but the foundation upon which the entire outfit is built.

Choosing the right footwear for a summer event means balancing aesthetics and functionality. A shoe that's beautiful, yes, but also comfortable, breathable , and suited to the type of terrain and the hours spent on your feet. In this guide, we explore how to navigate styles , materials , and colors to find the perfect pair for every occasion.

Style codes: formal or smart casual?

The first step, often overlooked, is understanding the context. A dark-suited ceremony requires a traditional approach: Oxfords or Derby shoes in smooth leather and classic shades like black or deep blue are the most appropriate choice. These structured and rigorous shoes complete the formal look with authority and discretion.

For more relaxed yet still refined contexts such as a wedding on the coast , a celebration in the countryside or an outdoor party, the key word is balance: go for loafers , slippers or unlined shoes, capable of maintaining a high style with superior comfort and a more casual imprint.

The perfect materials under the sun

High temperatures require a careful choice of materials. Smooth leathers, when treated with care and assembled using artisanal techniques, offer elegance and breathability. But the warmer months are the ideal time to rediscover the softness of suede , the porous structure of buffalo leather , or the intricate finishes of perforated calfskin , which make the shoe cooler and lighter.

Constructions like the Bologna —which eliminate internal layers and follow the anatomy of the foot—prove invaluable in these situations, ensuring flexibility and well-being even after many hours.

Colors that enhance the summer dress

In natural daylight, the color palette deserves special attention. Black retains its allure, but is best expressed in the evening, perhaps in a more formal or urban setting. For daytime, however, favor warm and sophisticated shades: cognac, tan, chocolate, loden green, or faded blue are shades that blend harmoniously with lightweight fabrics and natural settings.

These colors – often obtained through hand dyeing or drumming – give depth to the shoe and integrate seamlessly into outfits in neutral or pastel tones, creating a coherent and refined aesthetic without ever being excessive.

4 Quellilà shoes ideal for summer ceremonies

• Black leather Oxford
  The most refined choice for a formal event. Crafted from hand-dyed calfskin , calfskin lining, and paired with a leather and non-slip rubber sole. Uncompromising elegance, perfect with a classic dark suit.

• Cognac leather derby
  Slightly more relaxed, this cognac buffalo leather derby with Blake frame is ideal for a daytime wedding or an elegant yet casual event. The warm shade pairs easily with beige, light blue, or summery grays.

• Bologna veal chocolate
  These supple, sophisticated Bologna-crafted suede calfskin slippers are perfect for garden ceremonies or relaxed settings: comfortable, lightweight, and perfect for accenting light-colored suits.

• Loden leather moccasins
  Hand-dyed full-grain calfskin, with a simple band and leather and rubber sole . Ideal for a smart-casual look, suitable for outdoor summer ceremonies, where elegance without rigidity is desired.
  
  

Attending summer ceremonies means creating an outfit that reflects the beauty of the location and the occasion. Quellilà shoes , crafted with artisanal care and precious materials, are designed to make every step elegant and relaxed, from the historic center to the garden, from sunset to evening. For a masculine look that's always up to par, a wedding ring with the little details that truly matter.