Spring/summer 2024 is just around the corner. Do you know what that means? The wedding season begins!

For a woman, choosing the right dress for a wedding can often be exhausting. So many designs, so many colors and so few ideas represent a classic situation, the kind that makes you hate the bride and groom-to-be even if the one getting married is your sister to the nicest person in the world.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone: we’ve all been there. That’s why we at Fratinardi decided to write this article. After reading it, we promise that not only will you have a clearer idea, but you will be the most beautiful guest at the whole wedding!

First of all!

The first key step is to figure out where the reception will take place, when it will take place, and if there is a dress-code!

Consider the location. If the bride and groom will be celebrating at a magnificent sea-view hotel-restaurant with eighteen Michelin stars, you won’t wear the same outfit if the reception were at the restaurant “Aunt Peppina’s House,” to wit. Being “over-dressed” at a wedding is just as wrong as showing up in an acetate suit, so be careful.

When will it take place? Consider not only the time but also the season. An early spring wedding, for example, will require some extra attention to outerwear. A simple stole will not be enough to shield you from the evening chill, which can instead be a great option for the cool summer weather, the kind that is also pleasant after all.

Is there a dress-code? You’ll read about it in the participation. Black or white tie, red evening fair weather hopefully, Alice in Wonderland–the theme is written there. If you need some clarification, you ask the bride (or her mother, usually it is the mothers who really organize the wedding).

With these details clarified, let’s move on.

Morning wedding

How do you dress for a morning wedding? Ideally, wear a colorful dress that reflects the season. A spring wedding goes well with pastel colors, while for a summer one even brighter colors are suitable.

Black is not recommended (how many times have we been told that?), if you really like it, opt for a dark blue. It must be said, eh, that then there are brides who instead like it, maybe even write it on the participation… To be on the safe side, it’s better to ask the protagonist of the ceremony if you will be able to wear it, who will be able to give you all the dress-code indications in case they are not expressly written.

But if you want to play it safe, you will need to aim for an outfit that will not attract any kind of negative judgment from bon ton experts (or at least, we hope). The ideal is a dress with a short length, cocktail style, or midi (but beware of important calves and low center of gravity, it’s a length that doesn’t suit everyone) and away with bright or pastel colors!

Pair with pumps and clutches or small hand bags to be chic and delicate and stand out even more!

But in case you don’t want to or can’t wear high shoes, then you can opt for a medium heel (5 to 7 cm) or low heel (5 cm and below). The best shoes in this case? Block-heeled strappy sandals or chanels, which have always been synonymous with elegance.

And if heels are just out of the question, then flat jeweled sandals or ballet shoes are definitely a viable option! If you are invited to a beach wedding, then this is the best choice, so you avoid sinking. The same applies if the wedding will take place on a lawn.

If, on the other hand, you are a suit-and-pants kind of gal, don’t be afraid to wear a pantsuit-there is nothing more elegant. Choose high-waisted, figure-skimming pants with a shirt or top, perhaps in satin or silk. Then the jacket, a must if the ceremony will be in church and a lifesaver in case it gets cold in the evening!

Here with shoes you can (almost) indulge, the tips are the same as for the dress, but with an extra treat: you can safely wear loafers, which under a suit never look bad, even better if with a clamp. The choice is yours!

Evening wedding

Evening weddings definitely allow for more range, opting for both short cocktail dresses and very, very long gowns. Of course, watch the train: a minimum is allowed but it should never exceed that of the bride. How do you know if it is longer than the bride’s? Ask if you are on a tight schedule, otherwise give up and opt for a floor-length gown.

The colors become more intense and become cooler: blue, burgundy, emerald green, fuchsia… These are colors that will make you shine under the hall lights. Of course, without taking the focus away from the bride. Having cleared black after 4 p.m., feel free to wear it. At the same time, however, if you feel you are a “light colors” type, go ahead and wear them as long as they do not tend toward white.

Green light also to suits especially in satin, again dark colors are preferred, with palazzo pants that slender the figure.

Shoes also become more important, great choice pumps and jewel sandals maybe in laminated leather, which gives a really, really chic metallic effect! Again, if you do not want to or cannot wear heels, it is up to you.

As for handbag, however, do not be afraid to be daring. The important thing is to remember that in the evening the bag gets small: clutches and pouches are preferred and to avoid hand bags and shoulder bags even if they are small.

Small bonus tip

If the wedding is in the summer, avoid lace if it is in contact with the skin. In hot weather you will sweat and risk itching.

Conclusion

While the rules used to be markedly stricter regarding weddings, there is now a great deal of freedom that allows you to range between endless colors and patterns of dresses and shoes. For example, open shoes are considered inelegant by bon ton, but no one will object to you wearing sandals; the bride herself (probably) will choose a jeweled sandal for her summer wedding. Purple and red were also considered taboo colors, now fully accepted. The rules have changed and will change again.

Most importantly, common sense will be what will actually guide you in your choice of dress.

If you need more ideas and advice, visit us in store, we are in Battipaglia (SA) or you can find us online at Fratinardi.it!

Do not hesitate to contact us!

With the arrival of Spring/Summer 2024, we are also witnessing a great return: jeans. Not that in these years are no longer seen, but this season are particularly depopulated. They are the absolute protagonists of the catwalks together with the dancers, so much so that we should often expect them together in the looks of the celebrities and on the catwalks, and not only.

That they are comfortable, they had already understood the Genoese in 1500, because the first jeans invented them themselves. Of course, they were far from what we know today, revisited by Levi Strauss in the late nineteenth century (yes, the Levi’s that we still buy today) for the gold diggers. And it took time before, in the sixties, they became a leader for everyone, at least here in Italy.

In any case, denim this spring we will not see only in pants. Shirts, trench coats, shoes, bags and anything else you can think of, this year will be in jeans.

Happy? Then discover with us Fratinardi what are the trends of this season!

Denim jackets: always chic

Denim jackets are a key element. They are comfortable and chic, super versatile and essential in shapes. A garment that will hardly make you be out of place and definitely suitable for everyday life, whether it is to go to work or to run away to shop. Then, they are very useful to make the spring and summer evening outfits more casual, when the dresses always seem a little too much for the occasion!

Jeans, obviously

Jeans continue to dominate the fashion scene, thanks to their mix of comfort and style. Who does not have at least one in the closet and has not worn it at least once? With the right combination, they can be as much urban chic as bon ton chic. In short, versatile as few things in the world!

Whether you prefer “mom-fit” or “skinny”, it doesn’t matter: whatever the cut, wearing it you will be immediately up to date with new trends!

Denim Shoes: From Heels to Sneakers

Obviously, they could not miss the shoes. Whether they are completely covered or just with details, they are a must this season (and you can not have them!).

So go ahead with heels, ankle boots and sneakers in jeans! You won’t regret it.

And we also have shoes with denim details for men: just as beautiful and perfect for the sunny spring days!

Denim bags: a detail that makes the difference

The denim bags, or jeans effect, will be the final touch to complete the look. They can be stiff or soft and well suited to any style: perfect for spring walks and rides between shopping, children and work!

Conclusion

For almost a hundred years (or a few centuries, if you are Genoese), jeans is a pillar of fashion and no, we will not give it up soon! We remind you that to buy them you will not have to do anything but go on our website Fratinardi.it or in our shops in Battipaglia (Salerno, Italy), we are waiting for you!

Divisive more than ever, as much loved as hated, ballet shoes are back on the catwalks and will dictate the trends for this Spring/Summer 2024.

We all wore them at least once, if only as little girls, and let’s face it: they made us feel like Disney princesses. From Snow White to the more modern Elsa and Anna, they were shown to us as the shoe of excellence that can never be missing from a little girl’s shoe cupboard. Because they have that sweet, childlike air about them, it is undeniable, but they can also be versatile and elegant when needed.

An elegant shoe for every woman…

Audrey Hepburn, who made ballet flats her trademark, teaches us this. At 5’7″, the well-known star was often taller than her co-stars on set and therefore always preferred to wear flats. However, we cannot deny how these looked good on her in their simplicity, still making her an icon for those who prefer a bon ton chic style!

… And man

And if ballet flats for women seem divisive to you, you haven’t yet seen those for men, first proposed on the catwalk by Balenciaga with its Leopol in 2023, then by Miu Miu and many other brands in the name of a fashion increasingly distant from the Man-Woman labels and close to a generation that breaks the canons of classic gender fashion. Harry Styles and Marc Jacobs have already endorsed this trend of ours and who knows, maybe we won’t have to wait long before we also see men walking around in ballet flats.

Trends

But what are the trends in ballerinas this S/S 2024? Let’s find out together!

Slingback

Let’s leave the heel free and consider the most popular model of ballet flats. Far from the classic style and definitely more in line with current tastes, this shoe is suitable for both a casual and a slightly more bon ton chic style.

Metallized colours

Silver and gold colour these catwalks, with a shoe that knows how to get noticed. We’ve seen them paired under shorts, mom-fit jeans, cigarette trousers… Everywhere. And no, they don’t look that bad.

With rhinestone applications

This year you will find rhinestones all the time, on every shoe imaginable, so why not on ballet flats?

Classic round-toe

Of course, the classic ballet shoe-inspired model could not be missing. Round toe, little bow and low-slung sole: you can’t go wrong!

Conclusion

Between courses and recourses, after all, fashions never pass. Abandoned in the meanders of stylists’ minds, they are sure to give us big surprises this year!

We remind you that you can find us online at Fratinardi.it and in Battipaglia (Salerno, Italy) in our physical shops. We will be happy to help you buy your first pair of ballerinas of the season!

For the day dedicated to women’s rights, we at Fratinardi were looking for a way to celebrate it without lapsing into qualunquist marketing techniques. We wanted to send a message, that is.

We chose, then, to briefly tell you the story of five Italian women who, against all prejudice, have become icons in the field of fashion.

Our purpose? To remind us women that we don’t have to be men to make it, because sometimes we are the first to forget. We can achieve our goals, even if the road always seems uphill and reaching the top is more difficult. Even if the effort is greater and we are not always given due credit.

Being a woman may be an extraordinary experience, but there is nothing great about being considered something less.

Luisa Spagnoli

She revolutionised Italian fashion by creating elegant, high-quality clothes using Angora wool, obtained by combing rabbits (and therefore totally cruelty-free). His innovative vision led to the creation of comfortable and practical clothes ideal for independent and working women and warm garments for babies. Her legacy is a successful fashion brand and a symbol of women’s emancipation.

Let’s not forget that she founded Perugina together with the Buitoni family and her husband and invented the iconic Bacio Perugina!

Elsa Schiapparelli

She disrupted the fashion scene between the two world wars. A muse of surrealism, she collaborated with artists such as Salvador Dalí, creating extravagant and iconic clothes. Her surrealist style was distinguished by prints, bright colours, unusual shapes and details. His artistic collaborations resulted in memorable creations such as lobster-dresses, telephone-hats and gondola-shoes.

Her legacy is a unique and innovative aesthetic that continues to influence the fashion world. And it is to her that we owe the invention of the colour shocking pink!

Rosita Missoni

Born in 1931, she married Ottavio Missoni in 1953 and together they founded the fashion house Missoni. Her knitting skills and sense of colour gave rise to a unique style, characterised by innovative weaves and vibrant colour combinations.

Rosita was fundamental to Missoni’s success, both as a designer and as an inspirational muse. She spearheaded the Missoni Home line and helped create the brand’s iconic image.

Miuccia Prada

Italian fashion designer Miuccia Prada inherited the Prada brand from her grandfather and revolutionised it, turning it into a household name in the global fashion system. Prada’s style is unmistakable: clean lines, fine fabrics, bold colours. Non-conformist and provocative, Miuccia creates sophisticated, high-quality clothes. She also founded Miu Miu and received numerous awards. She is a Made in Italy icon and a visionary woman who has inspired with her strong and independent femininity.

Donatella Versace

World-renowned Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace has contributed to the success of the Versace brand since its inception. The muse of her brother Gianni, she took over the reins of the fashion house after his tragic death and became a global fashion icon. Under her leadership, Versace has established itself as one of the most influential brands on the international scene. Donatella Versace is a visionary designer and successful businesswoman. Her unique style and strong personality have made her a Made in Italy icon.

Conclusion

So let us close this short article with a little reminder: let us always remember who we are. Because it’s easy to say you are an independent woman, but really being one is hard. It is hard dealing with constant prejudice, being under the magnifying glass of a society still filled with stereotypes and walls that are not easy to break down! But together we can do it, the key to female success is not only having the right character, it is also being able to stick together and support each other in difficulties.

We at Fratinardi wish all women success in winning their little battles, whatever they may be, and may they find other women at their side ready to support them, always.

Happy Women’s Day to all!

For the day dedicated to women’s rights, we at Fratinardi were looking for a way to celebrate it without lapsing into qualunquist marketing techniques. We wanted to send a message, that is.

We chose, then, to briefly tell you the story of five Italian women who, against all prejudice, have become icons in the field of fashion.

Our purpose? To remind us women that we don’t have to be men to make it, because sometimes we are the first to forget. We can achieve our goals, even if the road always seems uphill and reaching the top is more difficult. Even if the effort is greater and we are not always given due credit.

Being a woman may be an extraordinary experience, but there is nothing great about being considered something less.

Luisa Spagnoli

She revolutionised Italian fashion by creating elegant, high-quality clothes using Angora wool, obtained by combing rabbits (and therefore totally cruelty-free). His innovative vision led to the creation of comfortable and practical clothes ideal for independent and working women and warm garments for babies. Her legacy is a successful fashion brand and a symbol of women’s emancipation.

Let’s not forget that she founded Perugina together with the Buitoni family and her husband and invented the iconic Bacio Perugina!

Elsa Schiapparelli

She disrupted the fashion scene between the two world wars. A muse of surrealism, she collaborated with artists such as Salvador Dalí, creating extravagant and iconic clothes. Her surrealist style was distinguished by prints, bright colours, unusual shapes and details. His artistic collaborations resulted in memorable creations such as lobster-dresses, telephone-hats and gondola-shoes.

Her legacy is a unique and innovative aesthetic that continues to influence the fashion world. And it is to her that we owe the invention of the colour shocking pink!

Rosita Missoni

Born in 1931, she married Ottavio Missoni in 1953 and together they founded the fashion house Missoni. Her knitting skills and sense of colour gave rise to a unique style, characterised by innovative weaves and vibrant colour combinations.

Rosita was fundamental to Missoni’s success, both as a designer and as an inspirational muse. She spearheaded the Missoni Home line and helped create the brand’s iconic image.

Miuccia Prada

Italian fashion designer Miuccia Prada inherited the Prada brand from her grandfather and revolutionised it, turning it into a household name in the global fashion system. Prada’s style is unmistakable: clean lines, fine fabrics, bold colours. Non-conformist and provocative, Miuccia creates sophisticated, high-quality clothes. She also founded Miu Miu and received numerous awards. She is a Made in Italy icon and a visionary woman who has inspired with her strong and independent femininity.

Donatella Versace

World-renowned Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace has contributed to the success of the Versace brand since its inception. The muse of her brother Gianni, she took over the reins of the fashion house after his tragic death and became a global fashion icon. Under her leadership, Versace has established itself as one of the most influential brands on the international scene. Donatella Versace is a visionary designer and successful businesswoman. Her unique style and strong personality have made her a Made in Italy icon.

Conclusion

So let us close this short article with a little reminder: let us always remember who we are. Because it’s easy to say you are an independent woman, but really being one is hard. It is hard dealing with constant prejudice, being under the magnifying glass of a society still filled with stereotypes and walls that are not easy to break down! But together we can do it, the key to female success is not only having the right character, it is also being able to stick together and support each other in difficulties.

We at Fratinardi wish all women success in winning their little battles, whatever they may be, and may they find other women at their side ready to support them, always.

Happy Women’s Day to all!

For the day dedicated to women’s rights, we at Fratinardi were looking for a way to celebrate it without lapsing into qualunquist marketing techniques. We wanted to send a message, that is.

We chose, then, to briefly tell you the story of five Italian women who, against all prejudice, have become icons in the field of fashion.

Our purpose? To remind us women that we don’t have to be men to make it, because sometimes we are the first to forget. We can achieve our goals, even if the road always seems uphill and reaching the top is more difficult. Even if the effort is greater and we are not always given due credit.

Being a woman may be an extraordinary experience, but there is nothing great about being considered something less.

Luisa Spagnoli

She revolutionised Italian fashion by creating elegant, high-quality clothes using Angora wool, obtained by combing rabbits (and therefore totally cruelty-free). His innovative vision led to the creation of comfortable and practical clothes ideal for independent and working women and warm garments for babies. Her legacy is a successful fashion brand and a symbol of women’s emancipation.

Let’s not forget that she founded Perugina together with the Buitoni family and her husband and invented the iconic Bacio Perugina!

Elsa Schiapparelli

She disrupted the fashion scene between the two world wars. A muse of surrealism, she collaborated with artists such as Salvador Dalí, creating extravagant and iconic clothes. Her surrealist style was distinguished by prints, bright colours, unusual shapes and details. His artistic collaborations resulted in memorable creations such as lobster-dresses, telephone-hats and gondola-shoes.

Her legacy is a unique and innovative aesthetic that continues to influence the fashion world. And it is to her that we owe the invention of the colour shocking pink!

Rosita Missoni

Born in 1931, she married Ottavio Missoni in 1953 and together they founded the fashion house Missoni. Her knitting skills and sense of colour gave rise to a unique style, characterised by innovative weaves and vibrant colour combinations.

Rosita was fundamental to Missoni’s success, both as a designer and as an inspirational muse. She spearheaded the Missoni Home line and helped create the brand’s iconic image.

Miuccia Prada

Italian fashion designer Miuccia Prada inherited the Prada brand from her grandfather and revolutionised it, turning it into a household name in the global fashion system. Prada’s style is unmistakable: clean lines, fine fabrics, bold colours. Non-conformist and provocative, Miuccia creates sophisticated, high-quality clothes. She also founded Miu Miu and received numerous awards. She is a Made in Italy icon and a visionary woman who has inspired with her strong and independent femininity.

Donatella Versace

World-renowned Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace has contributed to the success of the Versace brand since its inception. The muse of her brother Gianni, she took over the reins of the fashion house after his tragic death and became a global fashion icon. Under her leadership, Versace has established itself as one of the most influential brands on the international scene. Donatella Versace is a visionary designer and successful businesswoman. Her unique style and strong personality have made her a Made in Italy icon.

Conclusion

So let us close this short article with a little reminder: let us always remember who we are. Because it’s easy to say you are an independent woman, but really being one is hard. It is hard dealing with constant prejudice, being under the magnifying glass of a society still filled with stereotypes and walls that are not easy to break down! But together we can do it, the key to female success is not only having the right character, it is also being able to stick together and support each other in difficulties.

We at Fratinardi wish all women success in winning their little battles, whatever they may be, and may they find other women at their side ready to support them, always.

Happy Women’s Day to all!

Are bridal shoes better high or low? Better open or closed? With thin or double heels? With…

Undecided on how to choose your wedding shoes? You’ve come to the right place!

We at Fratinardi have almost fifty years of experience behind us and we want to put them at your disposal to help you choose the most important shoes of your life.

We have compiled a short guide to answer all the questions that brides-to-be ask us most often.

Should you choose your shoes or dress first?

Does God exist? How old is the Universe? Here, we are on a par with these questions here. There is no fixed rule, but unless you have very clear ideas about the dress, it is best to choose the dress first and then, depending on the style chosen, move on to the shoes.

Our advice? Choose the dress first, then buy the shoes and finally alter it with the dressmaker to make sure it fits you perfectly. This is because the length of the skirt, train and veil will have to be adjusted according to the height of the heel.

Better comfortable or beautiful?

It may seem like a strange question, but very often we have seen some brides-to-be give up their dream shoe because they were afraid it wasn’t comfortable enough. This choice, with a few cautions, is not necessary and we will explain why.

First of all, consider whether it has a platform: this will decrease the height of the heel and will not immediately tire the foot.

Then, even if it does not have a platform, make sure it has an insole or that you can put one in: it will cushion your steps and not hurt your feet.

But the golden rule is always and only one: spare flat shoes. So you no longer have to choose between comfort and the pair of your dreams!

We give the location 10 (points of importance)

It matters almost as much as the dress, that is. Getting married in Versailles with trainers clashes, getting married on the beach with a stiletto… Well, you’ll slowly sink towards the aisle.

So also consider the location before choosing the shoe of your dreams.

If you’re getting married in a place where there will be dirt, sand and anything potentially slippery, it’s best to avoid a thin heel, unless you’re absolutely sure you’ll only be walking on flat surfaces.

If not, opt for a double heel (square, hourglass, block…) for the soil:

Or flats or ballet flats for the beach:

And if you are getting married in a forest or a meadow, better to avoid silk white. Coloured alternatives exist and are beautiful. Maybe take the opportunity to make it that ‘something blue’ you will wear traditionally:

“But I don’t know… I only end up wearing them one day!”

True, it is difficult to wear white silk heels with rhinestones, bows and various decorations a second time. Unless you alter them to make them a little more suitable for everyday wear (after you’ve worn them for the wedding, of course!).

You can have them dyed, have rhinestones and colourful decorations added, take off the strap… Obviously, rely on a good shoemaker. Then you won’t have to wear them only once!

Better open or closed?

Unless the answer is obvious (like you’re getting married in December and you’d get hypothermia with sandals), there is no single answer to this question. The closed shoe is considered more elegant than the sandal according to bon-ton, but it is a rule that catwalks and modern women have long since abandoned. Sandals are preferable at summer weddings, while closed shoes have a pass for any season and are also very useful in case of sudden rains.

But jewelled sandals have their charm and romanticism, and there’s nothing to stop you from bringing along (especially if you think there might be some downpour) a pair of closed shoes just in case.

So there’s not much to add: it will all depend on your taste and the good old weather!

Conclusion

We at Fratinardi are always happy to help future brides and grooms realise their dream (no, we don’t just deal with brides, look here) and we hope that this short guide may have helped you in your choice or at least cleared your head a little!

We remind you that for more tips and advice you can visit our website Fratinardi.it, where our personal shopper will be ready to answer all your questions. Otherwise, come and visit us in Battipaglia (Salerno), in our shops, where our shop assistants will be there to help you. We are waiting for you!

Are bridal shoes better high or low? Better open or closed? With thin or double heels? With…

Undecided on how to choose your wedding shoes? You’ve come to the right place!

We at Fratinardi have almost fifty years of experience behind us and we want to put them at your disposal to help you choose the most important shoes of your life.

We have compiled a short guide to answer all the questions that brides-to-be ask us most often.

Choosing shoes or dress first?

Does God exist? How old is the Universe? Here, we are on a par with these questions here. There is no fixed rule, but unless you have very clear ideas about the dress, it is best to choose the dress first and then, depending on the style chosen, move on to the shoes.

Our advice? Choose the dress first, then buy the shoes and finally alter it with the dressmaker to make sure it fits you perfectly. This is because the length of the skirt, train and veil will have to be adjusted according to the height of the heel.

Comfortable or beautiful?

It may seem like a strange question, but very often we have seen some brides-to-be give up their dream shoe because they were afraid it was not comfortable enough. This choice, with a few cautions, is not necessary and we will explain why.

First of all, consider whether it has a platform: this will decrease the height of the heel and will not immediately tire the foot.

Then, even if it does not have a platform, make sure it has an insole or that you can put one in: it will cushion your steps and not hurt your feet.

But the golden rule is always and only one: spare flat shoes. So you no longer have to choose between comfort and the pair of your dreams!

We give the location 10 (points of importance)

It matters almost as much as the dress, that is. Getting married in Versailles with trainers clashes, getting married on the beach with a stiletto… Well, you’ll slowly sink towards the aisle.

So also consider the location before choosing the shoe of your dreams.

If you’re getting married in a place where there will be dirt, sand and anything potentially slippery, it’s best to avoid a thin heel, unless you’re absolutely sure you’ll only be walking on flat surfaces.

If not, opt for a double heel (square, hourglass, block…) for the soil:

Or flats or ballet flats for the beach:

And if you are getting married in a forest or a meadow, better to avoid silk white. Coloured alternatives exist and are beautiful. Maybe take the opportunity to make it that ‘something blue’ you will wear traditionally:

“But I don’t know… In the end I only wear them one day!”

True, it is difficult to wear white silk heels with rhinestones, bows and various decorations a second time. Unless you alter them to make them a bit more suitable for everyday wear (after wearing them for the wedding, of course!).

You can have them dyed, have rhinestones and colourful decorations added, take off the strap… Obviously, rely on a good shoemaker. That way, you won’t have to wear them just once!

Better open or closed?

Unless the answer is obvious (like that you are getting married in December and would get hypothermia with sandals), there is no single answer to this question. The closed shoe is considered more elegant than the sandal according to bon-ton, but it is a rule that catwalks and modern women have long since abandoned. Sandals are preferable at summer weddings, while closed shoes have a pass for any season and are also very useful in case of sudden rains.

But jewelled sandals have their charm and romanticism, and there’s nothing stopping you from bringing along (especially if you think there might be some downpour) a pair of closed shoes just in case.

So there’s not much to add: it will all depend on your taste and the good old weather!

Conclusion

We at Fratinardi are always happy to help future brides and grooms realise their dream (no, we don’t just deal with brides, look here) and we hope that this short guide may have helped you in your choice or at least cleared your head a little!

We remind you that for more tips and advice you can visit our website Fratinardi.it, where our personal shopper will be ready to answer any questions you may have. Otherwise, come and visit us in Battipaglia (Salerno), in our shops, where our shop assistants will be there to help you. We are waiting for you!

The big day is approaching and the ‘what shall I wear?’ anxiety rises. No, not just for the bride, let’s dispel this myth: men have these problems too. We at Fratinardi know this and are here to help our future grooms!

As much as it may seem that men’s formal shoes all look alike, this is not exactly the case: there are different models and colours and alternatives to the classics, too. All it takes is a lot of patience and the shoe of your dreams will be yours!

The Timeless

Let’s start with the great classics: oxfords, derbys and, although they have only been around for a few years, loafers, which have become a valid alternative. Perfect for those who want to give their outfits a classic and elegant touch, they have always been the favourite models of future brides and grooms.

Matt, shiny, black, blue, brown… The choice is wider than you might think and you can always play with textures and colours to give an extra touch to your outfit.

But let’s see them together

Oxford

The first choice of future brides and grooms are always the oxfords, the classic shoe par excellence, so called (probably) because they are very popular in the university of the same name. Simple, elegant and with no visible stitching, this shoe is perfect under any dress.

Pay attention to the colour, though, so that it doesn’t clash with those of the dress and accessories!

Derby

Very similar to oxfords, the substantial difference lies in the type of lacing, which in this shoe is open, while in oxfords it is closed. It is possible to find it in two variants, one simple and one with English stitching, as the perforations that decorate the leather are called.

And if they were once considered hunting shoes, today they are perfect for the city man who does not chase prey but style! Ideal for those who want to feel like a true gentleman à la Oscar Wilde.

Loafers

Despite their very ancient history (starting with Native Americans), loafers only became part of our wardrobe in 1936 and not without some difficulty. Did you know that in English they are called loafers? It means ‘lazy’, because they resemble slippers and were considered casual shoes. Almost a hundred years later, however, they have become a must-have for the classy man!

Comfortable and elegant, they are perfect for those who like neither oxfords nor derbies, but still want to have a classic and sophisticated look.

What if I… dare?

Trainers at a wedding? At your wedding! Isn’t that the stuff of kids and 40-year-olds with Peter Pan syndrome?

No.

We all have our own style, and although certain occasions call for a certain outfit, it’s not as if that prohibits you from wearing trainers under a formal dress.

In fact, the final effect is also very pleasing. It gives a casual, relaxed feel to the situation and, if you’re planning an intimate, informal wedding, you’d look more out of place in a pair of derbies than trainers!

From the classic white to the more daring, it is still best to stick to plain colours or at least a few contrasting details. The risk is to make it a misplaced detail rather than a studied one and the slip is just around the corner.

Conclusion

There are no rules for choosing the shoes you will wear at your wedding: choose the ones you feel most comfortable in and that go best with your dress! The important thing is that on that day you will wear shoes that are comfortable enough to allow you to enjoy the happiest day of your life with the person you love most in the world.

Of course, in the WEDDING section of our website (Fratinardi.it/en), you will find many other models to choose from, or come and visit us in our store in Battipaglia (Salerno, Italy). Our shop assistants will be happy to help you.