What Shoes to Wear with Different Dresses?
October 31, 2024
Dresses are a highly versatile outfit choice suitable for almost any occasion. A staple of the fashionista's wardrobe, a good dress can be accessorised to suit all manner of looks, from garden party style to beach-ready get-up.
Choosing the right shoes to wear with dresses in your wardrobe can add the finishing touches to your on-trend outfit. Whether you’re tying your look together with flats, or drawing the eye with a pair of statement boots – shoes are the supporting act that can turn an everyday dress into a star.
In this guide:
What shoes should you wear with dresses?
The choice of shoes to wear with dresses depends on the style of the dress, the occasion, and personal preference. However, some of our top suggestions include:
Heels:
- Heels, such as pumps or stilettos, add a touch of sophistication and elegance to dresses. They work well with cocktail dresses, formal gowns, or more polished looks.
Wedges:
- Wedges offer a comfortable alternative to heels and work well with a variety of dress styles, from casual to semi-formal. They are particularly great with summer dresses, day or night.
Trainers:
- Dresses can also be paired with trainers for a sporty and casual look. This is a trendy and comfortable option for more relaxed occasions.
Ballet flats:
- Ballet flats provide a feminine and comfortable option for dresses, especially during the warmer months. They can be paired with sundresses or casual dresses. Or, for a more elevated look, a formal wrap dress.
Boots:
- Knee-high, over-the-knee boots and even ankle boots can be paired with dresses in the autumn and winter, adding warmth and a touch of chic style.
Strappy sandals:
- Strappy sandals, whether flat or heeled, can complement various dress styles, especially during warm weather. They add a touch of sophistication to casual or semi-formal dresses.
Mules:
- Mules are a stylish and versatile option that works well with a wide range of dress styles, from casual to more formal.
How to Style Sandals with Dresses
Styling sandals with dresses is all about drawing attention to those stunning legs. Your feet are on show, so make sure they’re ready to reveal to the world. Strappy sandals make for an eye-catching accessory that can brighten up an otherwise neutral dress.
Opt for bright colours if your dress has a neutral shade, such as white, or opt for a trendy tan when partnering with a colourful midi dress.
Top Tip: Choose chunky-strapped, wedge-heeled sandals with a floaty lightweight dress for a cute retro appeal.
What to Buy: Strappy sandals in metallic tones, like these Flat Sandals, can add a touch of flair to even the most casual summer outfit.
How to Style Boots with Dresses
There are almost as many styles of boots on the market as there are dresses, making this a highly versatile choice of outfit. Long boots are more forgiving and can be worn with almost any style of dress, while ankle boots tend to better complement an over-the-knee look.
Team biker boots with summer dresses for a more modern look, or elegant stiletto boots with a pencil skirt for a smart appearance that will work in the office and out on the town.
Top Tip: A black shirtdress with knee-high boots flatters almost any figure and can be accessorised up or down to suit both casual occasions and more formal events.
What to Buy: For a timelessly classic look, a riding boot complements almost any style of dress and is comfortable enough for day-long wear.
How to Style Trainers with Dresses
Pairing trainers with a dress can completely alter the entire feel of an outfit. The sporty nature of trainers makes a dress feel more casual and playful. Give your dress a spirited, summer look by slipping on a pair of chunky trainers. Skechers have a range of brightly coloured, quirky trainers that can help add dazzle to any outfit.
Top Tip: Some funky ankle socks and fun costume jewellery make a trainers and dress combo even more exuberant.
What to Buy: A funky yellow womens slip on trainers paired with a flowery summer dress combines fun with feminine.
How to Style Flats with Dresses
Flat shoes are practical and comfortable for dancing, walking or for whenever you need to be on your feet for a while.
Plain-coloured flats go with almost anything, but if the dress is neutral in colour then definitely funk it up with some vibrant leopard print pumps or bright colours.
Top Tip: Incorporate some delicate jewellery, such as a fine necklace or drop earrings to glam up your look.
What to Buy: A lacy ballerina pump is pretty and graceful, yet comfortable enough to be worn all day long.
How to Style Heels with Dresses
As heels emphasise the calves, they are an excellent choice for pairing with an above-the-knee dress to really show off those legs. As a rule of thumb, taller heels work better with shorter skirts while low heels pair well with maxi dresses.
Platforms can be more comfortable for longer wear, but are considered a little too casual for more formal events. When thinking about what shoes to wear with a dress, the classic go-to look is almost always a dress with heels. Even if most of the evening will be spent seated, choosing heels you can walk in is essential to pull off the look.
Top Tip: Pairing heels with lower-cut dresses and statement necklaces emphasises curves in all the right places.
What to Buy: A pretty court shoe is always elegant and can be paired with virtually any dress.
How to Style Brogues with Dresses
When thinking about pairing shoes with dresses, a brogue may not be everyone’s first thought. However, matching a brogue with a floaty dress can add a preppy touch to an otherwise feminine outfit. One of the best things about a stylish brogue is it is suitable for both the office and the bar, perfect for those days when a post-work drink with the girls is on the agenda.
The chunky nature of brogues mean they best complement dresses with a full skirt and sleeves rather than spaghetti straps and pencil skirts.
Top Tip: Add some statement jewellery to a summer dress and brogues ensemble for a classic boho chic look.
What to Buy: Brogues with a T-bar add a stylish and feminine Mary Jane aspect to the classic style.
What are the best comfortable shoes to wear with dresses?
Dresses don’t always have to be dressed up with a pair of high heels. In fact, many other great choices of footwear look great with a dress. For optimal comfort, ballet flats are effortlessly chic, providing a balance between comfort and feminine style. Equally, comfortable sandals, such as supportive flip-flops or cushioned slides, offer a laid-back yet chic look.
Alternatively, slip-on trainers provide a sporty and casual feel, perfect for everyday wear.
But if you’re looking to add a touch of elegance, consider low-heeled block sandals or wedges for added support without compromising style. Additionally, supportive ankle boots or mules with cushioned insoles are excellent choices for cooler seasons.
Ultimately, prioritising comfort features like arch support and proper sizing guarantees a stylish and pain-free experience when pairing shoes with dresses.
What shoes to wear with different dress styles?
When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of shoes for your outfit, it’s essential to consider the style of dress you’re wearing as the right shoes can complement and enhance your overall look. Let’s explore some footwear options for different dress styles.
Summer dresses
Summer dresses are all about comfort and style. So whether you’re rocking a floral sundress or a breezy cotton number, the key is to keep things light and casual. Strappy sandals are a great option during the summer, adding a touch of femininity to a relaxed look.
Perfect for a beachy or bohemian vibe, espadrilles are comfortable and effortlessly chic.
But for a sporty-casual look, pair your summer dress with crisp white trainers. It’s a trendy and comfortable option!
Mini dress
Mini dresses are all about flaunting those legs and making a statement. To complete your minidress look, opt for a pair of boots, either ankle or thigh-high. Ankle boots will add an element of edginess, especially during the cooler months, whereas thigh-high boots will make a bold statement as well as warmth to your outfit.
Another way to elevate your mini dress is to add a pair of strappy heels. These are perfect for a more sophisticated and evening-appropriate look.
Alternatively, pairing your minidress with stylish trainers creates a playful and trendy ensemble.
Maxi dress
Maxi dresses exude elegance and grace. Choosing the right shoes can enhance the overall flow of your outfit. You could keep it easygoing with flat sandals for a relaxed, bohemian-inspired look. Or, elevate our height and style with comfortable wedge sandals, perfect for a summery, long dress.
Similarly, add some sophistication to your maxi dress by pairing it with strappy-heeled sandals for a more formal occasion.
Alternatively, create a retro vibe with platform shoes, offering both comfort and style for your maxi dress ensemble.
Blazer dress
Blazer dresses strike a balance between professional and fashionable. Opt for classic pointed-toe pumps for a sleek and sophisticated look, ideal for more formal settings. You could also add a touch of femininity to your blazer dress with ankle-strap heels, creating a chic and trendy outfit.
For cooler weather, knee-high boots can add a stylish and slightly edgy element to your blazer dress.
Or, embrace a more relaxed and business-casual feel with stylish loafers, perfect for a daytime or office-appropriate look.
Choosing the right shoes and other accessories to go with your dress can change the entire look, making each match-up a more versatile addition to the wardrobe. The shoezone blog has plenty more top tips for updating your look and styling it out for any occasion.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.