Shoes to wear with dresses is a common query that fashion enthusiasts often ponder, especially when summer arrives, bringing with it the perfect weather for flaunting those beautiful dresses.
Finding the ideal footwear to complement your summer dress can be challenging. With countless options and styles, pairing the right shoes can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure. You might be searching online for solutions to questions like, “What shoes go best with a flowy maxi dress?” or “How do I style my sundress with comfortable yet chic footwear?”
In this post, I address all those concerns and guide you through the maze of fashion choices. Whether you’re looking for casual sandals, elegant heels, or trendy sneakers, I will show you how to pair them effortlessly with your favorite summer dresses.
13 Best Shoes To Wear With Dresses
Espadrille Wedges
Regarding summer dresses, espadrille wedges are game-changers. With their woven jute soles and comfortable wedge heels, these beauties strike the perfect balance between casual and chic. They are ideal for sundresses and maxi dresses that scream summer vibes. The natural texture of the wedges adds a touch of rustic charm, making them the ultimate accessory for a breezy, effortless look.
A flowy dress can be paired with espadrille wedges. This combination elongates your legs and gives you a graceful silhouette, perfect for garden parties or seaside strolls.
But here’s a little secret – they work wonders if you want to add height without sacrificing comfort.
Braided Heeled Sandals
These sandals are perfect for adding a bit of height and elongating your legs without the discomfort of sky-high heels. They’re your best bet for garden parties, casual brunches, or a summer date night.
Now, a little tip for my petite ladies – these sandals can be your secret weapon. They add just the right amount of lift, giving you that extra confidence boost. Just steer clear of overly long dresses that might overwhelm your frame. Go for knee-length or midi dresses to maintain a balanced silhouette.
For my taller friends, these sandals are perfect for showing off your long legs without going overboard. Pair them with flowy maxi dresses or fitted midi dresses to make a stylish statement. However, these sandals can still be your go-to if you have a fuller figure. They provide support and style but avoid overly tight dresses that constrict the outfit. Opt for dresses that flow and allow movement, embracing the breezy summer vibe.
Slides
These shoes are quite comfy yet trendy, which makes them the best for the warm season, which is summer. They do not look overdressed, yet they are very formal and can effortlessly complement your summer dresses.
Now, consider this: which outfit would better complement a flowy floral sundress than a chic pair of slides? Slip-on-designed slides are convenient because there are no laces or complicated fastenings that would require effort to customize the footwear. This floral dress and slides pairing is a classic combination—it is like the ‘I woke up like this’ kind of look, but classy.
Now, let us discuss some of the reasons that make using slides suitable. First and foremost, they are very useful. Whether you are an extra-tall lady or an extra-short one, these shoes will look great on you. Tall ladies can rock those longer dresses without worrying about tripping over your hem, while shorter ladies can enjoy the ease of wearing a dress that hits just right without adding too much height.
Sneakers
Sneakers are no longer restricted to the athletic courts. Today, they have entered the world of fashion as the symbol of summer comfort. These kicks are perfect for cooling and comfort whenever you are ready to conquer the world under the hot sun.
Try to picture a woman wearing a bright and airy dress and comfortable sneakers. Not only is this combination an eye-popper, but it is also an extremely versatile option for a wide range of summer events. As much as sneakers are a staple of everyday wear, they do come in handy when walking around the city, going for informal brunching, or even casual outdoor activities.
This helps regulate the temperature while keeping the feet aired and minimizes the possibility of producing any undesirable smell. Also, they are very convenient to wash—just a wipe or a washing, and that is it—like new.
Tie Sandals
With their elegant straps and versatile design, tie sandals are excellent for adding a touch of sophistication to any summer outfit.
Consider a vibrant, patterned dress paired with golden tie sandals. These sandals are perfect for showcasing your legs, especially when paired with shorter dresses. They draw attention to your feet in the best way possible, making them an excellent choice for casual outings and semi-formal events alike.
But why do I recommend tie sandals for summer dresses? First, they are incredibly versatile. Whether petite or tall, these sandals can be adjusted to fit perfectly, providing comfort and style.
Another reason to consider tie sandals is their ability to keep your feet cool and comfortable. The open design allows for valid ventilation, reducing the risk of sweaty feet and unpleasant odors. Plus, they’re perfect for various summer activities, from beach trips to garden parties.
You Can Try Colored Sandals
Colored sandals are not just a splash of color; they are an expression, an emotion, and an attitude in one. This pair of colorful sandals is ideal for your summer wardrobe when paired with an elegant dress.
Just think of walking out wearing a smooth orange shirt, dress, and matching-colored sandals. This combination is a perfect example of how you can be sure you will attract attention and make your presence visible. Here, the beauty lies in the continuity of colors, which, although it may appear as a paradox, exudes a fashionably vibrant look.
But what makes colored sandals appropriate footwear for summer dresses? First, they form an interesting element of the wardrobe and introduce a note of joy and character to the outfit.
Colored sandals also have many advantages for summer footwear. They are comfortable on your feet, breathable, suitable for different occasions, and durable for summer use. Besides, they are effortless to clean and maintain, which means they will always be fresh no matter the time of the year.
Chunky Slides
Slides are cool, chunky, big sisters of the footwear family. They bring comfort and a chunky look to your summer collection.
For instance, imagine wearing a beautiful black summer dress that is perfect for warm summer days. A pair of chunky slides should do the trick as if this look could not improve. These shoes are great for bringing that daring hint to your fashionable outfit without overdoing it. With a solid look and a casual feel, they can easily become an everyday pair of shoes for shopping or a walk in the mall. They are also appropriate for a more leisurely event like an informal dinner party.
Let me explain why chunky slides may be more effective: First, they are a dream come true for anyone who wants both comfort and style in their car. The shoes’ thick soles make them very supportive, especially for those who work all day.
They are robust enough to handle any summer adventure, easy to wash after a day’s use, and have the best ventilation to prevent foot mishaps. They also come off and put on easily, an advantage when you are in a hurry or just wearing them at home.
Embellished Pumps
Embellished pumps aren’t just shoes; they are the piece de resistance of your summer outfit, adding that je ne sais quoi to your floral maxi or breezy sundress. When making an entrance, embellished pumps are your best friend.
Let’s paint a concept: you’re walking down the boulevard in a swishy floral dress, and bam! Your shoes catch the light, and suddenly, you’re not just attending the party—you are the party. With their glittering accents, these pumps are the perfect plus-one for any semi-formal or fancy garden affair. They bring the bling and keep things elegant.
While embellished pumps crank up the style dial, they’re not exactly the marathon runner of shoes. These are your “grand entrance, sitting pretty” shoes, perfect for occasions where you can show off without sprinting.
Nude Sandals
A nude sandal can be regarded as one of the most versatile accessories of the summer season. For those of you who are not familiar with these fabulous footwear items, let me tell you that they are not just an ordinary pair of shoes but the epitome of summer fashion accessories that will take you from the sand to the streets.
You can pair it with a floral dress; it will look great. These can be like the secret ingredients that add flavor to your dish but do not dominate it. But nude sandals are a plus, whether you’re tall and thin, short and sturdy, or somewhere in between. To my tall beauties, they are perfect since they do not give that stilt look that other beautiful, dark shoes may impose on your fabulous legs. For the more petite group, they’re ideal, giving you the illusion of long legs without the discomfort of high heels.
Ballet Flats
No glass slippers here, but a trusty pair of ballet flats will get you through summer with grace and poise, minus any midnight mishaps.
Suppose you wear a stunning olive midi dress, and those flats slide right in, adding a classic touch without stealing the show. These babies are all about understated elegance. They’re the footwear equivalent of a best supporting actress—solid performance without overshadowing the star (aka your dress).
And here’s what you should know about ballet flats. They’re unbelievably versatile. Heading to a picnic? Ballet flats. A quick grocery run? Ballet flats. An impromptu date? Yes, you guessed it—ballet flats. They slip on like a dream, making them perfect for anyone who’s got to transition from one event to another with no time for an outfit overhaul.
Black Shoes
Black is always classic. These are not just plain shoes; they are the multi-tool in your fashion arsenal, especially if worn with a stunning red dress. They are as vital as the little black dress every stylish woman is advised to have in her wardrobe.
Do you wonder why black shoes were chosen? Oh, darling, they are stylish and elegant, as any other woman who knows the value of good manners and a strict dress code. Just imagine yourself wearing a fabulous red dress that would ensure you are ready to slay any cocktail party or a formal dinner date. What do you need at your feet? A black-colored, stylish, and fashionable shoe that is designed for women- black pumps. They add height to your look, making all the attention go straight to your dress and ensuring a smooth outline that exudes class.
Strappy Flats
One of the best things about strappy sandals is their versatility. They are perfect for a casual day out, a beach trip, or even a semi-formal garden party. Their open design ensures your feet stay ventilated, preventing any discomfort or odors. Plus, they are easy to clean—just a quick wipe, and they’re good to go for your next adventure.
Strappy sandals are also built to last, handling the rigors of summer activities without quickly wearing them out. They provide adequate support to prevent blisters and other foot issues, making them ideal for long wear. And for those unexpected summer showers or pool trips, they handle water exposure like a champ.
Mule Sandals
These chic, backless beauties are the perfect footwear choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their summer dress ensemble.
Mules are your best friend. It provides ample support without the constraint of straps, allowing your feet to breathe while offering a stable base. Just make sure to choose a pair that fits well to avoid any discomfort. Opt for mules with a slightly pointed toe to add an extra touch of sophistication and to balance out your body’s natural curves.
Let’s remember the practicality of mules. They’re perfect for various summer activities, from casual garden parties to semi-formal events. The easy slip-on design makes them convenient for quick outfit changes, while their stylish appearance ensures you always look your best. They also stand up well to the rigors of summer wear, from grassy lawns to sandy paths, making them a durable addition to your shoe collection.
