Types of Shoes to Wear With a Dress

From dressy pumps and flats to your beloved go-to sneakers, a great pair of shoes can truly elevate any dress. Looking to complement a formal gown or dress up a casual mini? Follow along as we delve into the variety of stylish women’s shoes to complement any dress, making it easy to unbox the right pair for every occasion.

Casual Dresses

Casual dress options include summer sundresses with spaghetti straps, as well as T-shirt, wrap, boho, and baby doll dresses. Sundresses and T-shirt dresses can be styled with a pair of wedged espadrilles or Mary Janes, or you can opt for a relaxed vibe with sneakers or flat sandals. Boho dresses made with light fabrics pair nicely with flat sandals, while knee-high or ankle boots add an attractive touch to wrap dresses made with heavier materials, such as denim or corduroy. Baby doll dresses tend to be on the shorter side and highlight the legs, making them an excellent match for strappy sandals or open-toe pumps.

Formal Dresses

Whether you’re heading to a formal dance or attending a wedding or other special event, matching the right pair of dress shoes with your formal dress will create a dazzling look. For cool weather or winter formal dresses made with velvet or other warm materials, consider a closed-toe pump or dressy flat with ankle straps. Spring and summer formal dresses pair well with open-toed pumps, wedge sandals, and kitten heels. If your formal event includes dancing, brands such as Lifestride offer elegant dress shoes with comfortable features, such as padded insoles, to keep your feet happy and comfortable.

Maxi Dresses

Thanks to their complementary fit and comfortable designs, maxi dresses are a wardrobe staple for many women. Fabrics such as cotton and linen make summer maxi dresses light, airy, and breathable, while winter maxi dresses crafted with heavier materials are super cozy. Best of all, these versatile dresses make ideal partners for a wide range of shoe styles. Wedges add some height to the bottom of longer maxi dresses, while flat sandals and espadrilles create a relaxed, bohemian feel. Winter maxi dress options include oversized sweater dresses and long-sleeved T-shirt dresses. A pair of knee-high or ankle boots will add the ultimate finishing touch to any maxi winter dress you choose.

Midi Dresses

Midi dresses typically fall below the knee and hit at mid-calf, providing plenty of room to showcase your shoes. With a patterned or floral print summer midi dress, you can’t go wrong with solid-colored block heel sandals or mules that accentuate the ankles and let the dress take center stage. Fall and winter midi dresses with longer sleeves work well with booties, ankle boots, and Mary Janes, or you can warm up your outfit with a pair of calf-height boots.

Mini Dresses

Since mini dresses accentuate the legs, it’s a good idea to wear shoes that aren’t too heavy or chunky. Summer mini dresses look great with strappy sandals and espadrilles, while fall and winter mini dresses with longer sleeves pair well with ankle boots and closed-toe wedges or pumps. Sneakers are another option for both summer and winter mini dresses, as they create a fun, casual look that’s perfect for school, shopping, or grabbing lunch with friends. To take your outfit to the next level, try matching your mini dress with a pair of knee-high or thigh-high boots — with or without tights.

Seasonal Changes

As the seasons change, so do shoe styles, and you want to ensure your feet are comfortable all year round. During the warm spring and summer months, breezy shoes, such as espadrilles and sandals, go perfectly with light and airy sundresses. Block heels and open-toe pumps look great with summer attire. When temperatures drop, stylish ankle boots, block heel loafers, and soft leather flats look fantastic with sweater dresses and cozy tights. You may also want to swap out your open-toe shoes for a pair of closed-toe pumps or wedged loafers.

What Color Should I Wear?

While your footwear should always be based on your personal preferences and unique style, the following suggestions for choosing colored shoes to wear with dresses are sure to come in handy:

• Black: Black is a classic shoe shade that complements almost every outfit color. Pair some black ankle boots with a denim mini dress for a relaxed look and a pop of color, or add an elegant final touch to a formal dress with a pair of sleek black pumps.
• Patterns: Patterned shoes of any color work best with solid-colored dresses. Combining patterned shoes with a patterned dress can overwhelm the eyes, but a lovely floral pattern pump with a solid midi or maxi dress makes a stylish statement.
• Brown: Brown is a warm, casual color that complements casual dresses. Consider matching some strappy brown sandals or comfortable tan flats with a flowy, neutral-toned maxi dress or sundress.
• Pink and Red: Red and pink complement both dark colors and lighter shades. Add some flair to a solid black dress with a pair of red pumps, or introduce a bit of contrast by pairing pink sneakers with a white or beige sundress.
• White: White shoes work well with bright patterns and soft pastels. Pair some crisp white sneakers with a floral or striped mini dress, or go for a relaxed look with delicate white espadrille sandals and a lavender or pale yellow sundress.
• Metallic: Metallic shades, such as silver and gold, are most often worn to complement formal and holiday dresses. Silver pumps and strappy high-heeled sandals add a hint of sparkle to most dress colors, while gold pumps work best with black or gold fabrics.

Shop Women’s Shoes at Shoe Carnival

Ready to dress up your favorite dress with a new pair of shoes (or two)? From strappy heels to casual sneakers, Shoe Carnival offers an incredible selection of women’s shoes to wear with dresses and take your wardrobe to the next level. Head to your nearest Shoe Carnival location and start shopping for women’s shoes today.