There are lots of styles of dress, and when you bring colours and patterns into the mix the possibilities are pretty much endless. Finding the pair of shoes that goes perfectly with your favourite dress is enough to make anyone’s day, and in this guide, we’ll help you to do just that.
The thing to remember is that there’s no right or wrong when combining shoes and dresses. Some combinations are more typical or familiar than others, but the ultimate deciding factor should be whether you like it.
With that in mind, let’s crack on with the guide. Here’s what we’re going to cover:
- How to wear shoes with a dress
- Different types of shoes to wear with dresses
- Different dress styles that compliment shoes
How to Wear Shoes with a Dress
Pairing shoes with a dress is all about balance, and this is achieved by taking into account factors like the dress length, its cut, how formal it is, and so on. And while this might sound daunting, you’ll start to get a feel for what you like and what you don’t like as you try different combinations. After a while, you’ll definitely notice it getting easier.
Here are a few key things to consider:
● Occasion: formal events typically call for elegant smart flat shoes or sleek ballet pumps, while casual outings allow for relaxed options like moccasins or loafers.
● Silhouette: the shape of the dress impacts how different shoes will look. Fitted dresses often pair well with pointed-toe shoes or flat mules, while flowy dresses complement softer, rounded silhouettes.
● Proportion: if you're wearing a maxi dress, flat boots can create balance. Shorter dresses tend to pair well with sleeker, more minimal styles like ballet pumps or loafers.
Taking time to find the perfect shoe + dress combination ensures that your outfit is stylish and practical, and that you’ll feel full of confidence when wearing it.
Different Types of Shoes to Wear With a Dress
There are plenty of shoe styles that pair beautifully with dresses. Here are some of our favourite options:
- Flat shoes: a go-to option for everyday wear, flat shoes are comfortable and stylish, making them ideal for casual and smart-casual dresses.
- Loafers: this style adds a polished, preppy touch to structured dresses and workwear ensembles.
- Smart flat shoes: perfect for formal occasions, these flats pair well with elegant dresses for a refined look.
- Ballet pumps: a timeless and feminine option, ballet pumps suit a variety of dress styles, from casual to semi-formal.
- Moccasins: a great alternative to loafers, moccasins provide all-day comfort while maintaining a polished aesthetic.
- Flat mules: ideal for warm weather, flat mules pair beautifully with summer dresses for a relaxed yet stylish outfit.
- Flat boots: A must-have for colder months, flat boots offer warmth and a fashionable edge when paired with dresses.
Different Dresses to Wear With Flat Shoes
Flat shoes are a stylish and practical alternative to heels, offering comfort without compromising elegance. Choosing the right dress to complement your footwear is essential for achieving a balanced and flattering look.
Different dress silhouettes pair well with specific types of shoes. Here’s a top-level guide on how to make the perfect match:
● A-Line dresses work well with ballet pumps or loafers for a polished, timeless look.
● Maxi dresses are ideal for wearing with flat boots or sandals for a breezy, summer-ready outfit.
● Bodycon dresses look great with pointed-toe smart flat shoes for a sleek, elongating effect.
● Shirt dresses are versatile and easy to style, they pair well with everything from moccasins to ballet pumps.
Dress Styles and the Shoes They Work Well With
The fabric of your dress plays a significant role, too. Certain materials lend themselves naturally to specific shoe styles, and here are some to be aware of:
● Cotton dresses are best paired with moccasins, loafers, or ballet pumps for a casual yet structured look.
● Silk or satin dresses look sophisticated with delicate smart flat shoes or flat mules.
● Denim dresses work well with flat boots or moccasins for a rugged yet stylish feel.
● Linen dresses are perfectly complemented by flat mules or ballet pumps for a light and airy summer look.
● Velvet or heavy fabrics are best styled with structured flat boots or smart flat shoes for a bold and elegant outfit.
Choosing shoes based on fabric texture helps create a harmonious and well-coordinated outfit, and is definitely not something to be overlooked.
Dress Colours and the Shoes They Work Well With
The final thing to keep in mind is colour. While there aren’t hard and fast rules, coordination is key when matching shoes to a dress. Here are some classic and creative pairings:
● Neutral dress colours like black, white and beige pair well with loafers or moccasins in a bold colour, or with neutral tones for a sophisticated look.
● Bright dress colours like red, yellow and green are best complemented by smart flat shoes in nude or metallic shades to let the dress shine.
● Dresses in pastel colours like soft pinks, blues and lavenders pair well with ballet pumps or moccasins in complementary pastel tones.
● Dresses with colourful patterns work best with simple, solid-coloured loafers or flat boots - choose something that doesn’t compete with the print!
● Monochrome outfits work well when you match the shoe and dress colour to create a streamlined, elongated look.
Coordinating your dress and shoes based on colour will enhance the overall balance and visual appeal of your outfit, and is a crucial consideration to keep in mind when building your outfit!
Summary of Which Shoes to Wear With a Dress
In this guide, we’ve focussed on flat shoes, as they offer both style and comfort which makes them a great choice for pairing with dresses. Here’s a quick recap of the best options:
● Ballet pumps: timeless and feminine, ideal for everyday wear.
● Loafers: perfect for structured and professional dresses.
● Smart flats: great for formal occasions when heels aren’t an option.
● Flat boots: a stylish option for winter, adding warmth and texture.
● Moccasins: a sophisticated yet comfortable choice for a refined look.
● Flat mules: ideal for warm-weather styling.
By selecting the right flat shoes for your dress style, material, and colour, you can create endless outfit possibilities. Also, remember that you’re not limited to flat shoes! If you prefer something with a heel, go for it.
Dress to Impress
Finding the perfect pair of shoes to go with your favourite dress is one of those things that will put a spring in your step all day. And what’s more, you can repeat the combination and use it as inspiration for future pairings! We hope this guide has been useful in outlining the basic considerations to keep in mind when choosing which shoes to wear with your dress. To recap: take into account the occasion, silhouette, proportion, dress style, colour, and material, and you’ll be on track to something stunning.
To find your new favourite pair of shoes, take a look at our range of shoes for women today. We have all manner of flat styles, along with boots, sandals, trainers and more.