Last updated on March 3rd, 2022 at 12:58 pm
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:
- How to style sandals with dresses
- How to style boots with dresses
- How to style trainers with dresses
- How to style flats with dresses
- How to style heels with dresses
- How to style brogues with dresses
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 Lilley & Skinner Women’s Rose Gold 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 low-top trainer 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 black 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.
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 Shoe Zone blog has plenty more top tips for updating your look and styling it out for any occasion.
