What Shoes to Wear with a Summer Dress?

You love wearing summer dresses, but you're wondering how to choose shoes that will enhance them? Would you like to know which pair to wear with a dressy outfit? Or maybe with a more casual dress?

You've come to the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how important the choice of shoes is in defining one's style. When you've found a lovely summer dress, it's only natural to want to wear it with flair to really make it shine!

That’s why today I’m sharing all my tips for finding shoes that perfectly match your summer outfits.

Once you've chosen your summer dress, the choice of shoes will depend on its style and length. If your dress is short or falls to the knee, you can opt for flats or low-heeled shoes: ballet flats, flat sandals, lightweight canvas sneakers, gladiator sandals... If the dress is a bit longer, don’t hesitate to go for wedges or heeled sandals to create a lovely silhouette. A pair of stilettos or chic bohemian sandals with fine leather straps will be perfect to add the finishing touch to a smart summer outfit. For a special occasion or if you're looking for an elegant style, feel free to wear light-coloured or metallic shoes.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• Simple tips for choosing shoes that match your outfit,
• Which colours and materials to favour for your shoes based on your dress,
• When you can wear open-toed shoes,
• A selection of perfect styles for a casual yet chic look,
• And ideas for shoes that are suitable to wear with a fancy summer dress.

How to Properly Match Your Shoes with Your Summer Dress?

Identify the Dress Style

Before you settle on a specific shoe style, take a moment to consider your dress: is it more formal or casual? Trendy and unique or classic and understated? The answers to these questions should guide your choice of shoes, which, whenever possible, should harmonise with your dress to create a balanced look.

Adjust to its length

There are three main types of summer dresses:

• mini: above the knee,
• midi: at the knee or just below,
• maxi: long enough to reach the ankle or even lower.

To put together a lovely outfit, the rule is quite simple: the shorter your dress, the less essential high heels are. This means that a mini or midi dress can be worn with flat shoes, or even low heels.

If you prefer a long dress, opting for heels will help to visually elongate your legs, thereby enhancing your silhouette and giving you a touch of elegance. If you're not a fan of heels, you can also consider wearing wedges, which provide the same visual effect but with the comfort of flat shoes.

Set Reminders and Create a Colour Harmony

Some shoe shades pair beautifully with a wide range of colours: notably, brown and tan shades are perfect for wearing with dresses in summer. Black shoes can also work, provided the dress isn't too light or in overly bright tones: in any case, if you choose this colour to wear with a delicate and feminine dress, go for understated sandals with fine straps rather than opting for flashy shoes.

👉 Also, consider checking if your dress (or the belt you plan to wear as an accessory) has any loops or metallic details. If it does, feel free to match them with your shoe buckles, or even with some metallic shoes. Whether they’re gold, silver, or even bronze, these shoes are perfect for highlighting your feet and making them look stunning for summer.

Choose the Right Material

Just like colour, the material of your shoes plays a crucial role in your style. Leather sandals are more durable and stylish, while fabric shoes offer a more casual and relaxed look. They also have the advantage of being cooler on the feet, which is a real bonus during hot weather.

🛑 If you need to walk a lot or wear your shoes for a long time, try to avoid all plastic materials (such as thongs, etc.) as much as possible. They are often uncomfortable, can cause excessive sweating, and tend to hurt your feet easily. However, they are very practical as backup shoes for swimming or for wearing by the pool.

In what context can you wear open sandals with a summer dress?

Open-toed shoes are definitely more summery, but they might not be appropriate for a formal setting, especially at work if you’re likely to meet with clients, for instance.

On the contrary, most closed sandals are suited for a more formal dress code. If you're looking to stay a bit cooler, you might consider opting for shoes that are open only at the back.

For a simple and stylish look, don't hesitate to choose neutral-coloured shoes that are quite basic and easy to pair with most of your outfits.

👉 If your shoes reveal your toes, don’t hesitate to apply some colourful nail polish that matches the colour of your dress. This little touch of elegance will truly enhance your outfit!

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4 Stylish and Comfortable Casual Shoes to Wear with a Dress This Summer

Are you on the hunt for comfortable, everyday shoes? If so, check out our selection in the following sections!

Boho Flat Sandals

These lovely, simple shoes will look fantastic with a short or mid-length bohemian dress. They can also be paired with a long dress, but they're better suited for holidays or a relaxed day out. With their delicate straps, they highlight your feet without making them feel hot!

👉 Check out our range of bohemian sandals directly on our online store!

Gladiator Sandals

These uniquely styled sandals rise up to your ankles, enhancing your look. They pair beautifully with a short dress and are a fantastic alternative to heels. For a sophisticated and romantic look, choose a shade of natural leather instead.

Black gladiator sandals are perfect for a sexy look, ideal for a night out, for instance.

Plain Sneakers

Wearing sneakers with a dress is something that’s easy to do these days and is even quite on-trend! It’s practical for keeping your movements free while still looking feminine and elegant. If you're unsure about which style to go for, I recommend choosing plain white low-top sneakers, either in canvas or leather. They can elevate both a long dress and a short one, no matter what your style is.

👉 Check out all our tips on how to pair dresses with sneakers in our dedicated guide on this topic!

Espadrilles

Affordable and comfortable, espadrilles come in a variety of patterns and colours. There are even heeled versions for a slightly more chic look! Pair them with a short or midi summer dress for a relaxed outfit perfect for heading to the beach or enjoying a lovely day on holiday.

Fringe Ankle Boots for a Confident Bohemian Chic Style

Do you want to showcase your boho chic side? Feel free to pair a long bohemian dress with some leather ankle boots. Details like fringes, embroidery, or colourful beads will be perfect to complete your unique look!

This style is perfect for highlighting what makes you unique every day, or for standing out at a party or festival. 😉

3 Stylish Shoe Styles for an Elegant Summer Outfit

Are you looking to find stylish shoes to go with a summer dress for a special occasion or to match your personal style? Check out our tips and inspiration!

Open or Closed Heels

Summer is a season filled with numerous events: christenings, weddings, birthday parties… all great opportunities to dress to the nines! To enhance a stylish summer dress, consider pairing it with some lovely coloured patent heels that will complement your outfit perfectly. You can opt for classic heels in a tone that matches your dress, or go for something a bit more unique, featuring delicate straps or colourful details.

Fine Strap Sandals

Just like classic heels, a lovely pair of simple leather sandals with slim straps will be a reliable choice to complete a chic and smart outfit. Choose a colour that matches your dress or your various accessories, and make sure your shoes fit well and are comfortable. 😉

Chic Bohemian Wedges

Want a look that's both stylish and natural? If you're wearing a lovely flowing dress, don’t hesitate to pair it with a set of wedge sandals made from leather, fabric, or even with woven soles like espadrilles. This style will go perfectly with a long bohemian dress in white or pastel shades, which is very on-trend!

I hope this article has helped you to find the perfect shoes to match your dress, so you can create an outfit that makes you feel beautiful this summer! Also, check out our wide range of chic bohemian dresses, to discover a style that flatters you and truly represents who you are!