What Shoes to Wear with a Maxi Dress?

Wearing a long dress is incredibly fashionable. It's a must-have piece in your wardrobe for every season. However, to avoid any fashion faux pas, you'll need to choose wisely how to showcase it. The dress itself makes for a complete outfit. Of course, you can accessorise it to your liking, but all you really need is to pick a lovely pair of shoes to finish off your look. So, for a fabulous outfit, what shoes should you wear with your long dress? This will largely depend on your personality and preferences. Will you opt for the fully feminine look with high heels or prefer something flat and comfortable? Do you favour the aesthetics of a particular style or its practicality? In this article, we share all our tips to help you decide.

Ankle boots with or without heels for a bohemian style

Ankle boots with long dress

With a bohemian dress, accentuating your feminine side can be achieved by pairing it with heeled ankle boots. A pair of stylish suede boots or a nice leather model will give you a retro vibe. Some ankle boots even lean towards a pin-up style. If you're petite, heels will help to elongate your silhouette, making you feel instantly more elevated and a few centimetres taller. The heel height should ensure you feel comfortable. You can wear very high heels if you're used to them, but heels of two to three centimetres will suffice to refine your silhouette and add a feminine flair. If heels aren't your thing, sticking with flats may be simpler and more enjoyable for you. High heels showcase your femininity with class.

Alternatively, you can opt for flat models. Leather ankle boots, in black, brown, or red, for instance, will give you a rock 'n' roll touch. Ankle boots embellished with fringes or colourful embroidery will add a whimsical bohemian flair. There are also ankle boots in more unique colours. To jazz up a classic pair of ankle boots, colourful laces will help you stand out. Ultimately, it all depends on what vibe you want to present and your personality.

Sandals with a summer dress

Bohemian sandals

While ankle boots are perfect for the autumn-winter season, sandals are a great match for your summer dress, giving you a chic look. Flat strappy sandals are comfortable and ideal for long walks. If you’re wearing your dress for an evening out, heeled sandals will look stunning. The boho chic style offers whimsical designs with pom-poms, colourful beads, or braided straps. However, you'll also find more minimalistic and discreet options. Simple mules convey a casual vibe and provide perfect comfort. In summer, shoes come in bright colours or neutral tones. If your outfit is understated, a very colourful pair will add some pizzazz. Conversely, a brightly coloured or patterned dress can be beautifully complemented by neutral sandals. Strappy sandals with a jute sole are trendy for that natural look.

Sneakers for a casual look

Wearing sneakers with a dress is far from a fashion faux pas. It's the option for comfort and modernity. You’ll exude a trendy urban femininity. Pairing a dress with sneakers allows you to assert your non-conformist side. Where one would expect you to wear dainty shoes, you surprise them. The range of sneaker models is incredibly diverse. For a bit of extra height while staying comfortable, wedge sneakers are your best friends.

In terms of material, if the weather is mild, opt for a lovely canvas model. Want to add some flair? Then, go for fabric sneakers with floral patterns and vibrant colours that celebrate the arrival of spring and boost your spirits. If you prefer a classic and sportier look, many brands create feminine and sleek designs. A handy tip: some sneakers come with a ribbon instead of laces. To make any pair of sneakers girly, swap the laces for a satin ribbon in a colour that matches your long dress. Guaranteed effect!

Ballet flats: simplicity and elegance

Ballet flats go with any outfit, which is why we adore them. Simple, essential, comfortable, and feminine, wear them with your dresses and skirts, whether long or short. Basic models embody simplicity and understated elegance. However, in recent years, designers have really stepped up the originality in this area. Often, they feature a large bow, a lightweight satin flower, or even fringes and pom-poms, giving them a touch of bohemian chic. The colour options are so varied that choosing can be tough. Bright colours flirt with browns and blacks. Red ballet flats or those with polka dots will give you a pin-up vibe that goes wonderfully with a similarly styled dress for a bold retro look. But a simple pair of ballet flats in beige, white, or black adorned with a few pearls worn with a plain dress will give you a more casual look. As for powder pink ballet flats, or those with a soft fabric flower, they are the favourite shoes of the romantic in you.

Your choice of shoes depends on your clothing style

Long Bohemian Dresses

The choice of the model to pair with your long dress depends on the vibe you want to adopt:

• for a truly feminine silhouette, it's best to go for heeled models: boots, ankle boots, sandals. From bohemian, retro chic, to the most classic, they suit every woman;
• if you prefer a more urban look, rely on sneakers; the colour and shape will set the tone: thin and feminine, in canvas and practical, or more classic for the sporty types. They bring life to an outfit;
• if you want to exude a rocky vibe, choose black or red boots or ankle boots;
• flat models like ballet flats ensure comfort and should be chosen according to your personality: whimsical, classic, casual, or romantic.