What Shoes to Wear with a Summer Dress?

You love wearing summer dresses, but you’re wondering how to choose shoes that will complement them? Would you like to know what pair to wear with a dressy outfit? Or perhaps with a more casual dress?

You’re in the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how much the choice of shoes contributes to defining a style and is therefore essential. When you’ve found a beautiful summer dress, it’s perfectly natural to want to wear it tastefully to showcase it!

That’s why I’m sharing all my tips today on how to find the perfect shoes to match your summer outfits.

Once you’ve chosen your summer dress, the selection of your shoes will depend on its style and length. If your dress is short or falls at the knee, you can wear flat shoes or heels with a low height: think flats, strappy sandals, light sneakers in solid colors, or gladiator sandals. If you have a slightly longer dress, feel free to go for wedges or heeled sandals to create a lovely silhouette. A pair of pumps or chic bohemian sandals with fine leather straps will be perfect to add the finishing touch to a dressy summer outfit. For a special occasion or if you’re looking for an elegant style, don’t hesitate to wear light-colored or metallic shoes.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

  • Simple tips for choosing shoes that match your outfit,
  • What colors and materials to prioritize for your shoes based on your dress,
  • When to wear open-toe shoes,
  • A selection of perfect styles for a casual yet chic look,
  • And ideas for shoes that go well with a dressy summer dress.

what shoes to wear with a short dress

How to Properly Match Your Shoes with Your Summer Dress?

Identify the Dress Style

Before settling on a specific shoe style, take some time to consider your dress: is it more dressed up or casual? Trendy and unique, or classic and understated? The answers to these questions should guide your choice of shoes, which, whenever possible, should harmonize well 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 knee level or just below,
  • maxi: long down to the ankle, or even lower.

To put together a stylish outfit, the rule is quite simple: the shorter your dress, the less you need to wear high heels. This means that a mini or midi dress can be paired with flat shoes or even low heels.

shoes with dress

If you prefer a long dress, wearing high heels will help to visually elongate your legs and slim down your silhouette while adding a touch of elegance. If you’re not a fan of heels, you can also opt for wedge shoes, which will give you the same visual effect but with the comfort of flat shoes.

Create Reminders and a Color Scheme

Some shoe colors pair very well with a wide variety of outfits, especially shades of brown and cognac, which are perfect for wearing with dresses in the summer. Black shoes can also work, as long as the dress isn’t too light or in overly bright colors. In any case, if you choose this color to wear with a delicate and feminine dress, opt for discreet sandals with thin straps instead of bold, flashy shoes.

👉 Also, take a look at whether your dress (or the belt you plan to wear as an accessory) has any loops or metallic details. If it does, don’t hesitate to coordinate them with the buckles on your shoes, or even with some metallic shoes. Whether they are gold, silver, or even bronze, these shoes are perfect for showcasing your feet and enhancing your look for summer.

women's summer outfit

Choose a Suitable Material

Just like color, the material of your shoes plays a crucial role in your style. Leather sandals are more durable and sophisticated, while fabric shoes offer a more casual and relaxed vibe. They also have the added benefit of keeping your feet cooler, which is nice during heatwaves.

🛑 If you need to walk a lot or wear your shoes for a long time, try to avoid all plastic materials (like flip-flops, etc.) as much as possible since they are not very comfortable, tend to make you sweat a lot, and can easily cause foot injuries. However, they are very convenient as backup shoes for going swimming or lounging by the pool.

When is it appropriate to wear open-toed sandals with a summer dress?

Open-toed shoes feel more summery, but they might not be appropriate in a formal setting, especially at work if you have to meet with clients, for instance.

On the contrary, most closed sandals are suitable for a more formal dress code. If you’re looking to stay a bit cooler, you can opt for shoes that are open only at the back.

For a simple and elegant look, feel free to choose neutral-colored shoes that are fairly basic and easy to pair with most of your outfits.

summer dress for women

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

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

Are you looking for everyday shoes that are easy to wear? If so, check out our selection in the following sections!

Boho Flat Sandals

These lovely, simple shoes will go wonderfully with a short or midi bohemian dress. They can also be paired with a long dress, but are more suited for vacations or a relaxing day. With their delicate straps, they showcase your feet without making them feel too hot!

👉 Check out our bohemian sandal designs directly on our online store!

Gladiator Sandals

These uniquely styled sandals feature a design that wraps around your ankles, enhancing their appearance. They pair perfectly with a short dress and serve as a great alternative to heels. For a subtle and romantic look, opt for a shade of natural leather.

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

long dress with sandals

Solid Color Sneakers

Wearing sneakers with a dress is something that’s become very easy and trendy today! It’s practical for staying mobile while still looking feminine and elegant. If you’re unsure about which style to choose, I recommend going for simple, low-top white sneakers, made of canvas or leather. They can enhance both long and short dresses, no matter your style.

👉 Check out all our tips for pairing dresses with sneakers in our dedicated guide on this topic!

Espadrilles

Affordable and comfortable, espadrilles come in a variety of patterns and colors. There are even heeled ones for a slightly more chic look! Pair them with a short or mid-length summer dress for a casual outfit that’s perfect for the beach or enjoying a beautiful vacation day.

chic bohemian summer dress

Fringed Ankle Boots for a Confident Boho-Chic Style

Want to showcase your boho-chic side? Don’t hesitate to pair a flowing bohemian dress with leather ankle boots. Details like fringes, embroidery, or colorful beads will be perfect to complete your unique look!

This style is perfect for highlighting what makes you unique every day, or for achieving an exceptional look during an evening event or a festival. 😉

3 Stylish Shoe Styles for an Elegant Summer Outfit

Are you looking for stylish shoes to pair with a summer dress for a special event or to match your personal style? Check out our tips and inspirations!

Open-Toe or Closed-Toe Pumps

Summer is a season filled with numerous events: baptisms, weddings, birthday parties… all great opportunities to dress to impress! To enhance a stylish summer dress, consider pairing it with beautiful patent leather pumps in vibrant colors that will complement your outfit perfectly. You can opt for classic styles that match the color of your dress or go for something a bit more unique, featuring delicate straps or colorful accents.

women's wedding shoes

Strappy Sandals

Just like high heels, beautiful solid-colored leather sandals with thin straps are a sure bet to complete a chic and dressed-up outfit. Choose a color that matches your dress or your various accessories, and make sure your shoes fit well and are comfortable. 😉

Chic Bohemian Wedges

Looking for a style that’s both elegant and natural? If you’re wearing a lovely flowy dress, feel free to pair it with a nice set of wedge sandals made of leather, fabric, or even those with woven soles like espadrilles. This look will pair perfectly with a long bohemian dress in white or pastel colors, which is really in vogue!

shoe with evening dress

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! Be sure to check out our wide selection of chic bohemian dresses, to discover a style that highlights your beauty and truly represents you!