What Shoes to Wear with a Summer Dress?

You love wearing summer dresses, but you're wondering how to choose shoes that will elevate your look? Are you curious about what pair to wear with a dressier gown? Or with a more casual dress?

You're in the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how crucial the choice of shoes is in defining a style. When you've found a beautiful summer dress, it's only natural to want to wear it elegantly to showcase it!

That's why I'm sharing all my tips with you 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 the style and length of the dress. If your dress is short or knee-length, you can opt for flat shoes or low heels: ballet flats, flat sandals, lightweight sneakers in solid colours, or 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 thin leather straps will be perfect to add the finishing touch to a dressed-up summer outfit. For a special occasion or if you're looking for an elegant style, feel free to wear shoes in light or metallic colours.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

  • Simple tips for choosing shoes that match your outfit,
  • Which colours and materials of shoes to prioritise based on your dress,
  • When to wear open-toed shoes,
  • A selection of perfect styles for a casual yet chic look,
  • And ideas for shoes that pair 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 particular pair of shoes, take a moment 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 footwear, which, whenever possible, should harmoniously match 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 create a stylish outfit, the rule is quite simple: the shorter your dress, the less necessary high heels are. This means that a mini or midi dress can be worn with flat shoes, or even small heels.

shoe with dress

If you prefer a long dress, opting for heeled shoes can help lengthen the appearance of your legs, giving you a more streamlined silhouette while adding elegance to your look. If heels aren't your thing, you can also wear wedge shoes, which will provide the same visual effect but with the comfort of flat footwear.

Create Reminders and a Color Harmony

Certain shades of shoes pair well with a wide variety of colours: these include brown and cognac shades, 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 bright in colour. In any case, if you choose this colour to wear with a delicate and feminine dress, go for understated sandals with thin straps instead of very flashy shoes.

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

women's summer outfit

Choose the Right Material

Just like color, 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 added benefit of keeping your feet cooler, which is appreciated during a heatwave.

🛑 If you need to walk a lot or wear your shoes for an extended period, try to avoid all plastic materials (flip-flops, etc.) as much as possible. They are not very comfortable, can cause excessive sweating, and tend to hurt your feet easily. However, they are quite practical as backup shoes for going swimming or lounging by the pool.

In what situations can you wear open 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 are likely to meet clients, for instance.

On the contrary, most closed-toe sandals are suitable for a more formal dress code. If you're looking to stay cooler, you can choose open-back shoes instead.

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

summer dress for women

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


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

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

Boho Flat Sandals

These lovely, simple shoes will look stunning with a short or midi bohemian dress. They can also be paired with a long dress, though they’re better suited for a vacation or a relaxed day. With their delicate straps, they accentuate your feet without making them too warm!

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

Gladiator Sandals

These uniquely styled sandals wrap around your ankles to enhance their appearance. They pair perfectly with a short dress and are an excellent alternative to heels. For a subtle and romantic style, choose a shade of natural leather.

The black gladiator sandals are perfect for achieving a sexy look, ideal for a night out, for instance.

long dress with sandals

Solid-Coloured Sneakers

Wearing sneakers with a dress is now an easy and trendy choice! It allows you to move freely while still looking feminine and elegant. If you're unsure about which style to choose, I recommend going for simple, low-cut white sneakers, either in canvas or leather. They can beautifully complement both long and short dresses, no matter your personal style.

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

Sneakers

Affordable and comfortable, sneakers come in a variety of patterns and colors. There are even heeled versions for a slightly more chic look! With a short or knee-length summer dress, choose a pair of sneakers in the same shade to create a casual outfit for heading to the beach or enjoying a lovely day off.

Chic Bohemian Summer Dress

Fringe Ankle Boots for a Confident Bohemian Chic Style

Want to highlight your hippie chic side? Don't hesitate to pair a long bohemian dress with leather ankle boots. Details like fringe, embroidery, or colorful beads are perfect for completing your unique look!

This style is perfect for showcasing what makes you unique every day, or for achieving an exceptional look at a night out or a festival. 😉

3 Stylish Shoe Styles for a Classy 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 inspiration!

Open-toed or Closed-toe Heels

Summer is a season filled with numerous events: baptisms, weddings, birthday parties... all great opportunities to dress to impress! To elevate a stylish summer dress, you might consider opting for pretty, colorful patent heels that will pair perfectly with your summer outfit. These can be classic, matching the tone of your dress, or a bit more unique, featuring sleek straps or vibrant details.

women's wedding shoes

Thin Strapped Sandals

Just like high heels, pretty leather sandals with thin straps are a reliable choice to complete a chic and polished 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

Looking for a look that’s both elegant and natural? If you’re wearing a beautiful flowy dress, don’t hesitate to pair it with a set of wedge sandals in leather, fabric, or even with a woven sole, like espadrilles. This style pairs perfectly with a long bohemian dress in white or pastel colours, which is very trendy!

shoe with evening dress

I hope this article has helped you find the perfect shoes to match your dress, allowing you to 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 flatters you and truly reflects who you are!

Need some inspiration? Explore shoes that pair effortlessly with a summer dress. Explore Our Footwear Inspirations