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 dress? Or perhaps with a more casual one?

You're in the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I know 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 truly 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 shoes will depend on its style and length. If your dress is short or falls at the knee, you can opt for flat shoes or low heels: ballet flats, flat sandals, lightweight fabric sneaker, gladiator sandals... If it's a slightly longer dress, feel free to go for wedges or heeled sandals to create a lovely silhouette. A pair of stiletto heels or chic bohemian sandals with delicate leather straps will be perfect to add the finishing touch to a smart summer outfit. For a special occasion or if you're after an elegant look, don’t hesitate to wear light-coloured or metallic shoes.

Want to find out more? Keep reading to discover:

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

How to Properly Match Your Shoes with Your Summer Dress?

Identify the Style of the Dress

Before settling on a particular style of shoes, 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 you in choosing your pair of shoes, which, whenever possible, should complement your dress seamlessly, in order 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 it,
• maxi : long down to the ankle, or even lower.

To create a lovely outfit, the rule is quite simple: the shorter your dress, the less you need heels. This means that a mini or midi dress can be worn with flat shoes or even small heels.

If you prefer a long dress, wearing heeled shoes will help to visually elongate your legs, slimming down your silhouette and giving you a touch of elegance. If heels aren’t your style, you can also opt for wedge sandals, which will provide the same visual effect but with the comfort of flat shoes.

Create reminders and a colour scheme

Some shades of shoes pair very well with a wide variety of colours: this includes brown and tan shades, which are perfect for wearing with dresses in the 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 thin straps rather than very flashy shoes.

👉 Also, consider 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 it's gold, silver, or even bronze, these shoes are perfect for highlighting your feet and enhancing your look for the summer.

Choose the Right Material

Just like the colour, the material your shoes are made from plays a crucial role in your style. Leather sandals are more durable and chic, while fabric shoes have a more casual and laid-back vibe. They also have the advantage of being cooler on the feet, which is appreciated during heatwaves.

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

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

Open-toe shoes are definitely more suitable for summer, but they might not be appropriate in formal settings, especially at work if you’re likely to meet clients, for instance.

On the contrary, most closed sandals are suitable for a stricter 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 elegant look, don’t hesitate to choose neutral-coloured shoes that are quite basic and will easily match 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!

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

Are you on the lookout for everyday shoes that are easy to wear? If so, check out our selection in the upcoming lines!

Boho Flat Sandals

These lovely, simple shoes will go wonderfully with a short or mid-length boho dress. They can also pair nicely with a long dress, but it's better suited for holidays or a relaxing day. With their delicate straps, they showcase your feet without making you too warm!

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

Gladiator Sandals

These uniquely styled sandals are designed to rise above your ankles, enhancing their look. They pair beautifully with a short dress and make a great alternative to heels. For a subtle and romantic style, go for a shade of natural leather.

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

Plain Sneakers

Wearing sneakers with a dress is something that's easily done these days and is quite fashionable! It’s practical for staying comfortable while looking feminine and stylish. If you’re unsure about which style to choose, I recommend going for plain white low-top sneakers, made of canvas or leather. They can beautifully complement both long and short dresses, no matter your style.

👉 Check out all our tips for pairing dresses with trainers 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 a short or mid-length summer dress with espadrilles in a matching shade to create a casual outfit perfect for heading to the beach or enjoying a lovely day on holiday.

Fringed Ankle Boots for a Confident Bohemian Chic Style

Looking to showcase your hippie chic side? Don’t hesitate to pair a long bohemian dress with leather ankle boots. Details like fringes, embroidery, or colourful beads will be perfect to complete your unique look!

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

3 Stylish Shoe Styles for a Smart Summer Outfit

Are you looking for 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 invitations to various events: christenings, weddings, birthday parties… perfect opportunities to dress to impress! To elevate a stylish summer dress, you might opt for lovely, brightly coloured patent heels that will complement your summer outfit beautifully. You can choose classic styles that match the colour of your dress, or go for something a bit more unique, featuring delicate straps or vibrant details.

Strappy Sandals

Just like heels, a lovely pair of simple leather sandals with slim straps will be a sure way to complete a smart and dressed-up 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 style that’s both elegant and natural? If you’re wearing a lovely flowing dress, consider pairing it with a nice pair of wedge sandals made of leather, fabric, or even with a woven sole, like espadrilles. This style works wonderfully with a long white or pastel bohemian dress, 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 in which you'll feel beautiful this summer! Also, check out our wide range of chic bohemian dresses, to discover a style that enhances your look and truly represents you!

Bohemian Long Dress