What footwear to wear with a maxi dress?

Wearing a long dress is very trendy. It's a must-have piece in your wardrobe for any season. However, to avoid any fashion faux pas, it’s important to choose how to showcase it properly. A dress has the unique quality of being a complete outfit in itself. While you can accessorise it to your liking, all you really need is a lovely pair of shoes to complete your style. So, for a lovely outfit, what shoes should you wear with your long dress? This will mostly depend on your character and preferences. Will you go for the 100% feminine option with high heels, or would you prefer a flat, comfortable model? Do you prioritise the look of a model or its practicality? In this article, we share all our tips to help you make your decision.

Boots with or without heels for a bohemian style

With a bohemian dress to enhance your feminine side, you can pair it with heeled boots. Small suede boots or a beautiful leather model will give you a retro vibe. Some boots even flirt with a pin-up style. If you're petite, heeled shoes will elongate your silhouette, making you feel instantly uplifted. You'll appear a few centimetres taller. The heel height should ensure comfort. You can wear very high heels if you're used to them, but heels of just two to three centimetres are enough to slim down your silhouette and give a feminine allure. If heels aren’t your thing, flat options will be simpler and more comfortable for you. High heels add a touch of class to your femininity.

Alternatively, you might opt for a flat model. Leather boots, whether laced up, black, brown, or red, can bring a rock 'n' roll edge. Boots decorated with fringes or colourful embroidery will add a whimsical bohemian touch. You can also find boots in more original colours. To energise a classic pair of boots, opt for brightly coloured laces that set you apart. Ultimately, it all depends on the impression you want to convey and your personality.

Sandals with a summer dress

While boots are perfect in the autumn-winter season, sandals complement your summer dress beautifully. Plus, they give a chic look. Flat sandals are comfortable and suitable for long walks. If you choose to wear your dress to an evening event, a pair of heeled sandals will look gorgeous. The boho chic style offers fancy models with pom-poms, colourful beads, or braided straps. However, you’ll also find more minimalistic and understated options. Simple mules give a relaxed vibe and ensure perfect comfort. In summer, shoes come in bright colours or neutral tones. If your outfit is subdued, a very colourful model will add energy to it. Conversely, a brightly coloured or print dress can be beautifully complemented by neutral-coloured sandals. Flat sandals with a jute sole are trendy for their natural feel.

Sneakers for a casual look

Sneakers with long dress

Wearing sneakers with a dress is far from a fashion mistake; it’s a choice for comfort and modernity. You showcase a trendy urban femininity. Pairing a dress with sneakers allows you to express your non-conformist side. Where you'd expect to see little shoes, you surprise everyone. Sneaker models offer a wide variety. If you want to gain a few centimetres while staying comfortable, wedge sneakers are your best allies.

If the weather is mild, opt for a lovely canvas model. Feeling adventurous? Floral-patterned fabric sneakers in vibrant colours welcome spring and will lift your spirits. Prefer something classic and sporty? Specialized brands often create very sleek and feminine options. Here’s a tip: some sneakers come with ribbons instead of laces. To give any pair of trainers a girly touch, 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 love them. Simple, indispensable, comfortable, and feminine, you can wear them with your dresses and skirts, whether long or short. Basic models embody simplicity and understated elegance. However, in recent years, designers have managed to bring great originality to them. They often feature a big bow, or a light satin flower, or even fringes and pom-poms for a bohemian chic vibe. The colours are so varied that it can be difficult to choose. Bright tones sit alongside browns and blacks. Red or polka dot ballet flats give a pin-up feel, which looks delightful with a dress in the same style for a bold retro fashion statement. On the other hand, a simple pair of ballet flats - beige, white, or black - adorned with a few beads will give you a more casual look. As for powder pink ballet flats, or those with a soft fabric flower, they are the go-to shoes for the romantic side in you.

Your choice of shoes depends on your clothing style

The choice of what to pair with your long dress depends on the look you want to achieve:

  • for a feminine silhouette, opt for heeled models: boots, ankle boots, or sandals. From bohemian and retro chic to the more classic, they’ll suit all women;
  • if you want to achieve a more urban look, go for sneakers; the colour and style will set the tone—slender and feminine for canvas types and practical for classic sporty options. They liven up any outfit;
  • for a rock vibe, select black or red boots or ankle boots;
  • flat options like ballet flats ensure comfort and can be tailored to your personality; whether fanciful, classic, casual, or romantic.
Need a bit of inspiration? Discover the perfect shoes to team with a long dress for an effortlessly stylish look. Explore Our Shoe Inspirations