What shoes should you 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 with a more casual one?

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 with flair to really bring it to life!

That’s why today I’m sharing all my tips for finding shoes that perfectly match your summer outfits.

Once you've chosen your summer dress, your choice of shoes will depend on its style and length. If your dress is short or falls to the knee, you can wear flat shoes or low heels: ballet flats, flat sandals, lightweight canvas sneakers, 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 heels or chic bohemian sandals with thin leather straps would be perfect to add the finishing touch to a smart summer outfit. For a special occasion or if you're looking for an elegant style, don't hesitate to wear shoes in light or metallic colours.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out:

  • Simple tips for selecting shoes that match your outfit,
  • Which colours and materials to favour based on your dress,
  • When it's appropriate to wear open-toe shoes,
  • A selection of perfect styles for a casual yet chic look,
  • And ideas for shoes suitable to wear with a dressy summer dress.

what shoes to wear with a short dress

How to 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 of a formal or casual style? Trendy and unique, or classic and understated? The answers to these questions should guide your choice of shoes, which, as much as possible, should complement your dress to create a balanced overall look.

Get Used to Its Length

There are three main types of summer dresses:

  • mini : above the knee,
  • midi : at knee level or just below,
  • maxi : long to the ankle, or even lower.

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

shoe with dress

If you prefer a long dress, choosing heeled shoes will help to visually elongate your legs and therefore slim your silhouette, all while giving you a touch of style. If heels aren’t your thing, 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 harmony

Certain shoe colours pair well with a wide range of outfits: these include brown and tan, which are ideal for wearing with dresses in summer. Black shoes can also work, as long as the dress isn't too light or in overly bright colours. In any case, if you choose this colour to wear with a delicate, feminine dress, it's best to opt for subtle sandals with thin straps rather than eye-catching shoes.

👉 Also consider checking if your dress (or the belt you plan to wear as an accessory) has loops or metallic details. If it does, feel free to match 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 the summer.

summer outfit for women

Choose an Appropriate Material

Just like colour, the material your shoes are made from is crucial for your style. Leather sandals are more durable and stylish, while fabric shoes offer a more casual and relaxed vibe. They also have the added benefit of being cooler on your feet, which is a relief during hot weather.

🛑 If you need to walk a lot or wear your shoes for extended periods, try to avoid all plastic materials (like flip-flops, etc.) as much as possible. They're not very comfortable, can make your feet sweaty, and tend to cause blisters easily. However, they are very handy as spare shoes for going for a swim or lounging by the pool.

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

Open-toe shoes are definitely more summery, but they might not be suitable for a formal setting, especially at work if you're likely to meet 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 might choose shoes that are open at the back.

For a simple yet stylish look, don't hesitate to opt for neutral-coloured shoes that are fairly basic and will easily match most of your outfits.

summer dress for women

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


4 Stylish and Comfortable Casual Shoes 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 following sections!

Boho Flat Sandals

These lovely, simple shoes will look fantastic with a short or mid-length bohemian dress. They can also be paired with a long dress, but are better suited for holidays or a relaxing day. With their delicate straps, they highlight your feet without making you too warm!

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

Gladiator Sandals

These stylish sandals are designed to wrap around your ankles, adding a touch of elegance. They pair beautifully with a short dress and are a fantastic alternative to heels. For a subtle and romantic look, choose a shade of natural leather.

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

long dress with sandals

Plain Sneakers

Wearing sneakers with a dress is now something that’s easily done and is even very fashionable! It allows you to stay free in your movements while still looking feminine and stylish. If you’re unsure about which style to choose, I recommend going for plain white sneakers that are low-top, either canvas or leather. They can elevate both long and short dresses, no matter what your style is.

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

Espadrilles

Affordable and comfortable, espadrilles come in a variety of patterns and colours. There are even heeled options for a slightly more sophisticated look! Paired with a short or mid-length summer dress, choose a pair of espadrilles in a matching shade to create a relaxed outfit for heading to the beach or enjoying a lovely day off.

chic bohemian summer dress

Fringe ankle boots for a bold bohemian chic style

Want 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 at a party or a festival. 😉

3 Stylish Shoe Styles for an Elegant Summer Outfit

Are you looking for stylish shoes to complement 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… all great opportunities to dress up! To enhance an elegant summer dress, you could opt for some lovely colourful patent heels that will pair beautifully with your summer outfit. These can be classic, matching the colour of your dress, or a bit more unique, featuring delicate straps or colourful details.

women's wedding shoes

Strappy Sandals

Just like heels, a lovely pair of plain leather sandals with thin straps will be a reliable choice to complement a smart and elegant 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 flowy dress, don't hesitate to pair it with some leather, fabric, or even woven-soled sandals, like espadrilles. This look will go perfectly with a long white or pastel bohemian dress, which is very much in vogue!

shoe with evening dress

I hope this article has helped you to find the perfect shoes to match your dress, allowing you to create an outfit that makes you feel beautiful this summer! Also, check out our wide range of bohemian chic dresses, to discover a style that enhances your beauty and truly reflects who you are!

Need some inspiration? Take a look at shoes that go perfectly with a summer dress. Check Out Our Shoe Inspiration