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 formal dress? Or perhaps with a more casual one?

You’ve come to the right place.

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

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, the choice of shoes will depend on the style and length of the dress. If your dress is short or falls to the knee, you can wear flat shoes or low heels: ballet flats, flat sandals, lightweight fabric trainers, gladiator sandals… If it’s a slightly longer dress, don’t hesitate to opt for wedges or heeled sandals to create a lovely silhouette. A pair of stilettos or chic bohemian sandals with delicate 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.

Would you like to find out more? Keep reading to discover:

• Simple tips for selecting shoes that complement your outfit,
• Which colours and materials of shoes to choose based on your dress,
• When to wear open-toe shoes,
• A selection of perfect models for a smart-casual look,
• And ideas for shoes that are suitable to wear with a smart summer dress.

How to Match Your Shoes with Your Summer Dress?

Identify the Style of the Dress

Before settling on a particular model of shoes, take the time to consider your dress: is it more smart or casual? Trendy and original, or classic and subtle? The answers to these questions should guide your choice of footwear, which, as much as possible, should harmoniously match your dress to create a balanced ensemble.

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 enough to reach the ankle, or even lower.

To create a lovely outfit, the rule is fairly straightforward: the shorter your dress, the less necessary heels become. This means that a mini or midi dress can be worn with flat shoes or even with modest heels.

If you prefer to wear a long dress, choosing heeled shoes will help to visually elongate your legs, thereby creating a slimmer silhouette while adding a touch of elegance. If heels aren't your thing, you can also opt for wedge shoes, which will provide a similar visual effect but with the comfort of flat shoes.

Create reminders and a harmony of colours

Some shades of shoes pair very well with a wide variety of colours: notably the 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 tones. In any case, if you choose this colour to wear with a delicate, feminine dress, opt for understated sandals with fine straps rather than very eye-catching shoes.

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

Choose a Suitable Material

Just like colour, the material of your shoes plays a crucial role in your style. Leather sandals are more durable and chic, while fabric shoes have a more casual and relaxed vibe. They also have the added benefit of keeping your feet cooler, which is especially appreciated during a heatwave.

🛑 If you need to walk a lot or wear your shoes for a long time, avoid all plastic materials (like flip-flops, etc.) as much as possible, as they are not very comfortable, can cause excessive sweating, and are prone to hurting your feet. However, they are quite practical as spare shoes for going swimming or wearing by the pool.

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

Open-toe shoes are more suitable for summer, but may not be appropriate in a formal setting, especially at work if you are likely to meet clients, for instance.

On the contrary, most closed sandals will be suitable for a more formal dress code. If you're looking to keep cooler, you might consider opting for shoes that are open only at the back.

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

👉 If your shoes reveal your toes, don't hesitate to apply some bright 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 looking for everyday shoes that are easy to wear? If so, take a look at our selection in the following sections!

Boho Flat Sandals

These lovely, simple shoes will look wonderful with a short or mid-length bohemian dress. They can also be paired with a long dress, but are more suited for a holiday or a day of relaxation. With their delicate straps, they enhance the look of your feet without making them too warm!

👉 Discover our range of bohemian sandals directly on our online shop!

Gladiator Sandals

These uniquely styled sandals feature a design that wraps around your ankles to enhance their appearance. They pair beautifully with a short dress and are an excellent alternative to heels. For a subtle and romantic look, choose a shade of natural leather instead.

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

Plain Trainers

Wearing trainers with a dress is now something that's easily done and is actually very trendy! It's practical for staying mobile while still looking feminine and stylish. If you're unsure about which style to choose, I recommend going for plain white, low-top trainers made of canvas or leather. They can enhance both long and short dresses, no matter what your personal style is.

👉 Discover all our tips on how to pair 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! For a short or mid-length summer dress, choose a pair of espadrilles in a matching shade to create a casual outfit perfect for heading to the beach or enjoying a lovely day on holiday.

Fringe Ankle Boots for a Confident Bohemian Chic Style

Want to showcase your bohemian chic side? Feel free to pair a long bohemian dress with leather ankle boots. Details such as fringes, embroidery, or colourful beads will be perfect to complete your unique look!

This style is perfect for highlighting what makes you unique every day, or for standing out during 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 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 opportunities to dress up smartly! To enhance a beautiful summer dress, you might consider lovely patent heels in vibrant colours that will perfectly complement your summer outfit. These can be classic, in a shade that matches your dress, or a bit more original, featuring thin straps or colourful details.

Strappy sandals

Just like high heels, a lovely pair of plain leather sandals with slim straps will be a reliable choice to complete a smart and stylish outfit. Choose a colour that complements your dress or matches your various accessories, and make sure your shoes fit well and are comfortable. 😉

Chic Bohemian Wedge Sandals

Looking for a look that is both elegant and natural? If you're wearing a lovely flowy dress, don't hesitate to pair it with a pair of leather, fabric, or even woven-soled wedge sandals, similar to espadrilles. This style will perfectly complement a long bohemian dress in white or pastel shades, which is very trendy right now!

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

Bohemian Long Dress