Wearing a long dress is very trendy. It's a must-have piece in your wardrobe for all seasons. However, to avoid a fashion faux pas, you need to choose how to highlight it properly. The dress has the unique ability to be a complete outfit on its own. Certainly, you can accessorise it according to your desires, but all you need to do is pick a nice pair of shoes to complete your style. So, for a lovely outfit, what shoes should you wear with your long dress? It will depend largely on your character and preferences. Will you opt for the 100% feminine choice of high heels or a flat and comfortable style instead? Do you prioritise the appearance of a shoe 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 and to enhance your feminine side, you can pair it with heeled boots. Small suede boots or a lovely leather pair will give you a retro vibe. Some boots even lean toward a pin-up style. If you're on the shorter side, heeled shoes will elongate your silhouette. You'll feel immediately more accentuated, appearing taller by a few centimetres. The heel height should be comfortable for you. You can wear tall heels if you're used to it, but two to three centimetres will suffice to slim your silhouette and give a feminine flair. If you’re not fond of walking in heels, sticking with flats will be simpler and more comfortable. High heels add a touch of femininity with class.
However, you can also choose a flat model. Leather boots, laced, in black, brown, or red, for instance, will give you a rock'n'roll vibe. Boots decorated with fringes or colourful embroidery will add a whimsical bohemian touch. There are also boots in more unique colours. To liven up a classic pair of boots, coloured laces will help you stand out. Ultimately, it all depends on what you want to express and your personality.
Sandals with a summer dress
While boots are perfect for the autumn-winter season, sandals will accompany your summer dress beautifully. Moreover, they add a chic touch. Flat strappy sandals are comfortable and ideal for a long walk. If you plan to wear your dress for an evening out, heeled sandals will look stunning. The boho chic trend features fanciful models adorned with pompoms, colourful beads, or braided straps. However, you can also find more minimalist and subtle designs. Simple mules provide a casual look with perfect comfort. In summer, shoes tend to be multicoloured or in neutral tones. If your outfit is simple, a very colourful model can add some flair. In contrast, a highly coloured or patterned dress can be enhanced with neutral-coloured sandals. Flat sandals with a rope sole are trendy for that natural vibe.
Trainers for a relaxed look
Wearing trainers with a dress is certainly not a fashion faux pas. It's the choice of comfort and modernity. You showcase a trendy urban femininity. Pairing a dress with trainers allows you to assert your non-conformist side. Where one would expect you to wear dainty shoes, you surprise them. The selection of trainers is incredibly diverse. If you wish to gain a few centimetres while remaining comfortable, wedge trainers are your best allies.
In terms of materials, if the weather is mild, opt for a lovely canvas model. Want something fun? Then, fabric trainers printed with floral patterns and bright colours will celebrate the arrival of spring and energise you. If you prefer a classic and sportier model, specialized brands often create products that are slim and feminine. A tip: some trainers come with a ribbon instead of laces. To make any pair of trainers more feminine, swap out 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 every outfit, and that's why we love them. Simple, essential, comfortable, and feminine, wear them with your dresses and skirts, whether long or short. Basic models embody simplicity and understated elegance. However, in recent years, designers have outdone themselves with originality in this area. They often come adorned with a large bow, a light satin flower, or fringes and pompons for a bohemian chic look. The colour options are so varied that it can be hard to choose. Bright tones happily coexist with browns and blacks. Red or polka-dot ballet flats will give you a pin-up look that pairs beautifully with a similarly styled dress for a confidently retro fashion. Yet, a pair of simple ballet flats, in beige, white, or black, adorned with a few pearls worn with a plain dress will provide a more casual look. As for powder pink ballet flats or those with a gentle fabric flower, they are the favourite shoes of the romantic that lies within you.
Your shoe choice depends on your fashion style
The model you choose to wear with your long dress depends on the look you wish to achieve:
- for a feminine silhouette, heeled models should be prioritised: boots, booties, sandals. From bohemian, retro chic, to the more classic, they suit all women;
- if you want a more urban vibe, go for trainers; the colour and shape will set the tone: slim and feminine, in practical canvas, or more classic designs for sporty types. They energise an outfit;
- if you wish to exude a rock vibe, choose black or red boots or ankle boots;
- flat models like ballet flats ensure comfort and should be tailored to your personality; whimsical, classic, casual, or romantic.