Summer is in full swing, and you know what that means: it’s officially dress season, baby! Whether it’s a flirty mini or a flowing maxi, dresses reign supreme when the temperature climbs above 90 degrees. They offer that perfect mix of breezy comfort and instant style. That being said, the right pair of shoes holds the key to taking your favorite frock from bland to stylish in seconds. So it’s imperative that you figure out the best shoes to wear with dresses.
First, take this as a sign that your footwear should never be an afterthought. They’re the finishing touch that can elevate (or totally tank) your entire look. And right now, the shoe game is buzzing with options. From chunky sneakers to sleek sandals, to classic mules and oh-so-many more, it can get overwhelming real quick. Picking the right pair isn’t just about looking cute either, though that’s obviously a plus. It’s about nailing that sweet spot between comfort, occasion and personality to make your outfit really pop.
Whether you’re headed to brunch, a rooftop party or just running errands, the shoes you choose set the tone for your whole day. Read on to discover which shoes celebrity stylists recommend you wear with dresses and get ready to step up your fashion game like never before.
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How Do You Match Shoes to a Dress?
Matching shoes to a dress isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about creating a conversation between two elements of your outfit. The key is to “choose pieces that feel authentic to you and make you feel confident and current, without sacrificing comfort,” advises celebrity stylist and M.M. LaFleur’s Director of Merchandising, Shelby Goldfaden. It might mean echoing the softness of a silk slip dress with a sleek strappy sandal, or contrasting a sweet babydoll shape with a bold, sculptural heel.
Sometimes the magic lies in texture too. A glossy patent leather shoe against crisp cotton, or buttery suede grounding something sheer and floaty, is a match made in heaven. Think beyond color and into mood. Is your dress romantic, tailored or playful? Let your shoes respond accordingly. The best pairings don’t just match—they build a look that feels intentional, layered and entirely your own.
Related: These Are the Best Shoes To Wear With Linen Pants, According to a Celebrity Stylist
Is It Trendy To Wear Sneakers With a Dress?
Sneakers with dresses are totally in—and are way more than just a trend. This combo flips the script on classic femininity by injecting a fresh, laid-back feel that’s equal parts cool and comfortable.
Think chunky soles, bright pops of color or unexpected textures that give your dress a street-style edge without stealing the spotlight. It’s the ultimate mix of sporty and chic, perfect for everything from picnic dates to city strolls.
And no, wearing sneakers with a dress isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about showing off your personality while keeping your feet happy. Stylish footwear that won’t leave your feet screaming? Yes, please.
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7 Best Shoes To Wear With Dresses, According to a Celebrity Stylist
1. Casual Loafers
Loafers are quietly stealing the spotlight as the ultimate dress companion right now. They strike that “perfect balance of refined and relaxed,” says celebrity stylist Sarah Nearis—who is known for curating looks for celebrities like Paige Desorbo and Abby Anderson—making them ideal for everything from crisp shirtdresses to flowy cotton minis.
Loafers bring a subtle elegance to your outfit, turning casual into cool with zero fuss. Nearis recommends pairing them with delicate gold accessories and a sleek crossbody bag to keep the look elevated yet approachable.
2. Kitten Heel
Kitten heels bring just the right splash of refinement to dresses, offering a subtle lift that’s totally easy to wear. They pair effortlessly with everything from slinky slip dresses to crisp shirtdresses, especially in luxe materials like patent leather or faux-croc.
Keep accessories simple but sharp—a slick mini bag or delicate jewelry—to strike that effortless balance, says model and celebrity styling expert Lauren Chan. It’s the kind of style where luxe textures meet casual confidence… and that practically guarantees compliments.
3. Ballet Flats
Ever heard of the wrong shoe theory? The idea is simple. All you have to do is pick the most unexpected shoe to add instant personality to any outfit. Ballet flats are a perfect example; they mix classic charm with a modern twist that keeps dresses feeling fresh and effortless, says Chan.
Whether you’re slipping into sleek leather or the season’s hottest bedazzled styles, ballet flats soften everything from flowing maxis to sharp tuxedo-inspired dresses without sacrificing sophistication.
Related: 6 Essential Tips for Styling Plus-Size Dresses, According to Model Rubeiri Cornelio
4. Block Heels
Block heels are exactly what they sound like: chunky, grounded and built for comfort without sacrificing an ounce of style. Equal parts practical and chic, they work effortlessly with just about every dress silhouette, from flirty babydolls to easy sundresses.
But embracing the trend doesn’t mean abandoning your own aesthetic, says Goldfaden, who encourages her clients to wear what makes them feel good. So whether that’s a bold color, a cool texture or a sculptural heel, block styles let you tap into what’s trending while still keeping things authentic.
5. Comfortable Slides
Some days you just don’t want to deal with the fuss—no straps, no buckles, no laces. That’s where slides come in. With their slip-on simplicity and surprisingly stylish appeal, slides—such as chic slide sandals—are an easy win when styling dresses, whether you’re heading to the farmer’s market or meeting friends for a patio lunch. They work effortlessly with breezy linens, cotton midis or even slinkier styles if you want to dial things down without losing sophistication. The right dress should empower you to show up as your best self, and the same goes for your footwear, says Goldfaden. It’s all about comfort first, then formality; choosing a slide that feels good and suits where you’re actually going.
6. Strappy Sandals
When you want your dress to really shine, it calls for a shoe that won’t compete. Enter the coveted strappy sandal. Their delicate lines keep the focus on the dress while subtly lengthening the leg and adding just enough lift. They’re especially effective with fuller styles, where a bit of structure on the foot helps keep the overall look clean and refined.
As stylist Nearis puts it, the key is “creating balance on the body” and never losing sight of shape. Just look at Dakota Johnson’s black strappy sandal heels, which pair barely-there straps with some lift for a look that’s equal parts graceful and grounded, which is exactly what a statement dress needs.
7. Statement Sneaker
Not every dress needs a heel. In fact, some of the most fashion-forward looks right now pair a feminine dress with a bold, unexpected sneaker. With its cool, grounded energy, a standout sneaker brings unexpected contrast to soft or structured dresses, making the look feel instantly modern and laid-back.
Whether you’re reaching for a bold color, a chunky sole or a retro-inspired design, the key is to let the sneaker add edge without overwhelming the outfit. They work especially well with slip dresses, poplin minis or even romantic ruffles because they balance femininity with a fresh, street-style twist, says Chan.
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Sources:
- Shelby Goldfaden, celebrity stylist and M.M. LaFleur’s Director of Merchandising
- Sarah Nearis, a celebrity stylist who has worked with celebrities like Paige Desorbo and Abby Anderson.
- Lauren Chan, a model and celebrity styling expert. She was also recently on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, making her the first out lesbian to grace the cover.
