A Complete Guide: How To Match Shoes With Dresses For Every Occasion

When cool and casual sneakers are paired with feminine dresses, an interesting aesthetic that is girly and sporty at once is created. Favoured for their comfort, sneakers make for a fabulous pairing with your favourite summer dresses, particularly on days when you are on your feet all day. Versatile low-top sneakers will pair well with almost any dress, while high-top sneakers are particularly well-suited for complementing shorter dresses. While sneakers are traditionally casual shoes, they can also be styled with semi-formal dresses for daytime events — go for sleek and minimalist designs in these cases.

From relaxed slides to heeled sandals and barely-there designs, there is a pair of sandals for every occasion — even formal ones — depending on the style you choose. Slides and thong sandals pair beautifully with flowy, lightweight silhouettes, like linen or slip dresses, to create the perfect failproof combination for laidback summer days. If your dresses feature bold prints and bright colours, opt for lighter and neutral-coloured sandals so they won’t compete with your dress.

At the other end of the spectrum, heeled sandals — in particular, designs embellished with sparkling gems or crystals — are great choices for formal occasions, such as black-tie events and weddings. These statement sandals are best paired with sleek fitted dresses and elegant gowns that are made with sumptuous fabrics such as satin, velvet or silk. Read our ultimate guide on the different types of sandals for a more in-depth understanding.

Heels have an inherently dressy and refined aesthetic. When styled with feminine dresses, they are your sartorial shortcut to looking polished and put together. Stylish and practical, low to mid-heels make for great work shoes as they pair well with tailored dresses, which are office-wear staples. For formal events, complement your evening dresses or ballgowns, particularly those made with more luxurious fabrics like satin or velvet, with elegant closed-toe high-heeled shoes. Avoid wearing heels with overly casual pieces like over-sized t-shirt dresses, as the stark contrast between the aesthetics of the dress and shoes can make your outfit look odd.

Boots are fall-winter essentials that pair effortlessly with cosy sweater dresses and soft knitted dresses. When accessorising heavier dresses that are made with thicker fabrics, opt for streamlined boot styles to maintain balanced proportions.

As a general rule of thumb, the taller the boots, the shorter the dress — for instance, knee-high boots are the best match for mini dresses. For maxi dresses, most boot styles work well as the longer hemline conceals most of the shoes, with only the toe boxes and soles visible in many cases. When choosing boots for longer dresses, ensure the shoes do not add unnecessary bulk to the lower half of your body.

While boots are traditionally cold-weather shoes, they are also a popular choice for summer festivals. To nail the boho-chic aesthetic that is an enduring go-to favourite at these events, pair cowboy or western boots with flowy floral dresses or tiered ruffle dresses. Don’t be afraid to don your boots during the warmer months too — they are a more glamorous alternative to sneakers and flats and will bring a cool edge to your spring and summer dresses. For more detail, read about the different types of boots.

If you are going for a polished and preppy aesthetic, loafers are the obvious footwear choice — they are perfect for completing academia-inspired and vintage looks. For a subtle take on preppy style, wear sensible black loafers with a full-length tailored plaid dress. To look fresh and youthful, pair a chic mini dress with white socks and classic penny loafers. While loafers are often associated with school, their sleek, clean-lined designs also make them a natural choice for professional settings, smart-casual events and even relaxed evening occasions. For more styling inspiration, read our comprehensive guide on how to wear socks with loafers here.

Widely acknowledged to be a timeless classic, ballet flats complement dresses effortlessly. They are a great alternative to heels, especially if you are looking for everyday or work-appropriate shoes that prioritise all-day comfort. When styled with a fit-and-flare black maxi dress, the sleek profile of ballet flats creates an elegant leg line that is universally flattering. However, as ballet flats provide little to no lift, it is important to consider your unique proportions — if you are petite, avoid wearing ballet flats with long dresses as they may overwhelm your frame. In general, ballet flats and mini dresses are a great match and will work well for almost all body types.

With a distinctively girlish aesthetic, the Mary Jane is a go-to shoe style for accessorising dresses. They are particularly well-suited for complementing romantic dresses that feature feminine details like lace, ruffles, and babydoll silhouettes. However, they can also be styled with edgier dresses for a grunge-girl look — in this case, opt for Mary Janes with embellishments like studs or platform soles for a bold touch. While heeled Mary Janes will add a youthful yet elegant element to maxi dresses, they are not considered to be the most suitable option for formal evening gowns.