30 Shoes to Wear With Dresses in Summer

Summer is the perfect time to break out your favorite dresses. From casual daytime styles to dressy evening looks, the warm weather offers many opportunities to rock dresses. Choosing the right shoes to complement your dresses can take your outfits to the next level. When pairing shoes with dresses for summer, consider factors like dress length, style, fabric, and occasion. Depending on the situation, heels, sandals, wedges, flats, and sneakers can all work well with dresses. Here are 30 amazing shoes to wear with dresses this summer.

Flats Shoes to Wear

Flats are a breezy choice perfect for keeping cool on hot summer days. They provide a chic yet comfortable way to complete your dress outfits.

1. Ballet Flats

Classic ballet flats are a versatile staple with all casual and dressy dresses. Their sleek, feminine style plays up the flow and movement of summer dresses. Neutral tones or metallics make them endlessly easy to mix and match.

2. Pointed Toe Flats

For a touch of polish, opt for pointed-toe flats. The elongating effect of the pointy toe balances out fuller skirt shapes. Pointed flats also lend a little extra formality to casual day dresses.

3. D’Orsay Flats

D’Orsay styles, with their distinctive cutout sides, give flats a breathable, summery feel. Try them with everything from sundresses to maxi dresses. The dainty silhouette pairs perfectly with floral prints and fabrics like chiffon or crepe.

4. Espadrilles

Espadrilles bring vacation vibes with their braided jute soles and casual cotton uppers. They’re ideal for keeping comfy in loose, flowing dresses. Stick to solids or minimal patterns to let the espadrille texture stand out.

Sandals Shoes to Wear

From barely-there straps to sturdy soles, sandals epitomize warm weather style. Show off your pedicure and let your feet feel the breeze in these summery shoes.

5. Flat Sandals

Casual flat sandals work well with various dresses, from sundresses to peasant styles. Options like gladiator or huarache sandals provide comfortable, carefree wear you can enjoy all day.

6. Block Heel Sandals

Add some lift while maintaining stability by choosing block-heel sandal styles to wear with your dresses. The chunky heels ranging from 1 to 3 inches bring flattering height without teetering.

7. Wedge Sandals

Similarly, wedge sandals offer elevation in a sturdy silhouette. Espadrilles or cork bottom wedges complement casually chic dresses, while sleeker leather options pair with polished sheath dresses or stylish shifts.

8. Ankle Strap Sandals

An ankle strap adds security, so you can confidently wear these heels while dressed up or down. Ankle strap sandals work with shorter hem lengths to showcase legs.

9. Slide Sandals

Breezy slide sandals deliver laidback charm. Try barely-there styles to complement flowy maxi or midi dresses. The unfussy design also works nicely with structured fit-and-flare silhouettes.

10. Thong Sandals

From rubber sporty styles to luxe leather versions, thong sandals display ultimate ease. Use them to play up the casual vibe of a simple T-shirt dress on the weekend.

Heels Shoes to Wear

Heels take dresses from day to night with polish and poise. Balance the femininity of sundresses and maxis with slender heels. Or choose bold block heels and wedges to bring flair to tailored sheath dresses.

11. Kitten Heels

Cute and comfortable, kitten heels offer a practical way to wear heels with dresses. The lower heel height (around 2 inches) provides a lift without strain. Wear them with knee-length or midi dresses.

12. Classic Pumps

An essential pointed or round-toe pump in a neutral color can work with any dress style. The versatility of these moderate-height heels makes them suitable for both work and weekend wear.

13. Slingback Heels

drawing attention to the back of the ankle, slingback heels add intrigue. The silhouette lets you show some skin while maintaining coverage and support. Pair slingbacks with a fit and flare or skater dress.

14. Peep Toe Heels

Fun and flirty peep-toe heels allow you to show off your pedicure while dressing up. Opt for peep toes with a sophisticated sheath dress or a twist on a Little Black Dress.

15. Block Heels

Block heels with a chunky stacked silhouette update basics like the Little Black Dress. The bold style also complements bright, playful prints or colorful dresses.

16. Wedge Heels

If you want added lift with the stability of a platform, wedge heels are made for you. The leg-lengthening boost works nicely with maxi dresses and full, flowing skirt shapes.

17. Stiletto Heels

Sometimes, you want to go for full-on glamour. Stilettos transform mini and midi dresses into red carpet or big date looks. Have fun playing with the skinny heel versus fuller skirt shapes and volumes.

18. Mules

Mules, let your heels multitask with dresses for work and the weekend. They give you height with comfort and allow you to showcase dress details at the front. Mules work with everything from sheath dresses to casual shifts.

Sneakers Shoes to Wear

Tennis shoes aren’t just for the gym. Sneakers lend an effortlessly cool vibe when paired with dresses. Go for crisp white styles or bold neon colors to amp up your style.

19. Low Top Sneakers

Low-top canvas sneakers embody relaxed chic with breezy dresses like A-line shifts. Oversized silhouettes and minimalist color palettes like black and white emphasize the laidback attitude.

20. High Top Sneakers

Rock your dresses with high-top Converse or retro basketball sneakers for an edgy spin. The chunky athletic style plays up the dichotomy with feminine dresses. High tops also streamline maxi lengths.

21. Slip-on Sneakers

Effortless slip-on canvas, mesh, or leather sneakers convey carefree charm with casual dresses. They help balance out voluminous shapes like babydoll styles. Stay simple in solids, or go bold with colorful patterns.

22. Platform Sneakers

Take your sporty dress looks up a notch with platform sneakers. The height boost makes legs look extra long, balancing full midi or maxi skirt shapes. Play into the novelty with intentionally mismatched dresses and shoes.

Boots Shoes to Wear

Boots aren’t reserved for fall and winter. Explore fresh, summery ways to incorporate boots with your dress collection.

23. Ankle Boots

Summery takes on ankle boots, including perforated, cutout, and open-toe styles, to keep your feet feeling airy. Ankle boots create visual contrast and interest when paired with dresses. Wear them with a short shirt or a T-shirt dress.

24. Cowboy Boots

Give your dresses major country flair by styling them with western boots. The rugged boots counteract the femininity of sundresses, maxis, or babydoll styles in a fun fashion dichotomy.

25. Hiking Boots/Chunky Boots

Take the athleisure trend by wearing hiking boots or chunky platform boots with summer dresses. The sporty, funky mix is perfect for the festival season. Let boots ground airy maxis or complement flowy peasant styles.

26. Over the Knee Boots

While not the most heat-friendly choice, over-the-knee or thigh-high boots can transition with dresses into summer nights. Pair them with bodycon minis or short shifts to extend your legs.

Special Occasions

Choose shoes that complement your celebratory dress when heading to weddings, date nights, or other special summer occasions.

27. Rhinestone Sandals

Make a glamorous entrance in dresses with dazzling rhinestone embellished heels or sandals. The sparkle enhances evenings out while lending a fancy touch.

28. Metallic Heels/Sandals

Shimmering metallic shoes offer a striking yet versatile pairing with special occasion dresses. Gold, rose gold, or silver pairs well with solid color dresses or styles with shimmery accents.

29. Lace Up Heels/Sandals

Lace-up heels or strappy gladiator-style sandals add intrigue and sophistication to events. Opt for dainty ties with billowy maxis or more authoritarian corset-style lacing with sleek bodycon dresses.

30. Feather/Fringe Heels or Sandals

Make a dramatically fun statement by topping your party dress with feather or fringe-trimmed heels or sandals. The ornate accent brings whimsy and movement.

FAQs

1. What types of shoes work best with maxi dresses in summer?

Opt for flat shoes like sandals or espadrilles for maxi dresses to complement the long sweeping length. Wedge heels and ankle strap block heels also provide some lift without overwhelming the dress.

2. What shoes should you wear with a sundress?

Flat sandals, slides, espadrilles, or sneakers pair perfectly with sundresses to enhance the laidback vibe. For dressier occasions, strappy sandals or low kitten heels maintain comfort.

3. Can you wear rain boots with dresses in summer?

Opt for short rain boots in fun colors like polka dot or transparent styles during rainy summer days. They’ll keep you dry without overwhelming shorter skirts or sheaths. Fold over the tops to show some leg.

4. What do you wear with floral dresses and prints in summer?

Solid-colored shoes that pick up one color from the floral or print pattern work nicely and don’t compete. Nude or metallic shoes also complement each other without clashing.

5. How do you choose summer cocktail or party dress shoes?

For cocktail attire, single-sole or ankle strap heels. Complement shorter hemlines. Dazzling embellished heels, rhinestones, or metallic shoes make dressed-up statements for formal occasions.

Last Words

Summer offers so many opportunities for wearing fun, breezy dresses. With all the styles available, from flats to heels, sandals to sneakers, you can find the perfect shoes to complement your dresses. Shoes to wear with dresses are essential to any fashion-forward wardrobe, and you have plenty of options. Explore 50 Y2K baggy jeans outfit ideas that effortlessly blend retro vibes with modern chic, and remember to consider the dress shape, hem length, fabric, and occasion when choosing shoes to complement your look, ensuring you step out in unparalleled style.