Figuring out what shoes to wear with dresses can feel like a bit of a puzzle at times, but it doesn’t have to be.
The key is to find the right balance between the dress style, the occasion, and how you want to feel in your outfit. Whether you’re styling a maxi, midi, or mini, the right shoes can pull everything together.
Take a look at our top tips on how to match that perfect shoe with your favourite dress and step out with confidence, whatever the look and whatever the season.
Choosing Shoes for Different Dress Styles
First up, we’ll share some tips for matching shoes with different dress styles.
Shoes for Midi Dresses
If you’re new to midi dresses, figuring out what shoes to wear with them can feel a bit daunting. The length hits somewhere between the knee and ankle, which is a flattering length, but can sometimes be seen as a hard one to style, especially when the weather turns cold.
The truth is that midi dresses are way more versatile than they get credit for and can actually be an easy dress to style shoes with. You can dress a midi up with a pair of strappy heels for a summer event or keep things laid-back (and warm) with chunky boots or fashionable trainers when it’s chilly.
We have seen plenty of style experts encouraging this more as we head into Autumn/Winter and colder months.
Shoes for Mini Dresses
When it comes to styling a mini dress, most of us immediately think of pairing it with strappy heels. We get it, strappy heels are a classic for a reason. They have that leg-lengthening, confidence-boosting effect that’s hard to beat, especially if you’re on the petite side.
But fashion is shifting, and lately, we’ve seen a huge comeback of women styling their dresses with ballet flats (or balletcore, as the trendsetters are calling it). This season, more and more people are trading their high heels for chic, comfortable flats that still feel elegant but have that effortlessly cool vibe.
Style experts agree that ballet flats are the perfect match for a mini dress. Their soft, feminine silhouette balances out the shorter hemline beautifully, no matter your height.
And the best part? You can make the look your own. Whether you love classic leather styles, sleek square toes, or the trending mesh versions that are all over social media at the moment, ballet flats with mini dresses are officially the outfit combo to try right now.
Shoes for Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses are probably the trickiest to style when it comes to footwear. Since they often skim the floor (and sometimes even cover your feet completely), it’s worth choosing a shoe that adds a little height to keep your hemline from dragging.
A bit of lift can completely transform the look – think wedges, platform sandals, or block heels for an effortlessly polished summer vibe.
For more casual days, chunky trainers or flatforms keep things comfy while still feeling on-trend.
When it’s colder, heeled boots or sleek ankle boots work beautifully, adding structure and balance to the flowing silhouette of a maxi dress.
Matching Shoes with Different Colours of Dresses
Next, we’ll share some styling tips and tricks for how to match shoes with different colours of dresses.
Neutral Shoes with Bold Dresses
When deciding what shoes to wear with bold dresses, sometimes less really is more. If your dress is bright or features a patterned design, a neutral shoe can help balance the look and let the dress do the talking. Think of it as your way to highlight your statement piece without overwhelming it.
Dresses in bold shades like red, yellow, or green pair beautifully with nude, tan, or even soft metallic tones, perfect for keeping things chic but also cohesive and not too out there.
Whether you prefer flats, sandals, or low heels, pairing neutral shoes with bright dresses is always a timeless choice.
Colourful Shoes with Neutral Dresses
Let’s flip the script, what about matching colourful shoes with neutral dresses? This can be one of the easiest ways to instantly upgrade your outfit as slipping on a pair of vibrant shoes can really make your look stand out.
We’re thinking bright coloured trainers or bold statement heels that add just the right pop of colour to transform a simple outfit into something eye-catching and fun.
Research suggests that while colourful shoes add a vibrant splash of personality, they can be trickier to style than neutral shoes, which effortlessly go with almost everything.
But don’t let that hold you back! With a little confidence and the right pairing, colourful shoes with dresses can become your go-to style move. So next time you’re wondering what shoes to wear with neutral dresses, remember: sometimes it’s the shoes that do all the talking.
Shoes for Seasonal Dresses
And finally, we’ll help you select the perfect shoes, whatever the season, ensuring you are fashion-forward, come rain or shine!
Shoes for Summer Dresses
When it comes to what shoes to wear with summer dresses, it really depends on the silhouette and style of the dress itself. But beyond that, the answer also varies depending on the day’s activities, the weather, and your own personal style.
Our top all-rounder picks are sandals and canvas shoes; these would be your capsule summer shoes that match well with most dresses. Sandals are great for BBQs, picnics, or everyday wear, offering a comfortable fit without sacrificing style.
Meanwhile, canvas shoes provide a bit more support and breathability, making them great for more active outdoor summer activities. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these go-to options to keep your summer dress looking stylish and practical.
Shoes for Winter Dresses
Winter dresses call for footwear that’s both stylish and practical. With rain, snow, and icy patches more likely to show up, you need shoes that keep you steady on your feet and cosy when the temperature drops.
At Brenda Muir, our go-to picks are any kind of boots, whether ankle, knee-high, or flat. They not only add a stylish edge to your winter dress but also offer the warmth and support you need to brave the colder months with confidence.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has inspired you to mix and match your footwear with your favourite dresses.
If you’re unsure of where to begin or want to explore our selection of clothes and accessories, we’d love to welcome you in-store at Brenda Muir. Feel free to stop by anytime!





