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Not all dresses are created equal, and neither are all occasions, which means the types of shoes that compliment dresses run the gamut. Sure, a simple nude pump is a no-brainer with a business-casual dress, but less obvious footwear like white Keds sneakers, yellow suede platforms, jelly sandals, or stretch booties can work equally well with dresses. Whether you need something fancy for cocktails or comfy for work, we’ve rounded up all the best types of shoes to wear with dresses.
To go with your little black dress, you simply must have a tried-and-true black pump. The pointed toe and wide heel make this pair a little different (and easier to walk in!), and they’d look great with bare legs or tights. Vince Camuto Ableen Pump, $79.99 at DSW
If you need a black pump to go with more formal workwear, this pair delivers while staying a little playful and sexy thanks to the tapered heel. Vince Camuto Karala Pointed Toe Pump, $99 at Nordstrom
Likewise, sometimes that little black dress needs a pop of color and these Fuschia pumps are just that. The side cutouts and skinny heels make these great for a night out. Marc Fisher Carline 3 Pump, $59.99 at DSW
When black pumps are too harsh, navy can be a subtle way to complete a dress outfit. The criss-cross straps and block heels keep these shoes feeling fresh. Journee Foster Pump, $59.99 at DSW
Any season, any dress—every wardrobe needs a pair of trusty nude pumps. The low platform and cushioned footbed on this pair ensure that your feet stay happy. Naturalizer Teresa Platform Pump, $110 at Nordstrom
Pumps tend to lend themselves best to winter outfits, but this light, flirty pair in a bone-white will complement a summer dress beautifully. The elastic stretch bands mean no pinching and the foam footbed provides a cushion. LifeStride Gallery Pump, $79.99 at DSW
A lot of cold-weather dresses can easily do double duty in the warmer months by just changing out the shoe. A nude pair of open-toed heels work with everything from that black pencil dress to a more flouncy floral number. Kelly & Katie Hailee Sandal, $44.99 at DSW
The nude note applies to evening wear as well. The trio of skinny straps and metallic sheen of these heels are perfect for a cocktail party or wedding. Mix No. 6 Aliciana Sandal, $49.99 at DSW
Raffia isn’t a common shoe material but paired with this beloved silhouette from Dolce Vita, it makes a great heel for daytime or evening dresses, especially when you’re going for a bit of that tropical vibe. Paily Raffia Heels, $125 at Dolce Vita
What makes these slide-ons such a match for dresses is that the cork block heel is super sophisticated, while the clear straps ensure they’ll work with any color or style of dress. Schutz Victorie Slide Sandal, $118 at Nordstrom
This sunny yellow platform would work well with a sundress, but because of the suede fabric, it can easily pair with a fall outfit, too. The platform heel adds a bit of a retro feel. Cosmic Platform, $135 at Aerosoles
To keep black heels light enough for summer dresses, choose a design that’s strappy and minimal—like this very affordable pair from Target. A New Day Sonora Heels, $24.99 at Target
Related: Best Wedding Guest Dresses
Known for their espadrilles, Soludos’ wedges are perfect no matter what your heel comfort, as they come in 2.75″, 3.5″, and 4″. Plus, the simple style works with both casual and more formal dresses. Wedge, $115 at Soludos
Just like your favorite pair of jeans can pair with almost anything, so can these denim-hued wedges from comfortable-shoe brand Aerosoles. The two-inch cork wedge is both stylish and practical for walking around. Willowbrook Wedge, $99 at Aerosoles
If you’re not afraid of the high heel, these jute wedges are neutral enough to go with a variety of dress styles but fashionable enough to give an outfit that extra spice. Vince Camuto Brissia Wedge Mule, $110 at Nordstrom
A platform wedge can be a bit easier to walk in, but the strappy lace-up design of this pair ensures that they don’t feel too casual for a dress. Universal Thread Donny Wedge Heels, $34.99 at Target
Mules are great because you can just slide ’em on. This woven pair from Target is affordable and will fit with both dressy and casual looks. They’d be especially cute with a boho outfit. Universal Thread Elora Mules, $24.99 at Target
A basic pair of black flat mules is made dress-ready with a playful bow. Journee Telulah Mule, $49.99 at DSW
A best-seller, this pair of mules has a chunky heel and squared toe that makes them a fit for laid-back looks, while the leather is nice enough for formal frocks. The Carey Mule in Leather, $158 at Madewell
Mules with a cocktail dress? Yes! The pointed toe and elastic strap dress these lovely shoes right up. Maryna Off White Pointed-Toe Mules, $39 at Lulus
Not only is this square-toed, slip-on mule comfy (the fabric is stretchy and the heel is chunky), but it’s fun, flirty and undoubtedly chic. Journee Lorenna Mule, $54.99 at DSW
Sometimes gladiator sandals can detract from an outfit, but this simple pair from J.Crew will complement a mini dress in just the right way. Sorrento Lace-Up Gladiator Sandals, $118 at J.Crew
Versatile? Check. Comfortable? Check. Stylish? Check. These leather slides from Cole Haan can do double duty for the office or out to drinks. Cole Haan Mojave Slide Sandal, $120 at Nordstrom
Just because you’re wearing a dress doesn’t mean you won’t be running around all day, which is why it can be nice to have a sandal with a back. You can’t go wrong with Madewell’s leather, and this pair is made with their Cloudlift Lite padding. The Kinsley d’Orsay Flat, $138 at Madewell
Remember those jelly sandals you wore as a kid? They’re back! This pair from Coach was designed for adults and is a fun choice for a sundress. We love the extra sparkle in the pink, but all six of the colors are equally playful. Coach Natalee Jelly, $95 at Zappos.
Flip flops can often be too casual for a dress, but the classy silhouette and metallic gold color of this pair from J.Crew can definitely stand up to a dressier outfit. Sorrento Thong Sandals, $79.50 at J.Crew
When the temperatures are climbing, who doesn’t just want to slip on a pair of comfy Birkenstocks? The traditional version of the sandals can be tricky with a dress, but this thin, one-strap style is much more refined and subtle. Madrid Birko-Flor, $79.95 at Birkenstock
No matter what you’re wearing, Birdies’ seven-layer comfort technology will keep your feet happy. But sometimes that’s extra important when you’re donning a dress for the day. The Starling flats are such a classic design that they’ll go with almost any dress in any season. The Starling, $130 at Birdies
Remember when ballet flats first hit the scene? The advent of Rothy’s took this footwear trend to the next level in more recent years. Their shoes are built for comfort AND they’re machine washable. The pointed-toe style feels a bit dressy, and they come in two dozen colors/patterns. The Point, $145 at Rothy’s
A classic ballet flat never goes out of style, and they look great with strappy sundresses, business-casual pencil dresses, and even a sweater dress. Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flats, $79.95 at Zappos
Saludos’ espadrilles come in all styles, and the flats are absolutely perfect for dresses, especially in the spring or fall when you’re not quite ready for open-toe. Dali Espadrille, $75 at Soludos
These flats are so sassy they wouldn’t look out of place at all at a wedding, thanks to the lace, the rhinestones and the pointed toe. Jewel by Badgley Mischka Lace Rhinestone Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats, $89 at Lulus
Is there anything more classic than a pair of white Keds? They work with jeans, shorts and yes, even dresses. Pair these simple shoes with a sundress, or opt for one of the darker colors to even pull them off with a pair of tights and a long-sleeved dress. Women’s Champion Originals, $49.95 at Keds
Here’s one way to dress up a pair of Keds—glitter! Designed in collaboration with Kate Spade, these also have cutesy satin laces. Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Glitter Sneakers, $84.95 at Keds
One easy way to pull off the sneaker-with-a-dress look is to opt for a platform shoe, as it gives you a similar effect to a heel. And this pair from casual sneaker pioneer SeaVees is no-fuss and versatile. It’s also made with the company’s signature cooling system to keep your feet feeling fresh on even the hottest days. Baja Slip-On Platform, $88 at SeaVees
Some tall boots can feel clunky with a dress, but a sleek pair of stretch boots are incredibly chic. The sturdy heel makes these a good option for long workdays where you can’t dress down. Pointed Toe Stretch Boots, $160 at Boden
A more slouchy style of boot can look really stylish with a long flowy dress, completing that prairie-chic ensemble. Universal Thread Scrunched Boots, $39.99 at Target
When it’s tights/stockings weather, a classic pair of black booties can be your go-to dress shoe. The key is to have a pair that’s fitted at the top, so the boot doesn’t break the length of your leg. This pair also feels dressy thanks to the pointed toe and minimal seams. Marc Fisher Glorify Boot, $99.99 at DSW
A square-toed bootie feels stylish and formal at the same time, but the subtle metallic details on this Franco Sarto pair add a little extra glam that’ll take a dress to the next level. Franco Sarto Pisa Bootie, $128.99 at DSW
As the name implies, these booties hug you like a glove. It’s rare to find a boot in a color and style that can work with summery dresses, but this pair from Everlane nails it. Fun fact–they’re made from nine recyclable bottles. The Glove Boot, $130 at Everlane
The faux crocodile of these booties takes them from basic to elegant, perfect for a dress. We love the pale pink for flowy spring dresses. My Generation Crocodile Mid-Calf Boots, $49 at Lulus
Cowboy boots can be hard to pull off if you’re not going for that full Western look, but this pair is neutral enough to work with a variety of styles. The knee-high silhouette also makes them feel a bit dressier. Billini Urson Knee High Western Boot, $115 at Nordstrom
Related: Best Winter Boots for Women
Clogs are a super-stylish (and comfy) way to accessorize a fall dress, as they’re not quite into bootie territory. The wooden platform on this Steve Madden pair gives off a bit of a ’70s vibe, while the leather upper keeps it classy. Steve Madden Brooklyn Clog, $109.95 at Zappos
If you like the look of clogs but don’t feel comfortable with a backless shoe, this pair does the trick. The darker wood sole is both attractive and sturdy. Korks Evah Clog, $69.99 at DSW
An open-toed clog might not actually be a thing, but these chunky cuties from Dolce Vita really can’t be described as anything else. If you’re looking for that clog look but need something for warmer weather dresses, these are it. Emery Heels, $140 at Dolce Vita
Now that you’re set with shoes, check out 10 trending prairie dresses.
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