If you’re tired of wearing high heels with your dresses or simply looking for a more comfortable alternative, there are plenty of other shoe options that can elevate your outfit.
From cute flats to trendy sneakers, the best shoes to wear with dresses depend on the occasion, style, and personal preference.
Here are some of the top choices besides heels that can help you look and feel confident while still being practical.
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There are many great alternatives for shoes to wear with dresses besides heels.
Ballet flats are a classic and comfortable choice that can be dressed up or down.
Sandals, whether flat or with a small wedge, are perfect for warmer weather and can add a touch of bohemian style to your look.
Ankle boots can also be a great option, especially in the fall and winter months.
They add a bit of edge to a feminine dress and can keep your feet warm and dry.
Sneakers are another trendy and comfortable option, and can give your dress a cool, casual vibe.
If you love heels but just want something more comfortable, kitten heels are a great option with a very low heel.
8 Tips to finding the best shoes to wear with dresses that are not heels
Here are some tips for finding the best type of shoe to wear with dresses that are not heels:
- Look for flat shoes, such as sandals or sneakers.
- Choose shoes with a cushioned sole to provide more support and comfort.
- Consider the material of the shoe, opting for breathable and flexible materials like leather, canvas or mesh.
- Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure a proper fit.
- Look for shoes with adjustable straps or laces to help customize the fit.
- Consider the occasion and style of the dress when choosing shoes to ensure they complement each other.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and colors to find what works best for you.
- Go for metallics! Metallic shoes can add some shine to your outfit and make it look more dressy. Look for metallic flats or sneakers for a stylish yet comfortable look.
Remember to choose shoes that complement your dress and make you feel confident and comfortable.
(Below) Flat espadrilles with midi dresses are a good option when the ground is uneven like at this sunflower field.
The best shoes to wear with dresses besides heels
When it comes to pairing shoes with dresses, heels are not the only option. In fact, there are many stylish and comfortable alternatives that can elevate your outfit without sacrificing your comfort. Here are some of the best shoes to wear with dresses that are not heels:
- Flats: Classic, comfortable, and versatile, flats are a great choice for those who want to keep things simple. From ballet flats to loafers, there are many styles to choose from, and they can be worn with almost any type of dress.
- Sandals: Perfect for summer, sandals come in a variety of styles, from strappy to gladiator. They are a great way to show off a pedicure, and they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
- Sneakers: For a more casual look, sneakers are a great choice. They come in many styles, from classic white to bold prints, and they can add a playful touch to any dress.
- Ankle boots: Ankle boots are a great option for fall and winter, as they can keep your feet warm while still looking stylish. They can be worn with tights or leggings, and they come in many styles, from suede to leather.
- Mules: Mules are back in style, and they are a great option for those who want a little height without wearing heels. They are easy to slip on and off, and they can be worn with a variety of dresses, from midi to maxi.
When choosing shoes to wear with a dress, it’s important to consider the occasion, the style of the dress, and your personal style.
With these options, you can find the perfect pair of shoes to complement your dress and keep you comfortable all day long.
Ready to ditch the heels and switch it up? Here are my 5 go-to options below that will pair perfectly with your dresses, no matter casual or dressy!
Flat Shoes:
Flats are a great option for a comfortable yet stylish look. There are many types of flats available, such as ballet flats, loafers, and mules.
(Below) Can you tell Chanel espadrilles are one of my favorites when I wear flats. They are the perfect summer shoes with short dresses. One of my most comfortable shoes.
There are several types of flat shoes that can be paired up with dresses for a comfortable yet stylish look.
Ballet flats provide a classic style, while loafers offer a more sophisticated look. Sandals are perfect for a summer dress, while espadrilles and slip-on sneakers add a casual touch to the outfit.
For a bohemian vibe, try pairing a flowy dress with gladiator sandals or ankle boots. The options are endless and can truly be tailored to fit your personal style.
Sandals:
Sandals are a great option for warmer weather.
Look for sandals with unique details or embellishments to add some interest to your outfit.
Whether it be strappy sandals for a stylish feminine feel, or chunky sandals for a laid back vibe.
There are plenty of options for sandals to wear with dresses.
Sandals are a perfect option to be paired with dresses as they offer a chic and comfortable look.
For a casual and laid-back vibe, flat sandals like slides or gladiators work well.
Wedge sandals can add some height and elegance to your outfit, while block heels offer a more stable and comfortable option.
For a dressier occasion, strappy heeled sandals can elevate your look and add a touch of glamour. Ultimately, the choice of sandal will depend on personal preference and the occasion.
Wedges/Espadrilles:
Wedges and espadrilles are some of my favorite styles to break out during the warmer months! They offer a laid back feel that I love and they are truly so comfortable to wear.
When styling wedges with dresses, it’s important to consider the length and style of the dress.
Long dresses pair well with high wedges, while shorter dresses look great with lower wedges.
You could also try pairing a flowing, bohemian dress with platform wedges or a fitted dress with sleek and simple wedges.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
Espadrilles can be a great addition to a dressy outfit.
For a casual daytime look, try pairing a sundress with a pair of colorful espadrilles.
For more formal events, opt for a solid-colored dress and neutral-toned espadrilles.
You can also experiment with different styles of espadrilles, such as flat or lace-up, to add some variety to your outfit.
Sneakers:
As Dress codes have relaxed, pairing dresses with sneakers has become a popular trend in recent years that I absolutely love, as the pairing offers a comfortable yet still fashionable look.
When it comes to choosing the right sneakers to wear with a dress, there are several options to consider.
Classic white sneakers can provide a clean and minimalist look, while colorful sneakers can add a pop of color to an outfit.
I am a pink girl, so I love to find fun pink sneakers to add a pop to my looks!
Chunky and platform sneakers with their thick soles can offer a trendy and bold statement (while helping give us not so tall girls a little lift), while slip-on sneakers can provide ease and convenience.
Ultimately, the choice of sneakers to wear with a dress depends on personal style and the occasion.
(Below) These Adidas Superstars where the perfect match with these outfits. These had the added bonus scarf laces, they really add to the overall look.
My number one tip when finding a pair of sneakers to style with your dresses is to look for trendy sneakers with unique designs to add some personality to your outfit.
Ankle Boots:
Ankle boots are a versatile footwear option that can easily be paired with dresses and are great for the Fall/Winter months.
They add a touch of edge to any outfit, while also providing comfort and warmth during colder months.
When styling ankle boots with dresses, it’s best to opt for a dress with a shorter hemline or a midi length to showcase the boots.
For a more casual look, try pairing ankle boots with a flowy sundress or a denim dress. For a dressier option, consider pairing ankle boots with a fitted midi dress or a sweater dress.
If you are looking for the most comfortable option to pair with dresses, look for boots with a low heel or no heel.
Knee-high Boots:
Knee-high boots with dresses are a stylish and versatile fashion choice.
They add a touch of edginess to any outfit while also providing warmth and coverage during colder months.
Pairing knee-high boots with a dress is a great way to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall.
Whether you choose a flowy maxi dress or a sleek mini dress, knee-high boots can elevate your look and make you feel confident and chic.
I love styling knee-high boots for a dressier look with a mini dress, as well as with dresses that have a slit so that the knee boots can peek out through the slit for a stylish moment.
There are plenty of shoe styles to pair with dresses besides traditional heels.
Sneakers, flats, sandals, and even ankle boots can all be stylish and comfortable choices.
Consider the occasion and dress style when choosing the best shoe option, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.
With the right shoes, you can look and feel confident in your dress without sacrificing comfort.
So if you are wearing maxi dresses with combat boots, or white dress with cowboy boots, just head on out to the dance floor and give other shoes besides heels a chance.
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