The 10 Chicest Shoe Styles To Pair with A Sundress

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Temperatures are finally rising – and we’re here to help you discover the 10 best shoe styles to wear with a sundress.

When it comes to easy summer dressing, the key is to prioritize light, breathable, and comfortable fabrics to combat the warmer weather and busier schedule. And there’s not much a staple white summer sundress can’t do; think of it as your summer uniform.

Whether you’re on vacation, behind your desk, or enjoying happy hour, there’s a knack for styling a sundress for every occasion during the warmer months.

White and blue Reformation sundress with gold heels
Get this dress at Reformation

In summers past, popular trends were reserved for only flat sandals, flip flops, and wedges, but changing tastes and the popularity of a more androgynous aesthetic means that you don’t need to put away your boots and sneakers at the end of the winter months; you can even buy a new pair of shoes [or two].

That being said, not every shoe works with a summer sundress, so we’ve categorized some of our favorite shoe styles to match the sundress you choose so you can be cool, calm, and collected while getting your wardrobe ready for the summer.

The 10 best shoe Styles to Wear with a sundress

1. Loafers 


Loafers, much like sundresses, come all in shapes and colors. They provide a great opportunity to pair a statement shoe with an otherwise basic outfit and can either dress your outfit up for work or dress it down for a day of shopping and lunch dates.

The best styling advice for loafers is to think about opposites, like when color-blocking. The theory is to pair opposite colors on a color wheel, so why not do the same with your shoes and pair an easy breezy sundress with a chunky black shoe or a preppy bright-colored loafer?

Not only are they comfortable to wear, but they are the easiest way to achieve an old-world Italian look if sneakers don’t fit your personal style or the occasion.

LOAFERS WE LOVE
Loewe Gate mules
Loewe

Gate Denim Flat Mules

At Neiman Marcus

Black Prada loafers
Prada

Brushed Leather Loafers

At Prada

Yellow Loro Piana loafers
Loro Piana

Summer Charms Walk

At Net-A-Porter

2. Colorful Heels


Summer tends to bring more parties, and who can resist dressing up for a celebration without a pair of pretty heels? Strappy sandals are a perfect match to a sundress if you want to achieve a feminine look, whether it’s brunch with your friends or a special occasion sundowner. If your personal style is more ‘eclectic’, opting for multi-color high heels will be the perfect accessory to a sundress.

With this said, a styling tip to remember when wearing statement heels is that it’s important to balance the rest of your outfit. Keep the rest of your accessories relatively simple, and let your shoes do the talking!

Colorful Heels we love
Aquazzura multi-color heels
Aquazzura

Crystal-embellished PVC sandals

At Neiman Marcus

Mauve strappy sandals
Jeffrey Campbell

Essence Sandal

At Revolve

Light blue Aquazzura heeled sandals
Aquazzura

Flower Ankle-Wrap Sandals

At Net-A-Porter

3. Cowboy Boots


This styling guide wouldn’t be complete without a cowboy boot that will transport your aesthetic to the wild west. Pairing cowboy boots with a sundress with feminine elements like lace or ruffles will create the perfect balance of “Masculin Féminin” as loved by the French! These shoes are a great option if you need a pair of closed-toe shoes for the dusty atmosphere of the festival season.

Cowboy boots add a rugged and edgy vibe to a feminine sundress and tend to come in heavily embroidered designs and wacky color combinations – not to mention their unique shape. If you’re unsure about which color to go for, stick to an earthy tone like brown, black, or tan to ensure versatility with the rest of your wardrobe.

Regardless of whether you veer towards mini, midi, or maxi dresses, cowboy boots can easily become your favorite shoes by the end of the summer. However, cowboy boots tend to work best with dresses that have a relaxed or bohemian vibe. Consider a white sundress with a flowy or A-line silhouette, as this will create a balanced and cohesive look with the boots.

COWBOY BOOTS WE LOVE
Brown suede cowboy boots
Staud

June Suede Ankle Boots

At Net-A-Porter

Tall olive green cowboy boots
Johanna Ortiz

Edge Of The World Leather Boots

At Moda Operandi

Tall brown cowboy boots
Jeffrey Campbell

Dagget Western Boot

At Nordstrom

4. Espadrilles

White sundress with platform espadrille shoes

Get this dress on Net-A-Porter

Espadrilles, with their rope detailing and comfortable height, can give your outfit a touch of beachy chic. They are sophisticated and lightweight but not waterproof – so steer clear from the sea in these! They were brought into mainstream fashion in the 1970s by Yves Saint Laurent and are now in the wardrobe of every fashion-forward woman worldwide.

Espadrilles come in different styles, including flats, wedges, and platforms. When choosing the perfect pair for yourself, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Flat espadrilles are perfect for a laid-back and casual look, while wedges or platforms can add height and elevate the outfit for a more dressed-up occasion. Not only are espadrille wedges a wardrobe staple, but they are also a great choice for a formal event in the summer [particularly if you’re likely to be near any grass].

ESPADRILLES WE LOVE
Beige Loewe espadrille sandals
Loewe

+ Paula’s Ibiza espadrille sandals

At Net-A-Porter

Black and white Chanel sandals
Chanel

CC Ankle Strap Espadrilles

At Fashionphile

Louboutin lace-up espadrille wedges
Christian Louboutin

Monica Du Désert Sandals

At Net-A-Porter

5. Kitten Heels


If a high heel isn’t within your comfort zone, and flat shoes seem too casual, low kitten heels are an excellent pair of shoes to wear with a sundress.

Kitten heels are gaining popularity thanks to the resurgence of the Y2K aesthetic. Stylish kitten heels come with a thin, low heel measuring between 1.5 and 2 inches and were initially created as ‘training’ heels – so great if you’re new to wearing high heels or can’t wear them!

Kitten heels have a dainty and delicate appearance, so it’s best the best option for a sundress with a clean and streamlined design. If you’re wearing a long dress, ensure it doesn’t drag on the ground and covers the top of the kitten heels for a polished appearance. For shorter sundresses, aim for a balanced look where the dress length complements the height of the heels.

Kitten heels we love
Beige Gucci crystal-embellished mesh pumps
Gucci

Crystal-embellished mesh pumps

At Net-A-Porter

Farm Rio rainbow block heel slide sandals
Farm Rio

Rainbow Block Heel Slide Sandal

At Nordstrom

Yellow Kate Spade sandals wit fun lemon wedge
Kate Spade

Raffia and Leather Sandals

At Neiman Marcus

6. Knee-High Boots


Like cowboy boots, knee-high boots are unexpected, yet fitting summer shoes to wear with a sundress. Because these boots will end higher up the leg than classic ankle boots and are bulkier than other shoes in our guide, pairing them with a mini dress ensures the outfit will still be a flattering shape and create the perfect ‘model-off-duty look’ [and is already a popular choice of the supermodels of the fashion world, like Bella Hadid].

If you’re feeling adventurous, animal print boots such as leopard or snakeskin can add a touch of wildness and make your outfit stand out. Likewise, boots with embellishments like studs, buckles, or embroidery can add an extra dose of personality and a different dimension to your overall look.

You can also look for a different texture, like denim or even metallic leather boots, and match your accessories accordingly for a cohesive look.

Knee-high boots we love
Brown Paris Texas knee-high boots with croc effect
Paris Texas

Croc-effect Leather Knee Boots

At Net-A-Porter

Denim knee-high boots
Jacquemus

Cordao Denim Knee Boots

At Moda Operandi

Paris Texas python-embossed boots
Paris Texas

Python-Embossed Slouchy Boots

At Neiman Marcus

7. White Sneakers


Classic white sneakers are underappreciated footwear in the summer months. But whether you’re vacationing in Europe or opting to walk to work, there’s nothing that rivals a good pair of white sneakers. 

Consider the material of your sundress and the style of the sneakers. For a lightweight and summery dress, you can pair it with canvas sneakers for a casual vibe. If the dress has a more structured or formal feel, leather or faux leather sneakers can add a polished touch, or you can go for opposites to dress your outfit up or down.

The wrong sneaker style can look odd – and may not meet dress codes if you’re going to be enjoying the best spots in your city. To avoid being turned away but to still keep you feeling comfortable, we’ve put together these options as a surefire way to be chic in your everyday wear.

WHITE SNEAKERS WE LOVE
White Saint Laurent leather sneakers
Saint Laurent

SL/08 Leather Sneakers

At Net-A-Porter

White Golden Goose platform sneakers
Golden Goose

Hi Star Platform Sneaker

At Nordstrom

White Common Projects low sneakers
Common Projects

Bball Low Sneaker

At Revolve

8. White High Heels


A white sundress is often perceived as a casual outfit but paired with the right shoes, it is actually as versatile as a pair of good jeans. Of course, an all-white outfit isn’t appropriate for all occasions – steer away if you’re a wedding guest this summer – however, a monochromatic look creates a super romantic vibe, perfect for date night or other special occasions.

If you’re wearing a pure white dress, you can choose white shoes in the same shade to create a monochromatic look. However, if your dress is off-white or has a different undertone, you can play with different shades. But do be sure to consider the texture and details of both the dress and the shoes. If your sundress has lace, embroidery, or other intricate details, you might want to wear white shoes with similar elements to create a cohesive look.

WHITE HEELS WE LOVE
White Magda Butrym sandals with 3D rose
Magda Butrym

Embellished Satin Sandals

At Net-A-Porter

White Tory Burch heeled slide sandals
Tory Burch

Eleanor Slide Sandal

At Nordstrom

White Jimmy Choo mules
Jimmy Choo

Avenue 50 Knotted Leather Mules

At Net-A-Porter

9. Leather Sandals

White te

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Leather sandals often come in neutral shades like brown, tan, or black. These colors can complement a sundress beautifully and create a cohesive and timeless look, particularly if you like the ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic.

If you want to add some contrast or make a statement, you can also choose leather sandals in bold or metallic shades. A tan leather sandal and a white sundress go together like tea and biscuits, while black and white is perhaps the most classic combination. Going for nude shoes or matching your skin tone can create the illusion of an elongated leg.

Consider the occasion and the desired level of formality when selecting the sandal style. Strappy sandals can add a feminine touch, while gladiator sandals can create a more edgy and bohemian vibe. Regardless, they are comfortable and chic without being too bulky, meaning you can stroll or dance without worrying!

LEATHER SANDALS WE LOVE
Nude Valentino Garavani Roman Rockstud sandals
Valentino Garavani

Roman Stud Leather Flats

At Net-A-Porter

Black leather sandals from St. Agni
ST. AGNI

Leather Platform Flip Flops

At Net-A-Porter

Brown Gucci leather sandals
Gucci

Interlocking G Sandal

At Gucci

10. Chunky Shoes


Slides and dad sandals are firm summer favorites, the latter being thrust into popularity with the luxury community since their release by Chanel in 2019, owing to their ability to provide comfort along with the effortless elegance that the French house is famed for. Of course, other luxury brands were fast behind with their rendition of what can now be dubbed a ‘modern classic.’ 

Dad sandals have a chunky and somewhat unconventional aesthetic, so embrace the contrast by pairing them with your favorite sundress. The juxtaposition of the feminine white dress with the more utilitarian dad sandals creates an interesting and fashionable combination. You’re sure to be the most fashionable in your group [we’ll let you take all the credit for that!]

Chunky sandals we love
Light blue Prada rubber sandals
Prada

Foam Rubber Sandals

At Prada

Ligt blue Fendi slide sandals
Fendi

F Buckle Leather Slide Sandals

At Neiman Marcus

Chanel denim dad sandals
Chanel

Denim Printed Dad Sandals

At Fashionphile

We hope you found the perfect shoes to wear with a sundress for your personal style! For more similar articles, make sure to check out the links below.

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