Dress Types Explained: Which Shoes Go With Them
Which shoes go with your dress depends on several factors. An important criterion is the type of dress. We'll give you a few tips on how to find the right shoes for everything from evening gowns to cocktail dresses.
What shoes to wear with an evening gown?
Let's start with a particularly popular style question. Most of us don't wear evening gowns regularly – and then face the difficult decision of what shoes to pair with these festive dresses.
For a long evening gown, we recommend a classic pair of pumps. You practically can't go wrong with them. Pumps are elegant and simple and don't distract from your dress. Evening gowns are usually meant to be the star of the outfit, so the shoes should complement the look rather than dominate it. High sandals or heeled sandals can also go very well with an evening gown. These look elegant and understated and can also be a bit higher than pumps, which provides even better posture.
What shoes to wear with a cocktail dress or sheath dress?
While a cocktail dress is a festive garment primarily worn for special occasions, sheath dresses are more suitable for everyday wear. However, similar rules apply to both. The choice of shoes depends on the individual style of the dress. Unlike with an evening gown, your shoes are more prominent with these shorter dresses and can certainly be eye-catching. Here too, pumps or high sandals are a good choice.
Depending on whether your cocktail dress or sheath dress is simple or striking, you can choose your shoes accordingly. Ideally, your outfit should have a clear focal point – so if you are wearing a simple dress, elaborately decorated shoes will match it, whereas for a striking dress, simpler shoes would be more appropriate.
Choose your shoes based on the color of your dress
In addition to the style of the dress, its color naturally plays a big role in choosing the right shoes. Here you have two options: Either combine the dress with shoes in a similar color. This creates a uniform look and does not highlight any particular item of clothing. You can also achieve a similar effect with neutral shoe colors such as black or nude tones, drawing even more attention to the dress and playing it safe.
The second option is to deliberately create contrasts. This is a greater challenge in styling and requires a good eye. Strong contrasts are important here. If you dare to really stand out with your outfits, then feel free to experiment in this direction!
The occasion can determine which shoes go with the dress
Surely you've been invited to an event where you were unsure if your outfit was appropriate for the occasion. Even though strict dress codes are becoming increasingly rare and tend to occur more in business settings or themed parties, there are still some unwritten rules you should consider when combining shoes and dresses. We have summarized the most important ones for you here:
Weddings
Weddings are always a balancing act – the most important unwritten rule is not to upstage the bride. With a beautiful cocktail dress or sheath dress for a wedding, it's best to wear simple pumps or sandals. It's better to avoid very striking shoes so as not to draw too much attention to yourself.
Business Events & Office
For business events and within the company, a specific dress code is often communicated, which is very individual – from business formal to casual, everything is possible. However, there are a few general rules of thumb. For example, in the office and at company events, you should generally avoid open shoes with your sheath dress or a longer dress. Also, striking, colorful designs may not be well-received in conservative companies. Instead, shoes with a medium heel like elegant high heels or closed, flat shoes like moccasins are recommended.
Funerals
For a funeral, you will usually wear a black or dark blue dress. You should also stick to dark colors for your shoes. Bright colors and flashy embellishments are considered inappropriate at funerals. You should also avoid open-toed shoes. Loud heels can also seem out of place, especially if the funeral is held in an echoing church.
Shoes to wear with dresses by season
Your sandals go perfectly with your dress? If it's the middle of winter, that's usually not very helpful. After all, you don't want to catch a cold. But don't worry: just as there are great options for summer, there are also great options for winter and autumn to combine your dress with the right shoes. Here are a few tips:
Matching shoes for dresses in spring and summer
The summer or spring dress can take many forms. It is usually wide and airy and can be long or short. Summer dresses are classic casual dresses and allow you a lot of freedom in putting together your look. Since they are usually worn in everyday life, they are not bound by dress codes or similar. So you are completely free to decide which summer shoes go with your dress.
For summer shoes, we recommend stylish sandals, for example – perfect when it's hot outside. How about delicate strappy sandals or elegant mules? Various flat shoes also go perfectly with summer dresses and are perfect for days when you're on the go a lot. For a retro chic, we recommend charming Mary Janes.
Matching Shoes for Dresses in Autumn and Winter
In winter and autumn, longer dresses, for example made of knit or thicker cotton, are popular for everyday wear. The shoes worn with the dress complete the look. We recommend beautiful boots – preferably high-heeled boots or platform boots with high heels, which visually lengthen the legs. You'll make a particular impression with over-the-knee boots. These not only highlight your beautiful legs but also keep them wonderfully warm. Over-the-knee boots are considered very sexy and can be styled beautifully.
As an alternative to classic boots, you can, of course, also wear ankle boots. These end slightly above the ankle and are best worn with a dress and tights in winter. Heeled ankle boots look very elegant, while flat models emphasize a more casual look.
