Summer dresses are great because they don’t ask for much. All you need to do is throw one on, add the right shoes, and your outfit already works for anything from weekend brunches to weddings and vacation strolls.
Yes, a summer dress is easy. Still, not every shoe works with every dress.
The shoes you decide to wear can completely change the feel of your outfit. A casual sundress pairs well with flat sandals if you want a more relaxed and effortless look. On the other hand, the same dress styled with heels instantly becomes more elevated.
In this guide, we’re breaking down how to choose the right shoes for each summer dress.
Espadrille Sandals for Everyday Summer Style
Espadrilles are everywhere during summer, and for good reason. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and have that laid-back seasonal feel that pairs perfectly with a summer dress.
Floral dresses and casual cotton styles work especially well with espadrille sandals. The sandal’s woven jute detail adds texture without overpowering the outfit, which makes it great for everyday wear during hot summer days.
A great espadrille to add to your wardrobe this summer season is the Dream Pairs Ankle Elastic Strap Espadrille Flat Sandal. It’s designed for long summer days with its cushioned insole. The sandal’s stretchy ankle strap also offers a secure fit without being restrictive.
Best for: Vacations, casual outings, farmers markets, and everyday summer wear.
How to style them: Pair a flowy summer dress with a pair of espadrilles and a woven tote bag for a polished summer look.
Wedge Sandals for Added Height Without the Hassle
Some summer occasions call for a little extra height, but wearing traditional heels just isn’t practical. That’s where wedge sandals come in. Wedges often feel more comfortable than other heeled sandals because weight is more evenly distributed across the foot. This makes them a favorite for outdoor events and occasions that go from day to night.
The Practical Wedge Heel Sandals from Dream Pairs pair well with many different summer dresses. The design feels dressy enough for many different summer occasions while remaining versatile enough for everyday styling. Its supportive wedge heel and elevated platform add height and comfort for all-day wear.
Best for: Outdoor events, garden parties, weekend gatherings, and vacation dinners.
How to style them: Add a pair of wedge heels to short summer dresses or breezy maxi dresses for a relaxed look that also feels put together.
Low Block Heels for Easy Elegance
Some outfits call for a little more polish, but you don’t need sky-high heels to make a look feel dressier. Low block heels get the job done to elevate summer dresses while remaining comfortable enough for extended wear. You’ll see low block heels a lot this summer season because they’re so easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion.
The Dream Pairs Ankle Strap Low Block Heels offer a flattering crisscross strap design and a stable block heel that adds sophistication without compromising comfort. The sandal is great for everything from casual summer dresses to more refined silhouettes.
Best for: Bridal showers, summer dinners, date nights, and semi-formal events.
How to style them: Pair with a midi dress and simple jewelry for a look that feels elegant.
Mary Janes for Something Fresh
Mary Janes are making a strong comeback this season. Well-liked for their classic silhouette, designs are also seeing modern updates that make the shoes more versatile.
Not everyone loves sandals. Mary Janes are the stylish alternative that still feels seasonally appropriate. These shoes offer a slightly polished touch to casual dresses that can work for occasions during the day and into the evening.
The Women’s Square Toe Mary Jane Shoes from Dream Pairs provide a sleek square toe with a comfortable block heel and easy slingback design. This is a great option if you’re looking for a shoe that feels refined without being overly formal.
Best for: Lunch dates, office days, and occasions where you want something more polished than a sandal.
How to style them: Pair Mary Janes with a structured midi dress or simple A-line dress for a chic, modern look.
Bow-Heeled Sandals for Special Occasions
A summer dress sometimes needs to be accompanied by a shoe that feels a little more celebratory. A pair of elegant heeled sandals has the power to instantly elevate an outfit, whether you’re attending a formal party, wedding, or special event. The most important consideration is finding a style that feels sophisticated without becoming uncomfortable after a few hours.
The Elegant Square Toe Bow-Heeled Sandals from Dream Pairs strike that balance. The square toe creates a modern silhouette and the bow offers an added touch of charm. Its design is also made to stay wearable throughout the event with its stable kitten heel.
Best for: Cocktail parties, weddings, and special occasions.
How to style them: Pair with a floral maxi dress, satin slip dress, or any occasion-ready summer outfit.
Strappy Kitten Heels for Versatile Styling
Few shoes pair with summer dresses as effortlessly as strappy kitten heels.
The delicate straps create a light, airy look that complements warm-weather outfits, while the moderate heel height keeps them comfortable enough for extended wear. They’re one of those rare styles that work just as well for daytime events as they do for evenings out.
The Dream Pairs Dreamy Square Toe Strappy Kitten Heels feature a minimalist strappy design, a modern square toe, and a comfortable cushioned insole. The result is a versatile shoe you’ll find yourself reaching for throughout the season.
Best for: Brunches, parties, vacations, and summer celebrations.
How to style them: Pair with a floral midi dress or a sleek slip dress for an effortlessly stylish outfit.
Platform Heels for Making a Statement
If your summer dress is serving main-character energy, your shoes should keep up.
Platform heels create height, drama, and confidence while often feeling more comfortable than traditional high heels thanks to the added platform support. They’re perfect when you want your outfit to stand out.
The Platform Ankle Strap Chunky Pumps from Dream Pairs feature a chunky heel, supportive platform, and adjustable ankle strap that helps keep every step secure. The silhouette instantly adds impact to dressier summer looks.
Best for: Parties, date nights, and special events.
How to style them: Pair with a fitted mini dress or a sleek midi dress for a bold, fashion-forward outfit.
Dress Sandals That Work for Multiple Occasions
If you’re looking for a versatile option that can handle multiple occasions, dress sandals are hard to beat.
A simple pair of strappy dress sandals can move seamlessly from weddings to dinners to evening celebrations. They’re elegant, easy to style, and complement nearly every summer dress silhouette.
The Dream Pairs Ascenda Comfort Platform Stiletto Heel Dress Sandals combine a strappy upper with a cushioned insole and supportive platform. They provide the elevated look of a stiletto while helping you stay comfortable throughout the day or night.
Best for: Weddings, formal events, dinner parties, and celebrations.
How to style them: Wear them with maxi dresses, cocktail dresses, or any summer outfit that calls for a polished finish.
Wrapping It Up
When it comes down to it, the best shoes for a summer dress depend on the look you’re trying to create. Some days call for wedges. Others are perfect for elegant dress sandals or kitten heels.
Luckily, most modern summer options are designed with versatility in mind. Designs from brands like Dream Pairs combine style with comfort, so you don’t have to choose one over the other. Instead, you get a comfortable pair of stylish shoes that can be worn for many different types of summer occasions.
Having a few reliable shoe styles on rotation makes getting dressed for brunch, weddings, and vacations a whole lot easier. Once you find the right pairing, you make sure your favorite summer dress takes you just about anywhere.
