There is probably no more versatile closet essential than a little black dress, and I like to have a few options in my closet at any given time. But I often get asked, what shoes do you wear with a black dress? Of course, there are lots of options, but some look more modern than others. Let’s discuss!
A lot of women seem to think black shoes should be the default with a black dress, but it’s far more modern to wear a different neutral or even a color. That’s not to say that I never pair black shoes and a black dress; I actually do, but it’s always an intentional decision, not the default.
Tommy Bahama Clara Faux Wrap Dress (S) // Open Edit Tawney Sandal (8) // YSL Wallet On Chain (similar for less) // similar earrings
Metallics are trending big time right now, and they are currently my first choice of color to pair with a black dress. I wore strappy silver sandals with this black faux wrap dress in Florida back in February, and I love this combination. It reads a little dressy, so it’s a great option for special events, dinners out, etc.
Shop more silver strappy sandals HERE.
Gold works too. I wore this black tank dress with these gold strappy heels for my birthday dinner last summer, and I carried an ivory bag with gold hardware to keep the look light and summery.
Shop more gold sandals HERE.
Vince Tank Dress (old) // Sam Edelman Kia Sandals (8) // Coach Tabby
Another time I wore that faux wrap dress, I did opt for black sandals. These espadrille wedge sandals from Tory Burch are so pretty, and I like how they work as a bookend to the look along with my dark hair. With the black dress, it also creates a chic monochromatic summer outfit.
Shop black strappy sandals HERE.
NOTE: If these black sandals had an ankle strap, it would visually shorten my legs, but since they’re slingbacks, there is no line to break up the leg line so they are still rather elongating, even though they create a high contrast with my light skin.
Tommy Bahama Clara Faux Wrap Dress (S) // Tory Burch Espadrille Wedge (8) // gold earrings // similar necklace // similar bangle
Here’s another example of a black dress with black shoes. This knit tank dress from a couple years ago pairs beautifully with these luxe leather wedge sandals that are currently on sale!
I am sooo tempted to grab them in that Tan color, which, incidentally, would look great with a black dress too!
Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Knit Tank Dress (XS) // Vince Pia Wedge Sandals (8)
If you’re going for a casual look, white fashion sneakers are a great choice of shoe to wear with a black dress. These exact P448s are an older color way, but they have a lot of new styles, and a few are in this year’s #NSale! I especially like this pair and this pair.
Tommy Bahama Palma A Dora Linen Sheath (M) (more sizes) // similar P448 John (39)
I also wore that dress with metallic flip flops when I was on vacation a few weeks ago.
Tommy Bahama Palma A Dora Linen Sheath (M) (more sizes) // beek Sunbeam Flip Flops (8)
Nude or a shade of beige close to your natural skin tone is always a safe choice when it comes to a black dress… or pretty much any color dress.
STYLE TIP: Wearing a low-contrast shoe makes your legs look longer and keeps all the attention on your dress and accessories. In fact, if there is any shoe color that should be a default, it would be a “nude to you” shade of beige.
Shop more “nude” sandals and pumps HERE.
Ming Wang Tank Dress (S) // Stuart Weitzman Strapeze 85 Sandal (8) // YSL Kate (similar for less)
I wore that same dress to my daughter’s graduation last month with raffia slides. I think this is a really fun summery look. Shop more raffia sandals HERE.
Ming Wang Tank Dress (S) // Sam Edelman Deacon Rafia Slides (8) // Louis Vuitton Graceful PM (option) // raffia hoops // Jenny Bird bangle // similar necklace
Animal prints also look great with a black dress, whether it be leopard or python or cheetah, but I don’t have any current photos of that combo. Animal print shoes have been on the back burner for a while because they were such a huge trend a few years ago, but you can still find some in stores if you seek them out because they’re a classic.
The other great option to pair with a black dress that I don’t have a good photo example of is a bold or bright color. Red is the obvious choice, but any bold or bright color can look great with a black dress if the styles align.
I hope this post gives you some new ideas for shoes to pair with the black dresses in your closet! Which is your favorite?
