Choosing the right shoes to pair with a black dress can seem tricky. Black goes with everything, so the possibilities may seem endless. However, some shoe styles will look better than others depending on the style of your dress. This article will provide some quick tips on choosing shoes for a black dress, followed by more in-depth analysis.
Quick Tips
Here are some quick tips for choosing shoes to wear with a black dress:
- Little black dress – Go for classic pumps, strappy sandals, or sleek booties.
- Casual/daytime black dress – Try flats, sandals, sneakers, or low heel booties.
- Formal black dress – Opt for pumps, stilettos, or strappy heels in a metallic or bright color.
- Maxi black dress – Wear flat sandals, espadrilles, or wedge heels.
- Consider your height – Taller women can get away with flats, while heels balance a petite frame.
- Match metals – Go for gold, silver, or rose gold shoes if your jewelry matches.
- Focus on comfort – Make sure you can walk, dance, and move comfortably all day/night.
Factors to Consider
When choosing what shoes to wear with a black dress, there are a few key factors to take into account:
Style of the Dress
The most important factor is the style of your black dress. A sequined cocktail dress calls for a very different shoe than a casual jersey maxi dress. Consider the following dress styles:
- Little black dress – This classic dress style that falls at or above the knee lends itself perfectly to heels in the 3-4 inch range. Go for pointed toe pumps, strappy sandals, or ankle booties.
- Casual daytime dress – For sweater dresses, sheath dresses, and other casual black dresses, stick with flats, low wedge espadrilles, ankle booties, or lace-up flats.
- Formal evening gown – Make a statement with metallic or bright colored stiletto pumps, strappy heels, or rhinestone embellished shoes.
- Maxi dress – Long, flowing maxi dresses look best with flat shoes like sandals, slides, espadrilles, or ballerina flats to avoid looking overwhelmed by extra heel height.
Height
Your height is another important factor when selecting shoes for a black dress. Here are some tips:
- Petite women can be overwhelmed by tall heels, so stick to kitten heels, low wedges, or flats.
- Tall women can get away with flat shoes more easily since they don’t need extra height.
- Heels help balance a shorter, curvier frame by elongating the legs.
- Wedges and thicker platform heels add height while still being comfortable for dancing at formal events.
Personal Style
Consider your own personal style preferences when choosing shoes for your black dress. Some options based on style include:
- Feminine: Peep-toe pumps, strapped heels, bow details.
- Edgy: Ankle booties, chunky heels, buckles.
- Minimalist: Pointed toe pumps, sleek flats, simple sandals.
- Boho: Lace-up flats, gladiator sandals, embellished slides.
Shoe Recommendations by Dress Style
Here are some more specific shoe recommendations based on common black dress styles:
| Dress Style | Recommended Shoes |
|---|---|
| Little black dress | Pumps, strappy sandals, stilettos, booties |
| Sheath dress | Classic pumps, booties, loafers |
| Wrap dress | Pumps, wedges, flats, lace-up sandals |
| Pencil dress | Pumps, sleek booties, pointy flats |
| A-line dress | Pumps, sandals, low wedges |
| Shift dress | Loafers, Oxfords, ballet flats |
| T-shirt dress | Sneakers, flats, sandals, espadrilles |
| Maxi dress | Flat sandals, slides, espadrilles, flats |
| Slip dress | Strappy sandals, mules, ankle strap heels |
| Shirt dress | Oxfords, loafers, booties, brogues |
| Bodycon dress | Stilettos, pointed pumps, strappy sandals |
Tips for Styling Shoes with a Black Dress
Once you’ve selected the right shoes for your black dress, keep these styling tips in mind:
- Match metal tones – Gold shoes look best with gold jewelry and vice versa.
- Highlight colors – Use brightly colored shoes as an accent against an all-black outfit.
- Lengthen legs – Nude or metallic shoes will visually lengthen your legs compared to black shoes.
- Watch heel heights – Super tall stilettos can be difficult to walk in and throw proportions off.
- Size matters – Overly chunky, thick heels can overwhelm a petite frame.
- Test comfort – Make sure you can comfortably wear your shoes all evening long without pain.
- Consider occasion – Formal events call for more elegant styles while casual everyday wear allows for trendier options.
- Have fun – Don’t be afraid to make a statement with unique details like feathers, studs, bold colors or prints.
Most Popular Black Dress Shoe Styles
Certain black dress shoe styles stand the test of time and look great year after year. Here are some of the most popular options:
Pumps
The classic pointed toe or round toe pump in black patent, leather, suede or velvet offers timeless, feminine style. They come in a variety of heel heights and shapes from kitten heels to stilettos.
Strappy Sandals
Strappy heels with skinny ankle or midfoot straps are sexy and chic with the exposed skin adding subtle allure. Metallic, black, and nude strappy sandals suit any black dress style.
Ankle Booties
Black leather or suede booties ending just above the ankle are stylish and modern. They come in both heels and flats. Pair them with daytime or cocktail dresses.
Loafers and Oxfords
Menswear-inspired slip-on loafers or lace-up oxfords in patent or leather provide a chic, borrowed from the boys aesthetic. They work for both casual and dressy looks.
Pointy Toe Flats
For a minimalist look, pointed toe flats in matte leather or suede elongate the legs and provide comfort for dressy events. Ballet flats and smoking slippers also look sleek and understated.
Conclusion
When building an outfit around a black dress, shoes present endless stylish possibilities. Consider the dress style, your height, occasion, and personal preferences when selecting footwear. Strappy sandals, classic pumps, booties, and pointed flats represent fail-safe options. Most importantly, choose shoes in which you feel confident, fashionable and able to dance the night away comfortably!