What Shoes to Wear with a Red Dress?
A red dress makes a bold and beautiful statement. The right pair of shoes can really make your red dress pop. Choosing shoes to complement your red dress doesn’t have to be hard once you understand what styles and colors work best. Here are some top tips for picking the perfect shoes to wear with a red dress:
Consider Color
Color is key when pairing shoes with a red dress. You want the shoes to complement the dress rather than clash with it. Here are some of the best shoe color options to wear with a red dress:
| Nude or Neutral Shoes | Nude or neutral colored heels or flats are a safe option that won’t fight with a bright red dress. They help elongate the leg. |
| Black Shoes | Classic black pumps, flats, or strappy heels will let the red dress take center stage. |
| Metallic Shoes | Opt for metallic shoes in silver, gold, or rose gold to add some extra pop. |
| Red Shoes | Match your red dress with red shoes for a bold, head-to-toe look. |
Some colors you’ll want to avoid with a red dress are other brights or neon colors that may clash rather than complement. Go for more muted, neutral or metallic shoe colors to keep the focus on your red dress.
Consider Heel Height
The heel height you choose for your shoes will influence the overall vibe of your look. Here are some heel height options for red dress shoes:
| Flats or Low Heels | Flats or low kitten heels (around 1-2 inches) provide a more casual or daytime look. |
| Mid Heels | For a versatile heel height, go with pumps or wedges in the 2-3 inch range. |
| High Heels | Heels 4 inches or taller make for a more formal, going-out look. |
Consider the occasion when choosing heel height. Flats or low heels are great for daywear, while higher heels fit a more formal setting. Heel height also depends on your comfort level.
Consider Shoe Style
You have lots of stylish shoe options to pair with your red dress. Here are some of the top shoe styles to consider:
| Pumps | Classic pointed-toe or round-toe pumps in a neutral color or metallic are a versatile option. |
| Strappy Heels | Strappy sandal heels are perfect for date night. |
| Ankle Strap Heels | Ankle strap heels are a pretty choice that keeps your feet in place. |
| Peep Toe Heels | Peep toe pumps show off a pop of color on your toes. |
| Wedges | Espadrille or cork wedges add a casual touch. |
| Flats | Ballet flats, loafers or d’orsay flats work for everyday wear. |
| Slingbacks | Retro slingback heels or flats suit a cocktail party. |
| Boots | Ankle booties with a block or stiletto heel are chic in fall and winter. |
| Sandals | Strappy sandals transition a red dress into warmer months. |
The shoe style you choose can make your red dress more dressy, casual, retro or modern. Consider the look you are going for.
Consider Occasion and Setting
Where you will be wearing your red dress and shoes matters in your shoe choice. Here are some examples:
| Daytime/Work | For daytime or work, opt for flats, low wedges or low block heels in a neutral color. |
| Casual Daytime | For a relaxed daytime event, flats, espadrilles or sandals work well. |
| Cocktail Party | Cocktail parties call for heels in the 2 to 3 inch range, like pretty pumps. |
| Formal Event | Fancy evening galas pair best with heels over 3 inches high. |
| Outdoor Wedding | For an outdoor wedding, go for a wedge heel or stylish flats that work on grass or uneven terrain. |
| Indoor Wedding | Indoor weddings let you choose any heel height from high stilettos to dance-friendly kitten heels. |
Consider the formality, setting and activities involved when deciding which shoes will work best.
More Tips for Wearing Shoes with a Red Dress
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when choosing shoes for your red dress:
– Make sure the shoe toes and heels are in good condition, not scuffed. Shoes in disrepair can ruin the look.
– Pick comfortable shoes that you can wear for long periods if needed. Painful shoes can ruin your experience.
– Match your shoes and handbag colors for a pulled-together look.
– Show off pretty pedicured feet in peep toe or open-toed shoe styles.
– Look for shoes with some embellishments or interesting details to complement a plain red dress.
– Shop for shoes after you buy your dress so you can match styles and colors.
– Buy shoes you can walk in confidently to exude elegance. Avoid styles you will stumble in.
– Break in new shoes before the event to avoid blisters or discomfort.
– Bring backup shoes in case heels start to hurt your feet during an event.
– Try on dresses and shoes together at the store to test the pairing.
– Keep proportion in mind. Avoid overwhelming a petite frame with sky-high heels.
Conclusion
Red dresses make a statement. With so many gorgeous shoe styles out there from classic pumps to fun metallic sandals, the possibilities are endless. Keep the occasion, comfort, color and your own personal style in mind when picking the perfect pair. The right red dress shoes can make your look pop. Have fun with your fashion combinations! Don’t be afraid to get creative with patterns, textures and embellished designs that work with your red dress. With the tips above for choosing color, heel height, shoe style and occasion-appropriate shoes, you are sure find that perfect pair to complement your red dress for any event.