Getting ready every day can be enjoyable, but it can also be challenging. Even if you enjoy fashion, it might be difficult to coordinate the perfect combination of top, pants, shoes, and accessories. That’s why we love sundresses so much. They make getting dressed easier; after you’ve decided on a dress, all you have to do is choose a pair of shoes. Not sure which one to choose? Here’s a stylist’s take on the seven greatest shoes to pair with a sundress, along with product recommendations.
Sneakers
While dresses are more associated with formal situations than other wardrobe options such as jeans and a blouse, this does not mean you must wear heels or another “put-together” style of shoe. Sneakers work especially well with sundresses, giving a casual look that is ideal for all of your busy summer days.
“I love pairing a sneaker with a sundress—it’s my ultimate combo for an effortless cool-girl outfit during the summer,” says fashion stylist Audree Kate López, who adds that it’s excellent for both vacation and running errands around town. Her favorite duo? “I live for comfy, flowy dresses paired with chunky dad sneakers, Sambas, or the classic all-white sneaker—you cannot go wrong.”
Strappy Sandals
Sandals are certainly the most apparent footwear option during sundress season, and we adore a version that goes all out on the strap. Strappy sandals, available in both flat and heeled styles, offer a playful touch to every dress silhouette, from mini to midi to maxi. “A strappy sandal is the perfect way to style a sundress however you want, from casual days to date night,” she explains. Her favorite styles? Gladiators, kitten heels, and Teva.
Ballet Flats Shoes
Looking for a practical, on-trend footwear option to complement all of your favorite sundresses? Look for ballet flats. “Ballet flats have become the shoe of the year,” López adds, noting that they are a stylish, transitional footwear option that pairs nicely with pants, skirts, and dresses. “They’re comfy, lightweight, and add a dash of balletcore to the outfit.” You can’t go wrong with traditional or modern square toe or mesh designs.
Clogs
Clogs have become a hallmark of the latest coastal grandmother and grandmillennial fashion trends, and they look great with dresses of all lengths. “Clogs are the unexpected shoe of the season,” adds López. “I love the chunky heels and how the silhouette adds a pop of color or pattern to the outfit, making the outfit more interesting and less ‘soft.'”
Platform Slides
Who doesn’t like a little lift? “Y2K trends are still alive and well, and you can expect to see platform sandals this spring and summer,” according to López. Platform slide shoes come in a variety of styles, including small flatform slides, chunky flip flops, and elevated strappy sandals. All you have to do is pick whether you want to dress casually or formally.
Loafers
Consider using loafers to create a more polished sundress combination that is appropriate for both the office and brunch. “The ballet flat’s cooler, older sister is the loafer,” López asserts. Her favorite method to pair this shoe silhouette with sundresses? “Pair a chunkier loafer with an oversized chiffon dress, or a vacation-forward knit piece to make it more weekday-friendly,” she recommends.
Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots are possibly our favorite shoe to combine with little sundresses. “If you want a comfy shoe for spring and summer but more fashion-forward than a sneaker, opt for cowboy boots,” according to López. “They’re trendy, perfect for festivals and concerts , and can really take a sundress from ‘eh’ to showstopper.”
