This time of year, I often get asked about wearing black shoes in the spring and summer months. It seems like women fall into one of two camps—either defaulting to black shoes year-round because they feel like the safest option, or avoiding them altogether because they think black doesn’t belong in spring and summer.
similar top // similar white jeans // Vince Pia Wedges // Naghedi tote // similar earrings // similar sunglasses
Well, I’m here to set you free from both of those misunderstandings.
You can absolutely wear black shoes in spring and summer—but as with most matters of fashion and style, it’s how you wear them that makes all the difference.
When Black Shoes Work (and Feel Current)
Black shoes tend to look best this time of year when they feel light and intentional—not heavy or like the “default” option when you’re not sure what else to wear.
J.Crew Cutaway Vest (8) // J.Crew Carolina Linen Pants (8) // similar sandals (8) // Freja Caroline // Jenny Bird earrings & bracelet
Think:
- Open, minimal styles (thong sandals, woven slides, slingbacks)
- Breezy fabrics like linen, cotton, or lighter denim
- Outfits with some contrast—white, soft neutrals, or prints
In those cases, black can actually ground an outfit in a really chic way.
The Key: Wearing Them Intentionally
This is where black shoes feel especially current right now. Instead of treating them as a neutral that disappears into an outfit, they’re being styled much more intentionally—usually repeated somewhere else in the look.
A black top, a belt, sunglasses, or even smaller details that tie everything together. That’s what keeps the look feeling cohesive instead of heavy.
For example, I found this look on Instagram and decided to recreate it for lunch with a friend earlier this week. The original outfit featured white pants, a black top, black shoes, a black belt, and a red bag.
(Honestly, it was the red bag that inspired the whole thing—and my Instagram search in the first place. I wanted to carry my red bag but needed a little spring outfit inspiration, and this chic black-and-white look caught my eye.)
So I pulled out my new white PAIGE Anessa wide leg jeans and paired them with my black Michael Stars Jinny ribbed muscle top, then finished the look with these black Sam Edelman raffia kitten heel slides.
In my case, I skipped the belt because the high contrast of the black and white, combined with the super high rise of these jeans, felt like too much on my frame. Keeping the top untucked gave the outfit a cleaner, longer line, and I added a bunch of gold jewelry for interest since the base look is actually pretty simple.
And the red bag really does make it pop, don’t you think? (Bonus points for the red nails! The model in the inspiration photo had them too, and I do think it adds just the right extra touch.)
Jinny Muscle Top (M) // PAIGE Anessa (30) // Sam Edelmen Camille Kitten Heels (8) // similar bag // Doune Hoops // Adva Cuff Bracelet // Alta Link Necklace // Jane Win Hope Pendant
The white jeans keep the outfit feeling fresh and springy, while the repeated black accents make the shoes feel intentional and current.
That’s the difference—the black is part of the plan, not just the default.
What About Black Shoes with a Black Dress?
I think a lot of women still feel like if they’re wearing a black dress, they have to wear black shoes with it—but that really isn’t the case anymore.
In fact, nude or metallic sandals will often look a little more modern and current, especially in spring and summer. They lighten up the outfit and usually feel less predictable.
Ming Wang dress (S) // Dolce Vita Mylee Heels in Light Tan (8.5) // similar bag // similar hoops // similar bracelet // similar link necklace
That said, I do still wear black shoes with a black dress sometimes—but typically because I want that look.
To me, it creates a more polished, serious, or slightly edgier feel. I’m more likely to go that route for a dressier evening look, a more formal occasion, or something somber like a funeral where a lighter shoe might feel too casual or playful.
Here’s the same dress I wore above, but this time I styled it with black strappy wedge sandals and a black bag instead of the lighter tan accessories. Amazing how much more polished and serious the overall look feels, even though the dress and accessories didn’t change.
Ming Wang dress (S) // similar sandals // similar bag // similar hoops // Jenny Bird bracelet // similar link necklace
I also think the style of the shoe matters here. An open or minimal sandal keeps the outfit feeling lighter and more seasonally appropriate than a heavier shoe would. (Those black wedges are still gorgeous, but the strappier kitten heel styles definitely feel a little fresher and more current right now.)
So again, it comes back to intention. Black shoes with a black dress can absolutely work—but they don’t have to be the automatic default.
So… Can You Wear Black Shoes in Summer?
Yes—just don’t treat them like your default.
They’re not off-limits, and you definitely don’t need to retire them. In fact, they can look incredibly chic this time of year.
similar linen top // similar linen shorts // Vince Pia Wedges // Naghedi Tote // similar earrings // Rhett Bracelet // Kendra Scott Clove Necklace // similar sunglasses
But they tend to work best when they’re styled with a little intention—when they’re part of the outfit, not just the easiest option.
Over to you—do you wear black shoes in spring and summer, or do you prefer to lighten things up? Or is it a mix?
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18 Responses
Thank you! This helps me a lot as I wondering how to wear my black sandals intentionally. And now I think I need a red purse!!
This is a helpful post, thank you! Actually tomorrow is my son’s college graduation and I am planning to wear a black dress (light weight material by Madewell) and black shoes-sort of perforated sandal with closed toe. Being that we are parking and having to walk a distance I am going with flat comfort sandal. I had the same thought about wearing black shoes in the spring and summer and so glad you made a post about it. I think black is totally acceptable and I have even worn black shoes with light colored jeans. With finicky feet and the need to own comfort shoes, which are a bit pricey, I try to make use of what I have! Thank you for all you do in the world of fashion-it’s so appreciated!!
Frankly I think you look better in the black and white outfit with the red purse than the original gal on IG. You have a natural contrast that works better with black and white than she does as a dirty blonde. Plus, you’re smiling and she’s… looking for loose change on the sidewalk? 😉 And I prefer your black sheath dress with the black shoes, it just makes more of a statement IMO. Probably because the black shoes bookend the look with your dark brunette hair. I don’t wear black shoes (except if required to), but I would apply this concept to my chocolate brown shoes. 🙂
I follow the mix route. As you point out, it all depends what look you are going for. Great examples provided. Thank you, Jo-Lynne.
Great post thank you! What is the name of the hand cream you like so much? Thinking of getting it for my mil for Mother’s Day.
Thanks!
It’s Theraplush – https://go.shopmy.us/p-55634837
This is a great post but what would be more of a transitional black shoe with a kitten heel. We are from the same area so you know how the weather can be. Too chilly for open toe and a black flat is not going to elevate the outfit. Any suggestions? Thank you.
I like a slingback pump, something like this – https://nordstrom.sjv.io/k4omDx
Or I love this mesh option – https://nordstrom.sjv.io/0Gde0Y
I have several pairs of black sandals and I do wear them a lot. One pair has a small heel and they look nice with some of my summer dresses. I do wear my black linen pants, but my black jeans usually don’t make an appearance again until fall. And I recently ordered a red purse!
Hi there, I would love to know where the black sandals from the picture with the white skirt. Mae from. They are adorable.
If it’s the lady with the white short sleeve sweater and kind of pleated white skirt, they come up as Gap Factory sandals Vegan-Leather Strappy Sandals. On sale for $19.99 Nordstrom has a similar pair called Nine West Masow Sandal (Women).
Yep, it’s these: https://go.shopmy.us/p-56819919
I was excited to see this post because I’ve debated asking you about black shoes. My question is slightly different….I’m wondering about black sneakers for summer. Mine are black suede with white accents. I have black hair so I feel like the bookend deal applies but maybe it’s too heavy for summer since they’re suede and sneakers?
They do sound a bit heavy for this time of year. I think it just depends on the rest of the outfit, and if you like how it looks or not.
The Black/White with the red purse is fabulous!
I like how you styled everything. I have black raffia wedge sandals and black thong flat sandals. There’s certain outfits that look good with black shoes in summer.
I was intrigued by this post when I saw it in my email. In my mind I could only picture a black shoe as a loafer or other closed toe shoe and I just could not picture styling them with spring or summer outfits lol. I definitely wear black sandals in spring and summer. I agree it has to be done with intention. I love your black and white look with the red bag.
Hi Jolynne.. this is a great, informative post as always! I appreciate your teachable content and that you are not just trying to push fast fashion and random clothes items.. Makes me come back to you when I do make a purchase.