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?
Stay In Touch
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.
This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!
16 Responses
I had read the other day that a kitten heel makes your leg look shorter especially if you are a pear shape. Do you find that to be true?
Hm. I hadn’t thought about it but I guess I can see how that might be true.
Great points! I totally agree that vamp is a make or break for black shoes. Nude is my default, but I love the metallics you featured. I agree that black can look too “matchy-matchy”; I also think it can look a bit like a funeral outfit. I love the natural texture casual look too, I don’t have any rattan shoes (need to fix that!) but love wearing my nude linen and cork wedges with black!
Wearing a long black dress to a formal wedding in September in N Carolina. I’m wanting silver shoes but don’t know if I should wear strappy heeled sandals or closed toe heels. I can’t wear too tall of a heel. Is the closed toe healed shoe more formal?
I feel like it is but not necessarily. It depends on the shape of the heel and toe, etc.
Good morning
I thoroughly enjoy your post every day! I look forward to your helpful information. I can no longer wear heels anytime because of back in the problems. I was wondering, what type of flats are best to wear with the dresses. I basically weird dresses in the summer!
The general rule of thumb is the strappier and less foot coverage, the less frumpy it will look, so as long as you don’t need a lot of support, I would go for something scrappy with a low or flat heel.
Your comment about wearing a shoe that is beige/close to your skin tone is not inclusive. Not everyone who follows you is beige. This is not 1959. From your language it appears you are only addressing your beige followers.
When I used the term beige, I was envisioning the entire range of skin tones. That is also why I put the word nude in quotes and I wrote nude to you when I was making the point to wear shoes that match your skin tone, whatever that might be. I am aware that the term nude in regards to skin color carries negative connotations to some, I was not aware that beige was in that category.
Just the other day, I wore a plain knee-length sleeveless tank dress to a happy hour event. I wore clear (as in “jelly”) strappy flat sandals that have silver studs on the straps. They’re my fave. The sandals seem to glow and sparkle in certain light. I got them on clearance a couple of years ago so I can’t link them. I get compliments every time I wear them! Bonus: if they get dirty or dusty, I just throw them into the bathtub and rinse them off when I get in the shower.
Those sound great!
I like your choices. I also think cognac shoes look good with black. I saw the look on another blogger and thought it was so chic. This is off topic. The Gap factory white wide leg crop jeans fit me perfectly. They look better in person than on a screen. So glad you styled them Jo-Lynn and took your advice to up a size.
So glad you like them!
Great suggestions. I have a pair of flats in bright pink that I love to wear with black!
Really liked this post.
Informative points, all! Some of my LBD’s have an accent color of various impact. With those dresses, I seek out the appropriate heeled black shoe sporting a splash of the same accent. Although timing is everything with prices, I try to look at it as an investment.