If there’s one thing my closet has a lot of, it is little black dresses. They are my go-to for formal events, special dinners, getting dressed up when I travel, for weddings and for daytime wear throughout summer, too.
I have a myriad of options in various lengths, styles and fabrics and I love styling them. There are a lot of ways to style black dresses and today I am sharing my favorite shoe styles to pair with them and how I make the decisions of what shoes to pair with what type of black dress.
What Shoes To Wear With a Black Dress
Slingback Heels
My Chanel Slingbacks are the heel I reach for most often to pair with my favorite black dresses because they are so comfortable. I own this pair in the two tone shown above but also in the monochromatic all black which is also elegant to pair with a black dress.
A slingback with a block heel is a great, versatile shoe to wear with a little black dress but I particularly love it with a midi dress or maxi dress.
Related: What to Wear with Chanel Slingbacks
Knee High Boots
In Fall and Winter I love pairing my favorite knee high boots with black dresses that are out of a knit fabric or feature long sleeves.
This pair has a comfortable stacked heel and is beautifully made. I had the calves stretched by my cobbler to make them a bit roomier.
Related: How To Style Sweater Dresses
Riding Boots
I love a classic riding boot paired with a feminine black dress for a stylish juxtaposition in an outfit.
You can use code SF-MEGHAN for 15% off your order of these riding boots.
Kitten Mules
I love adding a stylish kitten mule with a black shirt dress. It’s a very classic, tailored combination and perfect for work events or meetings.
My Manolo Maysales are easy to walk in, are in an elegant suede and I love them with a dress as much as I love styling them with some of my favorite jean styles as well. I sized up half a size in them.
Classic Pumps
This is, of course, a timeless combination. I adore my favorite black pumps styled with a black dress that makes you feel like a million bucks.
Black shoes in a timeless silhouette like a black pump with a black dress will never go out of style.
I own my favorite pair of pumps in at least six colors and styles. You can use code SF-MEGHAN for 15% off your order of them.
Ballet Flats
I don’t pair closed toe shoes with most of my summer dresses but those that hit me at the right length and are in the right style like the dressier summer black dress above, I love with a ballet flat.
This look is Parisian in feel and very put together. The dress *has* to be the right length though in order for the look not to appear dowdy.
Above I am wearing my beloved Chanel Ballet Flats but you can also shop the beautiful and classic Margaux Demi Ballet Flats.
Metallic Heels
I’m not the biggest fan of metallic shoes generally because there are so many ugly ones but I do think the right metallic dress shoe can be such a fun statement for a formal event when paired with a more simple black dress.
You can shop this pair seen above and use code SF-MEGHAN for 15% off your order of them.
Related: My Favorite Sarah Flint Shoe Styles
Open Toe Heels
For a bit of a vintage vibe, consider pairing an open toe heel with your favorite black dress.
Strappy Heeled Sandal
A good heeled sandal will always pair well with a dressier black dress. Pick whatever heel height that you feel comfortable with.
The above pair is more of a kitten heel but I also have a pair of strappy block sandals that I love styling. Particularly for weddings! I find block heels great for staying comfortable when on your feet a lot of dancing a lot.
Brown Sandals
Flat sandals are of course my go-to to pair with summery black dresses. I always love the contrast of a cognac brown with a black dress and love pairing my favorite brown accessories with a black dress like the maxi dress above.
My sandals are the Hermes Oran sandals but you can shop a similar, more affordable style with these French Sole sandals.
Black Sandals
I love a monochromatic moment when it comes to getting dressed. I think it is one of the easiest, most effortless ways to look elevated, expensive and put together.
This is a go-to look for me for summer. Above I am wearing the YSL Tribute Sandals which a really beautiful and classic style.
I also love this barely-there style by Emme Parsons.
Ankle Boots
In Fall and Winter I reach for my favorite ankle boots to pair with midi dresses or styles like the blazer dress above (recommend sizing up in it).
Due to my fair skin tone I would wait to do an ankle boot with a tight. It ensures I look elongated.
My favorite heeled ankle boots that I own include this pair by Loeffler Randall styled above, this pair by Sarah Flint and this pair by INEZ.
Related: A Roundup of My Favorite Boots and Booties
Espadrilles
In summertime I love pairing my favorite black espadrilles with my favorite summertime dresses. It’s very Provencal in feeling, comfortable and elegant.
White Sneaker
White sneakers with a black dress is a combination I am always styling when I am traveling and know I will be walking a lot. The Common Project sneakers look so good with dresses. They are slim and stylish so they are the perfect white sneaker for travel in my opinion.
Ankle Wrap Sandal
I love how an ankle wrap sandal elongates the leg so I reach for this style of sandal to wear with a black midi or mini dress often throughout summer.
Thigh High Boots
This isn’t a style of boot I wear a lot of right now but I do have my Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots tucked away to one day again reach for when they are more in-style again. I have always love how they looked styled with a sweater dress like above.
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If you’re someone who likes to have more bold choices when it comes to your wardrobe, you could also consider pairing an animal print shoe with your black dress or I always think a pop of red makes for a fun color shoe to wear with black, too.
I hope these shoe styles were helpful to see how to pair your black dress for your next look! No matter what style you choose, wearing a black dress is always a good idea.
Related: How I Take Care of My Shoes
As you break in any new shoes, you may want to consider stocking up on these Blister BandAids. They are life savers in case you run into any blisters.
And don’t miss the shoppable widget below to shop some of my favorite current black dresses and my shoe collection. There are so many great options to shop now!
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Thank you for this guide. I love that you included a ton of pictures for examples. One suggestion would be adding more shoe options that are less expensive. I know you prioritize quality but surely there are good shoes that cost a touch less.
Completely understand your feedback! I prioritize speaking to items I have and can attest to but I always try and include similar styles if I find a good alternative (for example the Margaux ballet flats vs. Chanel and the French sole sandals vs. Hermes).