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. But what shoes to wear with a black dress? It all depends on the vibe, the occasion and of course — the style of dress!
I have a myriad of black dress 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 love this pair in the classic two tone color shown above!
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. These are a more budget friendly alternative.
I also own and love the all black version of these Chanel slingback, they are particularly elegant to pair with black dresses for a night out!
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 heel mule with a black shirt dress. It’s a very classic, tailored combination and perfect for work events or meetings. And don’t miss the mini version of this darling shirt dress!
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.
I can’t speak to the comfort of this pair, but they are a similar look for less!
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 to pair 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.
Related: Best Shoes to Wear in Paris
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 appreciate a pair of strappy block heel sandals. Particularly for weddings! I find block heels great for staying comfortable when on your feet a lot of dancing a lot.
Stuart Weitzman makes a lot of great strappy sandals worth browsing.
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 version with these more reasonably price sandal.
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. The quality is excellent.
Strappy Flat Black Sandals
For days when I want to look polished but still comfortable for running errands in New York City, a pair of flat strappy sandals perfectly complement a black summer dress.
Styled here with my favorite straw tote.
Minimalist Flip Flops
I typically have a pretty hard rule against flip flops, but ever since I discovered this brand I make an exception for the beach! This pair and this pair are to of my favorite sleek, minimal flip flops to pair with a black linen mini dress.
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 pair an ankle boot with black tights. 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. These are another pair of sneakers I reach for to pair with black dresses.
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. Seen here styled with this strapless linen dress.
Black + cognac is a favorite color combo for me all year long.
Thigh High Boots
This isn’t a style of boot I wear a lot of right now, but I do still 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 (use code WITWHIMSY10 for 10% off your first order at Freda Salvador).
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).