No Doubt—These Are the 8 Best Classic Shoe Styles to Wear With Dresses

If there's one thing we know, it's that Who What Wear readers are obsessed with two things: dresses and shoes. These two subjects always dominate our So Should I Buy This? Facebook group, and now that we find ourselves on the cusp of bare-leg season (yes, really!) they're proving to be all the more practical.

While we're quick to cover the latest trends across both wardrobe items, we thought we'd go back to basics and have a look at the shoes that always work with dresses. As such, we can conclude that there are eight key footwear styles that seem to suit dresses more than other shoe types.

Chances are you'll already own some (if not all) of the shoes on our list, but that's the beauty of taking a step back from the noise of the trends and instead focusing on timeless buys. Keep scrolling to see the shoes to wear with dresses this season and beyond.

1. BLOCK HEELS

Shoes to Wear With Dresses: @sylviemus wearing knit dress and block heel shoes

Photo:

@sylviemus

Style Notes: Sylvie's chic block-heel shoes will bestow any dress with easy French flair. This Gallic girl favours wearing them with minimalist midi dresses. Simple, yet so effective. 

SHOP BLOCK HEELS:

You'll wear these to every wedding this year and beyond, I'm sure.

I can't believe how premium these look, and they also come in four other colours. 

2. TRAINERS

Style Notes: You needn't mimic Lily Allen 100% of the time—trainers and dresses look their coolest when you opt for a simple dress paired with chunky running shoes or the most recent popular style, brights!

SHOP TRAINERS:

Coloured Adidas are selling out so fast, but these are still in stock in all sizes. 

A classic that will go with just about every dress in your wardrobe.

3. TAN OR BEIGE BOOTS

Style Notes: While black boots also look excellent with dresses (more on that later), tan and nude boots serve as a welcome change. Their softer hue makes them less harsh when worn with pastel or white dresses.

SHOP TAN BOOTS:

Add a western feel to any frock with these suede boots.

These would also look good with leggings and a blazer.

4. SLINGBACKS

Style Notes: Slingbacks are an eternally chic option that fashion people have been reaching for more frequently in recent months. The refined shape and classic silhouette instantly elevates even the simplest dresses. 

SHOP SLINGBACKS:

5. MARY JANES

Style Notes: When it comes to which shoes to wear with dresses, Mary Janes are a popular choice. The heeled styles gives you a vintage feel but flat versions are having such a moment right now. 

SHOP MARY JANES:

I love these in black, but I also really want them in Dorothy red. 

6. TRACK-SOLE BOOTS

Style Notes: Chunky track-sole boots defined our winter wardrobes, but don't pack them away just yet. With British weather consistently unpredictable you'll appreciate this pair year round. Right now, Instagram's most stylish people are donning chunky iterations with just about every dress you can think of. 

SHOP TRACK-SOLE BOOTS:

These have been favourites for a couple of years now.

You'll wear these for the rest of the year. 

Such a great go-with-everything pair.

7. FINE-STRAP HEELS

Style Notes: Having been the shoes a couple of seasons ago, fine-strap sandals are set to make a strong comeback this year. As they're the perfect antidote to statement outfits, it's little wonder influencers keep wearing them with punchy print midi dresses to make sure all eyes are on the dress. 

SHOP STRAPPY HEELS:

8. Loafers 

Shoes to Wear With Dresses: @emmanuellek wears black strappy heels with a midi dress

Photo:

@emmanuellek_

Style Notes: Adding a preppy feel to any dress style, you can always count of a pair of sleek loafers to compliment a great dress. Emmanuelle goes one step further and adds cool-girl white socks 

SHOP LOAFERS:

These are so classic, they'll go with any dress. 

Chunky pairs look effortlessly cool. 

Yep, Prada loafers will always be popular no matter the season. 

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Next Up: These Autumn/Winter Fashion Trends Really Count