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What Shoes to Wear with Black Dress: All Occasion Picks

The great thing about a black dress is that its color pairs well with anything. Want to hear something else? You can rock a black dress all year round, no matter the event. That's how versatile your fabulous black dress can be.

But of course, figuring out what shoes to wear with it can leave a lot of people wondering. It depends on the shoes you’re considering—color and style come into play. But don’t worry. We’ve got some tips to help you nail the perfect look. And if you’re looking for a go-to option that’s stylish, comfortable, and weatherproof, Vessi has you covered. The sneakers blend effortlessly with a casual black dress while keeping your feet dry, no matter the forecast. Let’s dive in!

1. Best Color Shoes to Wear with Black Dresses

a) Metallic shoes

Black dress and metallic shoes

Throwing on metallic shoes with a black dress is a simple way to add a bit of glam to your look. Whether you choose gold or silver, they’ll make your outfit stand out in the best way. If you're aiming for a more relaxed vibe, ballet flats are a great choice, especially when you’re wearing a black midi dress.

It looks great for everything from special occasions to parties. Another fun way to style your black dress with metallic shoes is by pairing it with metallic ankle boots and a leather jacket—perfect for a date night or concert vibe.

b) Black shoes

Pointed-toe pumps and flats

Black on black never goes out of style. It’s a no-brainer when you want to look polished and elegant for work, without putting in too much effort. You can even carry the vibe into a cocktail party by pairing your black dress with black shoes for a sleek, effortless style.

c) Brown shoes

Brown shoes are a great pick if you want a more polished look. They’re comfy, too, and you can wear them casually or dress them up depending on your outfit. Pairing them with a black dress is a solid choice—it’s perfect for any event where you want to look a little more put-together.

d) Animal print shoes

Animal print shoes

A black dress is basically a blank slate, so you can have fun with different colors! Animal prints are a cool way to spice things up—they add some personality to your look while still keeping it classy. It’s the perfect way to stand out without going over the top!

e) Colorful shoes

There’s nothing wrong with adding a pop of color to your outfit with some bold shoes! It’s an easy way to make your look more fun and bring in a cool, playful vibe.

Rocking colorful shoes is an easy way to make your outfit feel more fun and laid-back. Just go for bright shades that match what you already have in your closet. And if you really want to level up the look, shinier is always better—so a glossy finish is a solid choice, no matter the color!

f) Nude shoes

Black dress and nude shoes

Nude shoes are pretty much the black stockings of footwear—they’re a solid go-to that pairs effortlessly with a black dress. They’re super versatile and can act as the perfect finishing touch to your outfit. 

Plus, if you choose a shade that complements your skin tone, it creates the illusion of longer legs and adds a sleek, polished touch that works for any formal occasion. The best part? If you want to add even more height and elongate your look even further, slipping into a pair of pumps or high-heeled sandals will do the trick!

2. Best Shoe Type to Wear with a Black Dress

a) Sneakers

Black dress and white sneakers

Sneakers are seriously comfy and a great way to keep it casual with a black dress. They’re relaxed, fun, and perfect for things like weekend trips or just hanging out.

When wearing sneakers with your black dress, just make sure they match your style and the vibe you’re going for—like our Sunday Slippers or Weekend Sneakers. You can pick from high-tops, platforms, or low-tops, depending on what you like.

The best thing about sneakers is you can enhance their appearance and make them chic by adorning them with embroidery, patterns, and logos. Don't forget you'll also need a pair of ankle socks for comfort and warmth when wearing sneakers.

b) Boots

Black dress and boots

Boots with dresses are a total go-to, and honestly, they work for pretty much any occasion. They look awesome with midi dresses, too. If you’re into a boho vibe, try some ankle boots with buckles or fringe for that cool, laid-back style.

Ankle boots are simple and go with almost anything, so you can easily pair them with a black dress for work, casual days, or weekend plans. Wedge or block heels will make them even more comfy if you're picking some up.

Knee-high boots are classic and always in style. Straight-leg knee boots are a comfy choice compared to thigh-high ones and go perfectly with a little black dress. You don’t even need to go mini—just above-the-knee works too.

Tall boots above the knee are great for in-between seasons, as long as the weather’s right. Remember that this look is usually a no-go for formal settings. The taller the boot, the less it works for formal events. So, rock your short black dress and thigh-high boots for parties and fun nights out!

c) Pointed-toe pumps and flats

Pointed-toe pumps and flats

Pointed-toe pumps or flats are super stylish. They look great with structured work outfits and add a sleek vibe. Plus, they’re versatile enough to wear out for dinner or drinks. Just keep in mind the higher the heel, the more elegant they’ll look.

d) Loafers

Black dress and loafers

How about pairing brogues or loafers with a midi or mini dress for a laid-back look? A black dress looks pretty cool with platform monk strap brogues or chunky lug sole loafers.

Lace-up oxfords and loafers are classics, especially for work. Just make sure your black dress goes well with the shoes before you wear it out. Loafers can add a bit of coolness to your outfit while keeping it classy. And don’t forget to keep your shoes nice and smooth—crease-free for the win!

e) Sandals and slides

Black dress and sandals

If you want something chill but still stylish, strappy flat sandals with a black dress are a great choice. Not into straps? Leather slides work, too, for a fresh summer look.

Flat sandals are perfect when you want to keep it super chill. They give off a relaxed vibe but still feel a bit fancy at the same time. You can totally rock them with a black dress for running errands, lunch dates, or shopping with friends.

f) Strappy heels

Strappy heels

Strappy heels have an almost magical ability to elevate a black dress from “nice” to “knockout” with barely any effort. They’re the sartorial equivalent of a flick of mascara—subtle but game-changing.

Whether you gravitate toward barely-there spaghetti-thin straps for an ultra-sleek vibe or something chunkier for a bit more presence, these heels fit just about any setting. Stiletto versions ooze after-dark glamour, perfect for date nights and cocktail hours, while block-heel styles let you glide through weddings or dance floors without sacrificing your feet. And if you’re feeling extra, lace-up versions that snake up your ankle add a little extra intrigue to your look.

g) Espadrilles

Espadrilles and black dress

Espadrilles and black dresses are a summer-ready power couple—timeless, breezy, and effortlessly stylish. They whisper vacation vibes without screaming, “I’m a tourist,” which is always a win.

A wedge espadrille adds height without tormenting your feet, making it perfect for casual outings that still require a little polish. Meanwhile, a flat version is ideal for meandering through farmers' markets or meeting friends for an afternoon coffee. The woven jute sole injects just the right amount of texture, keeping your outfit visually interesting without piling on accessories.

h) Ballet Flats

Black dress and ballet flats

Ballet flats are the unsung heroes of footwear—low effort, high impact. They’re delicate without being fussy, classic without feeling outdated, and polished without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.

A rounded-toe pair brings out that soft, romantic energy, while a pointed-toe version sharpens up the silhouette for a more refined look. Want to keep things interesting? Opt for textured fabrics like quilted leather or suede, or go for details like dainty bows or metallic embellishments.

i) Wedge Heels

Black dress and wedge heels

Wedge heels strike the perfect balance between height and wearability. If stilettos are the high-maintenance diva of the shoe world, wedges are the laid-back best friend who still knows how to make a statement.

A cork wedge leans into summery, beachy vibes, while a black leather wedge can take your black dress from daytime chic to dinner-date ready. If you want a little extra personality, look for peep-toe styles, ankle straps, or woven textures for a playful but sophisticated touch.

Tips for Getting the Best Shoes for Your Black Dress

Before you slip into your black dress for that event you’ve been excited about, here are a few tips to help you look your best.

a) Consider the season and occasion

You definitely want to dress for the occasion to avoid any discomfort. You wouldn’t wear your winter shoes in summer, right? So, in the summer, go for open-toe pumps or sandals, and in winter, ankle boots are a great way to complement a black dress.

You need to consider what type of event it is to select the appropriate footwear. The dress code needs attention when you attend formal affairs like cocktail parties because strappy sandals or pumps work best. Loafers and sneakers should be your choice for more casual events because they help you look professional instead of overdoing it.

b) Complement the dress

When selecting footwear for your black dress, it is crucial to make the proper match. All elements of the dress, such as its length, together with its style and fit, determine your footwear options. Ankle boots with mini dresses work perfectly, while loafers serve well with mini dresses, and strappy sandals pair well with maxi dresses.

c) Add contrast

Add contrast to your black dress

You have plenty of options to make black footwear stand out by choosing clothing accessories that feature colorful components unique patterns, or shiny materials. Your feet will catch attention while projecting an intriguing shade through your feet with this sharp tonal effect.

d) Try different styles

Black dresses pretty much go with any type of shoes. Playing around with different styles is a great way to determine which works best for you. Plus, it helps you see what fits the event and your personal style. Don’t be afraid to mix it up with different shoes for different outfits—it’ll elevate your look.

e) Be simple

For a casual vibe, white sneakers or shoes in nude, metallic, black, brown, or beige are your best bet to match the outfit.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Shoes for a Black Dress

1. What footwear goes well with a black dress?

Black dresses are easy to pair with shoes since they go with anything. You can wear boots, sneakers, loafers, slides, strappy sandals, or pumps. No rules here, so you won’t get stuck!

2. What color shoes should I wear with a black dress?

Black dresses look great with pretty much any shoe color, whether it’s classic black, white, or beige or even brighter shades like hot pink, red, or burgundy.

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