:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/071725-black-shoes-soc-682e3f9e4be34bb1bf1fcdc19ab5d603.jpg "12 Summer Shoes That Instantly Refresh a Black Dress")
- A black sundress is a classic wardrobe staple during the summertime.
- Pairing an LBD with the right shoes can transform the look between playful, casual, or elegant.
Here’s the thing: While a little black dress seems to be one of those style clichés you hear all the time, it’s a clothing staple that has serious legs. You can always count on it to be a piece in your closet that never lets you down and keeps things relatively simple. That is, until you’re standing in front of the mirror wondering what shoes actually go with it. Because while the dress itself may be effortless, styling it isn’t always so simple. Do you keep it classic? Add a pop of color? Lean casual or go all-out glam? The options are endless, but that’s part of the fun!
Luckily, the right shoes can do a lot of heavy lifting. We’ve pulled together 12 standout pairs that not only complement a black dress but give it a whole new vibe. Whether you’re dressing for brunch, a last-minute date night, or a casual yet dressy moment, there’s something here to match the moment. Think unique mules, fashion-forward sneakers, and everything in between.
So, next time you’re staring at that dress, wondering what to wear, rest easy—your new go-to shoes are just ahead.
Kitten Heels
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Just in case you had your doubts about the superiority of a kitten heel (yes, I stand by that statement), please take a look at the photo above. While short in height, its stylish scope stands tall. It’s impactful without requiring much effort.
By Far
Knee-High Boots
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A pair of knee-high boots paired with your best black mini-dress will give you legs for miles. Don’t be afraid to punch up your black dress with boots in a leather croc effect or even a dark chocolate brown. The old rule of keeping black and brown separate is gone, and it’s so modern to pair these two colors together.
Staud
Strappy Sandals
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A classic spring combo: the strappy sandal with a casual lightweight black dress. Warmer weather calls for showing off that pedicure with a minimal strappy heeled sandal and a longer black dress. Plus, you can easily take your look from day to night with a blazer or leather jacket.
Reformation
Sneakers
Jeremy Moeller / Getty Images for The Wants Social / Copenhagen Studios
There are plenty of reasons why you’d want to add a sneaker to a black dress outfit. For starters, you could have a long day of walking ahead of you. In this case, there’s no footwear more dependable than a tennis shoe. Or you might want to add a casual air to your overall outfit. A sneaker is perfect for that too.
Revolve
Open-Toed Slides
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The crossroads of style and comfort come together with an open-toed slide, even better if it has a thicker sole. Easy to slip on and style with a black slip dress or knit tank dress, these versatile shoes play off the ’90s style that’s found its way back into our everyday wardrobe. It’s a great shoe to give a slightly fancy black dress a more comfortable and laid-back feel.
Everlane
Ballet Flats
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Because of its dainty elegance, balletcore is likely to always be in heavy rotation. Plenty of runway collections showed us at least one iteration of a ballet flat over the years, firmly planting the trend into our everyday wardrobe. A ballet flat is perfect for an easy daytime black dress with a mid-length hem to add a touch of sweetness. You can go for a simple black leather flat or a lovely satin pink pair to add a pop of color to your look.
Zara
Classic Pumps
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Day or night, classic a-line or little LBD, a pointy-toed pump is ideal for so many occasions and just as many styles of black dresses. A pump is the tried-and-true fashion best friend to elevate a black dress. Consider a black patent heel to lend a more traditional style. And for those who want to kick it up a notch, flirt with a bright jewel-toned pair for added personality.
Sarah Flint
Mules
Not quite your casual ballet flats, but also still comfortable enough to walk around in, a mule and an LBD sundress are a match made in heaven. With its open back design, it invites a slightly more whimsical and fun energy than another shoe would. Keep it sleek with a pair of black shoes or turn it up a notch with a fun new color.
Maguire
Cowboy Boots
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We can’t ignore the Western trend is taking over. A cowboy boot is truly a versatile shoe that can dress up or down a black dress, depending on the cut. Pair a traditional embroidered style boot with a puff-sleeved prairie dress for a light and casual daytime look. A sleek pair of cowboy boots with a black babydoll dress is a fun callback to the ’90s.
Net-a-Porter
Platform Flip-Flops
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If you’re looking for a quintessential Y2K shoe that’s equal parts fashion and easygoing, look no further than platform flip-flops—which pair perfectly with a long black dress. The look harkens back to the early aughts and is so easy to put together. The ease and comfort of an elevated flip-flop work effortlessly with a black slip dress or fitted knit dress. Grab your mini backpack, and you’re ready to go.
Tory Burch
Mesh Flats
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Even though there are plenty of comfortable heel options, you don’t always need to wear a heel. For those times that call for fashion with a capital F, a mesh flat can take your favorite black dress a sartorial step up. Take cues from The Row and Alaïa for a simple but modern flat on days when you can’t bring yourself to wear a heel.
Dear Frances
Mary Janes
Kirstin Sinclair / Getty Images
To add some balance to your dark gothcore aesthetic, slip into some Mary Janes. The former’s moodiness will complement the latter’s cuteness for a fashion-forward outfit. When it comes to socks, white is classic but also consider a fun pair—colored, patterned, or with a hint of sparkle.
Tony Bianco
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