Some of the most inspired looks don't require a whole lot of brain power, thankfully. Take, for example, a dress-and-shoe pairing; the two outfit ingredients take little to no time to physically put on your body, but somehow the final result consistently feels pretty polished and put-together. This low-effort, high-yield kind of situation is well-suited for summer, when you have less time to think about what you're wearing because you're spending more time enjoying vacations or weekend barbecues with friends. In other words, a dress-and-shoe pairing is a golden recipe for wardrobe success.
So the natural next question is what dress to wear with which shoes? Turns out there is a boatload of possibilities. To help spark a few new ideas, though, we rounded up seven combinations that work like a charm. From the best kicks to complement your slip dress to the coolest way to wear those cowboy boots you've been dying to break out of the closet, scroll down to discover and shop your favorites to get going on your next effortless summer look.
Slip Dress + High-Tops
Translate your slip dress to summer weekends with a pair of cute high-tops.
Puff-Sleeve Mini + Low-Heel Sandals
Accessorize a pretty puff-sleeve minidress with low-heel sandals for a picnic-ready ensemble.
Floral Midi + White Sneakers
For a look that's versatile and flattering, wear a pair of white sneakers with all of your floral midis.
Printed Midi + Strappy Sandals
Embrace the season's printed-midi-dress trend by wearing it with another of-the-moment piece: strappy sandals.
Prairie-Inspired + Flat Leather Sandals
Not sure how to pull off the prairie-dress trend? Try a pair of low-key leather sandals.
Mini Wrap + Cowboy Boots
A low-cut, wrap minidress can feel slightly intimidating to wear but when teamed with cowboy boots instantly becomes more approachable.
Sheer and Ethereal + Utilitarian-Inspired
Contrast a dreamy frock with lace or sheer paneling with a punk-inspired pair of Dr. Martens or utilitarian shoes.
Up next: the 20 best dresses of summer so far.
-
Here You Go: 5 Trend-Forward Fall Outfit Ideas I Think Are Wildly ChicThese looks get a yes.
-
Blue Jeans Are Fine, But for Fall, Chic People Know This Controversial Denim Trend Looks RicherHot take incoming…
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your BuckStellar under-$150 finds right this way.
-
5 Chic End-of-Summer Denim Outfits That Will Make You Look Like a Fashion PersonFrom Stockholm to Paris to London.
-
The "No White After Labor Day" Rule Is Out—These Chic Outfits Are InWho says white has to have a season? We’re wearing it all year long.
-
The Chic 2-Piece Outfit Busy Fashion People Always Wear in SeptemberAwkward weather, conquered.
-
This Simple Fashion Person–Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My BasicsEffortlessly cool.
-
Goodbye, Bubble Shorts—Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing This "Dated" Pant Trend InsteadHere's how It girls in New York, London, Copenhagen, and more are styling them in 2025.
