Unlike black or brown dresses, I’ve always found navy pieces just a little trickier to style, especially when it comes to choosing the right shoes. I love the richness of a deep navy hue, but I often find it doesn’t pair quite as naturally with the rest of my footwear collection. Black, although classic, sometimes gets a little lost, while other dark tones don't necessarily feel relevant, especially given the season we're currently in. So when I spotted Dakota Johnson wearing a navy dress in the most elegant and seamless way—thanks in no small part to her shoes—I couldn’t help but take note.
Wearing a sweeping midi in a classic navy tone, Johnson elevated the look with a pair of fresh cream heels. The soft contrast brought lightness to the outfit without introducing a jarring pop of colour—an inspired combination that made the darker shade feel unexpectedly fresh for summer.
Where stark white can feel too sharp and jet black can weigh the look down, a soft cream feels just right. It’s warm, elegant and quietly sophisticated—everything you want when wearing a deeper tone like navy in the warmer months.
Beyond being a clever pairing, cream colourways are shaping up to be a key shoe trend this summer. Zara’s minimalist kitten heels are destined to sell out, while COS’s refined flats have firmly cemented a spot on my wish list.
Read on to discover edit of the best navy dresses and cream shoes to style now.
SHOP NAVY DRESSES AND CREAM SHOES:
If I'm ever unsure of what to wear, an elegant draped dress is always my first port of call.
The slingback heel trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Be quick! I can't see this staying in stock for long.
Every great summer wardrobe starts with an elegant pair of ballet flats.
This comes in sizes XXS—4XL.
Style with denim or pair with a rich navy dress.
While I love this in the rich navy blue, it also comes in black, brown and red.
The light cream shade makes these so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.
Style with fresh cream shoes to brighten up this heavy shade.
I'm banking these for all of my summer weddings.
-
Hold the Sandals—This Is the Shoe Trend to Wear With Dresses in SeptemberAs seen on Alexa Chung.
-
The Pretty Dress Trend Everyone Is Skipping Jeans and Trousers ForNo really.
-
Move Over, Jelly Shoes—I Predict *This* Chunky Shoe Trend Will Be Everywhere Come FallGen Z discovers boho chic.
-
This Is the Lingerie-Adjacent Dress Trend You'll See on Every Cool Fashion Girl Starting NowZoë Kravitz is leading the charge.
-
If You Want Prettier Outfits, Swap Black Pumps for This Dated ColorEven Serena Williams is making the switch.
-
If the Ease of Jeans and a T-Shirt Came in Dress Form, It Would Look a Lot Like This…Spotted in Brentwood on Kendall Jenner.
-
This Is *the* Pretty Dress Trend to Wear With Tights and Heels If You Want to Get Compliments This FallTrust us.
-
Dakota Johnson Wore a Completely Backless Mini In This Better-Than-Black Color to the Splitsville After-PartyPlus, see her metallic leather gown from the premiere.
