Ava Gilchrist
If there's one wardrobe staple I can rely on to boost my mood and spark joy—irrespective of whether it's a quintessentially grey London afternoon or a blissful and balmy morning—it's a white dress.
A mainstay in my wardrobe, I often reach for a fresh white dress throughout the warmer months as an easy way to create an ensemble for the heat. Whilst white is a neutral shade and one of the easiest to style other colours with, there are certain colours that look even chicer with white than others, and that definitely comes into play when we talk about shoes.
You'll find that most shoe colours work with a white dress. I find that there are six that strike the perfect balance of being fresh and elegant. You can probably guess a couple, but a few might be less obvious.
Scroll on to see the six shoe colours to wear with white dresses.
6 Chic Shoe Colours to Wear with White Dresses
1. Red Shoes
Style Notes: The red shoe colour trend is continuing to thrive this summer, and influencers are reaching for it in the form of pretty shoes this season. Balancing the fresh energy of the white dress, a red shoe pairing adds a playful and feminine edge in an easy and wearable way.
Shop the Outfit:
This pretty white dress also comes in red and polka dots.
The chicest way to add some colour to your summer wardrobe.
This style is crafted from a wafty linen and features an adjustable back tab to give a more waisted effect.
The t-bar is a trend that appears in some of the it sandals of 2025.
2. Black Shoes
Style Notes: For me, there's no dress and footwear combination as chic and a classic as a white dress paired with a black shoe. Elegant, versatile and creating a sleek contrast, this classic staple is one to keep on repeat throughout the summer months.
Shop the Outfit:
Style with Mary Janes or wear with a strappy sandal.
I always come back to St. Agni for their elegant summer sandals.
This classic sleeveless dress is perfect for high-summer styling. The lace trim always brings a slight sensual element to it, meaning you can wear it to evening soirées, too.
Such an expensive-looking high-street find.
3. Olive Shoes
Style Notes: The olive green colour trend is taking off this summer, and I find it to be one of the chicest shades to wear with white throughout the hottest months. Adding an earthy element to an otherwise white outfit, I'll be coming back to this combination time after time.
Shop the Outfit:
This comfortable dress is perfect for day-to-day styling.
The olive green colour trend is one of the chicest summer colours.
The 100% cotton composition makes this naturally breathable.
These jelly sandals are destined to sell out before the end of summer.
4. White Shoes
Style Notes: Nothing screams high summer like an entirely white look, which is why the white shoe and white dress combination is one I'll never grow tired of. Style a white dress with a simple white crochet shoe like influencer Débora Rose, or wear with an elegant white pump for an elegant evening occasion.
Shop the Outfit:
This pretty halter neck dress makes dressing for warm weather so easy.
The woven flat trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Reformation's Balia linen dress is editor-approved and also comes in six other shades.
White sandals are just as versatile as their black counterparts.
5. Tan Shoes
Style Notes: Balance the bright white shade with a classic neutral and pair your favourite white dress with elegant tan sandals. With a light brown hue the tan colour trend adds a warm element to an outfit in a classic and wearable way.
Shop the Outfit:
This elegant white dress is destined to sell out.
These are such an easy way to add an elegant edge to your outfit without having to wear a high heel.
The halterneck trend has been taking off this summer.
These are comfortable enough to style throughout the whole of summer.
6. Grey Shoes
Style Notes: While Who What Wear UK contributor Monikh Dale's shoes aren't entirely grey, these simple and sleek snake-print sandals make a case for injecting a dose of grey into your white dress outfits. 50 shades of chic.
Shop the Outfit:
This floaty shape will suit long alfresco lunches and beach days alike.
These A.Emery sandals are exactly what I want in a shoe—minimal yet full of personality.
Such a beautiful design; I wouldn't expect anything else from one of my favourite independent luxury fashion brands.
Turn it up a notch with a grey-toned silver shoe.
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