Katie Sims
It's bizarre to think that there was a time when midi dresses weren't as prevalent as they are now. But such a time did exist, and as we know now, one of the most crucial elements to styling the piece is determining the best shoes to wear with midi dresses—especially when factoring in all the summer trends you can pair them with.
As easy as they are to throw on, you still need to consider how to style your midi dresses, and perhaps the most important component of any midi-dress look is your footwear choice.
Now, more shoes work with midi dresses than ones that don't, so this isn't a styling dilemma you need to lose sleep over. That said, there are some shoe styles I think work especially well with midi dresses. What are these wonder styles, you ask? Handily, I've detailed them for you below.
After hours of research, I believe these are the nine elite shoes are the premier designs to wear with midi dresses, be it for evenings out or casual daytime pursuits. There's classic French-approved pieces like supple ballet flats to the unexpected flat sandal of the season—flip flops. Scroll on to see them and never second-guess which shoes to pair with your favourite midi dress again.
The 11 Best Shoes to Wear With Midi Dresses
1. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: If you're worried your midi dresses don't look particularly "chic," a pair of Parisienne-approved ballet flats will sort that out immediately. Plus, they'll be your saving grace on any questionable weather days.
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The relaxed, slouchy fit is perfect for casual daytime looks. Simply cinch the waist with the belt and pair with a heeled boot to make it more appropriate for after after-sunlight hours affairs.
The buckle details elevate these classic strappy ballet flats.
2. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Knee-high boots work with just about any skirt and dress silhouette going, but they look their sleekest with knitted midi styles, which reveal a flash of what's underneath.
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A neutral midi is what I would call a wardrobe staple—perfect for those all-white outfits we're all reaching for this summer.
These are called the "Monica", which is a fitting tribute to perennial '90s fashion icon Monica Geller.
3. Loafers
Style Notes: I live in my Gucci loafers all year round, but something I never know is if they suit my maxi and mini dresses. What I have realised, however, is that chunky loafers that help to balance out the fabric and silhouette of midi dresses work especially well.
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A floaty white dress is a summer wardrobe essential. There is one dress from this category I can't reccomend more highly—the Dôen Ischia dress.
The black is a classic, but these also come in a gorgeous burgundy.
4. Slingbacks
Style Notes: Nineties-style kitten-heel slingbacks are still all the rage this year, with Gucci's crystal-encrusted pair continuing to win over the style set. Although delicate, they work well with midi dresses, as the open back stops them from looking clunky.
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This Toteme style has gorgeous ribbing and a sporty racer neckline that lends itself to so many occasions.
Gucci's slingbacks are one of the Italian maison's signature styles, and my dream dancing shoes.
5. Trainers
Style Notes: Trainers and dresses are a combination Brit girls love to wear, and while I don't think there's a combination that you can go wrong with, I am partial to midi dresses styled with the latest trainer that is in fashion. Otherwise, you can always reach for a classic like white sneakers to create a more seamless finish.
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The mother-of-pearl buttons bring such an elegant detail to this timeless shape and the on-trend colouring makes this style all the more rich-looking. Truly an expensive-looking high street find.
The Adidas Tokyo is a trainer that's perennially in fashion. Seen on and loved by A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence, there's something about the two-toned and contrast sneakers that make any outfit more considered.
6. Clogs
Style Notes: Birkenstock Bostons are a hot-ticket item this season, and I have a feeling as to why: their versatility. Naturally, they pair seamlessly with jeans and even puddle pants, but as Monikh Dale demonstrates here, they also look the stylish part worn with midi dresses.
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Dale paired her Bostons with an autumnal mustard hue, but to make it more balmy, reach for this soft blue hue.
After purchasing my first pair of clogs last year, this mild taupe style is calling my name.
7. Strappy Heels
Style Notes: Be it a wedding to attend or a night out to prep for, my go-to outfit always consists of a midi dress and strappy heels. Heels in classic colours will complement just about any midi dress style I can think of; I prefer to style mine with A-line dress silhouettes, just as Karina has here.
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The airy cotton is perfect for the warmer transitional months.
Keep the straps thin for an elevated finish. This pair from The Row is the ultimate investment style.
8. Slider Sandals
Style Notes: Summer has arrived, so we're looking for new ways to style our favourite looks since it's getting a little warmer. If you prefer a more effortless look, try pairing your midi dresses with a pair of slide-on sandals. A neutral colour will act as an easy throw-on to go with all of the dresses in your wardrobe before the temperature drops.
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The sleeveless cut makes this frill-trimmed muslin gown so sleek and romantic.
I have the tan version of these, and they're so comfortable to wear.
9. Flip Flops
Style Notes: Given sandals are an ideal shoe to wear with midi dresses, explore new shapes this season by slipping into flip-flops. From countless Brazilians and Australians who swear by the shape day-to-day to The Row's coveted Dune and Ginza styles to Ancient Greek Sandals's Saionara jellies, this shoe brings an ease and breeziness that compliments the built-in fuss-free composition of midi dresses.
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This dress runs large, so size down for a closer fit.
A perfect starter to trial the jelly sandal trend.
10. Heeled Flip-Flops
Style Notes: It can sometimes feel like the gap between the end of a mini dress and the floor is slightly truncated, so to elongate the legs and give the appearance of a taller frame, opt for a raised shoe style like a heeled flip flop.
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There's something about this bohemian bell sleeve and floral print dress that works perfectly with a barely-there heel.
This satin variation reminds me of something Gwyneth Paltrow or Jennifer Aniston would've worn in their twenties.
11. Pointed-Toe Kitten Heels
Style Notes: Offset the wafty shape of your favourite midi dress by contrasting the delicate feel with a razor-sharp pointed-toe kitten-heel. This combination is ideal for days when you're heading from the boardroom to the bar.
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The fabric on this style is so sumptuous.
The velvety suede of this style makes it all the more covetable.
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