I absolutely love wearing black dresses. They are so versatile and timeless that I find myself reaching for a black dress for all kinds of occasions, from formal events to casual nights out. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to elevating my black dress looks is by carefully selecting the right shoes with black dress outfits to match.
Finding the perfect shoes to complement your black dress can make all the difference in pulling an outfit together. With so many gorgeous shoe styles and colors to choose from though, it can be tricky to narrow down the options.
In this blog post, I’ll be covering my favorite shoe colors, styles, and tips for wearing shoes with a black dress for different occasions. Whether you’re looking for the perfect heels to wear to a wedding, chic flats for the office, or cool sneakers for weekend wear, I’ve got you covered!
Shoe Colors for a Black Dress
Let’s start by talking about shoe colors, since that can really impact the vibe of your outfit. I’ll go through some of my go-to neutral, bold, and classic shoe shade recommendations to pair with black dresses.
Neutrals
You can never go wrong matching black with neutral shoe colors. They help elongate the leg and provide a versatile base for accessorizing. Some of my favorite neutrals to wear with black dresses include:
Beige/Tan Shoes
I personally love pairing black dresses with beige or tan footwear. The lighter neutral shade helps soften and balance out the darker dress. Beige and tan shoes also work for both formal and casual black dress occasions.
For example, I recently wore a silky black slip dress to an outdoor wedding in the fall. I paired it with some strappy beige heels and a matching clutch. The neutral shoes elongated my legs, while still keeping the look formal enough for a wedding.
For more casual looks, I’ll pair a tan ankle boot with a skater black dress and denim jacket for apple picking or fall festivals.
No matter the occasion, beige and tan shoes help bridge the gap between black dresses and lighter colors found in nature during the spring and fall seasons. They provide a subtle color pop that works year-round.
Nude Shoes
Nude shoes can provide a seamless leg-lengthening look with black dresses. I recommend finding a nude shade that matches your skin tone as closely as possible for the most flattering effect. The neutral color also makes nude shoes extremely versatile for both formal and casual black dress occasions.
I recently wore a fitted midi bodycon dress in black to a cocktail party. I paired it with some pointed toe nude pumps. The seamless look made my legs appear super long and slim.
For a similar leg-lengthening effect, try pairing a black mini shift dress with some strappy nude sandals for a weekend date night or dinner out. Wearing a black dress with nude heels is a timeless and flattering combination.
When shopping for the perfect nude shoes, look for shades with pink, peach or brown undertones rather than something too white-based. Comparing the shoes directly to your skin helps guarantee you’ll find an ideal match.
I also make sure to test out nude shoes with a black dress first before wearing to an event. Snapping some quick mirror selfies allows me to check that the shoe properly blends with my skin tone for that coveted continuous leg look.
Bold Colors
While neutrals may be the safe choice, don’t be afraid to make a statement by pairing black dresses with bright, bold shoe colors. Vibrant footwear is a great way to inject extra personality and flair into your look. Some of my go-to bold shades include:
Bright Hues
When I want to add an unexpected pop of color to my black dress outfits, I’ll often reach for standout footwear in shades like hot pink, cherry red, cobalt blue, or emerald green. Vivid shoe colors look fantastic against timeless black dresses, creating fun color blocking effects.
For example, I recently wore a pretty black lace dress to a bridal shower brunch. Rather than basic heels, I styled it with some bright pink mules that matched the event decor. The eye-catching shoes dressed up the look perfectly while still keeping things appropriate for daytime.
For evenings out, colorful shoes are the perfect party shoes for black dress nights out. Try pairing a strapless little black dress with cherry red pumps as fun party shoes for a black dress.
Or combine a silky black cami dress with electric blue heels as stylish party shoes with a black dress. Vibrant shoes add youthful, playful vibes to classic LBDs when looking for the best party shoes for your black dress.
When mixing prints, I’ll also incorporate bright shoes to tie patterns together. A black and white graphic print dress looks super fun with hot pink flats or neon green slides for summer.
Follow my lead and step outside your fashion comfort zone by spicing up failsafe black dresses with lively colors below the ankle!
Animal Prints
Along with bright solids, I also love styling my black dress collection with standout animal prints like leopard, snake, zebra and croc. Wild footwear choices infuse extra flair into my go-to LBDs.
For example, I recently wore a long sleeve black maxi dress to a friend’s housewarming party. Rather than basic black pumps, I styled it with some brown and tan leopard print booties. The fierce shoes stood out against the darker dress, creating fun contrast and texture.
Animal prints also work year-round for black dress occasions. Add interest to a black sweater dress and black tights by pairing it with brown croc embossed booties in the fall. Or elevate a flowy black chiffon dress for summer by matching it with snakeskin slides or sandals.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match animal patterns either. I’ll often layer a leopard print duster coat on top of a black dress and zebra print heels for a bold night-out look.
Having fun with different exotic prints keeps my black dress combinations from feeling tired or boring.
Classic Choices
While vivid brights or wild prints create dramatic impact, you can never go wrong sticking with classic black or brown shoes paired with black dresses. These versatile neutrals act as solid wardrobe staples.
Black Shoes
A black on black pairing might sound monotonous, but matching a black dress with black shoes actually looks incredibly chic and polished. The tonal look feels refined and streamlined – perfect for formal events or conservative professional settings.
For example, I wore a cap sleeve black cocktail dress with closed toe black pumps to a friend’s elegant wedding. The matching shades kept the outfit looking sleek and formal for the occasion.
I also recently wore a wrap style black dress with black kitten heels to a legal conference. The professional complementary colors maintained propriety for that conservative environment.
When wearing black on black, pay extra attention to textures. Add visual interest by mixing matte and patent leathers or combine silky dresses with lace-up heels. Introducing different fabrics ensures dimension in your look.
Brown/Cognac Shoes
For those wanting a subtle neutral color shift, brown and cognac shoes beautifully complement black dresses. The rich, warm tones add traditional vibes perfect for transitional weather or formal occasions.
I recently wore a black velvet skater dress with cognac ankle boots to a holiday market. The brown shoes felt festive for the seasonal event while still keeping my legs warm.
Come fall, I also love pairing black sweater dresses with chestnut riding boots or over-the-knee styles. There’s something so chic about brown leather boots peeking out from black knits!
For dressier events, metallic champagne or rose gold heels look gorgeous with black cocktail or evening dresses. The shiny shoes dress up an LBD with a subtle dose of glam. I recommend coordinating footwear metallic accents on bags or jewelry to tie the rich look together.
Shoe Styles for a Black Dress
Now that we’ve covered shoe color pairings, let’s explore specific shoe styles that complement black dresses. From glamorous heels to laidback sneakers, I’ll share my top picks for heels, flats, and casual designs.
Heels and Pumps
When I want to instantly elevate my black dress for formal or professional settings, strappy heels or classic pumps do the trick. They pull together a polished, elegant aesthetic perfect for special occasions or the office.
Pointed-Toe Pumps
The quintessential heel style, pointed-toe pumps, infuse timeless sophistication into black dress looks. I wore black pointed-toe pumps with a cap sleeve sheath dress to my law school graduation. The sharp silhouette lengthened my legs, helping me look professional as I crossed the stage.
For important work presentations, job interviews or client meetings, couple a black sheath dress with patent pointed-toe pumps as professional shoes to wear with a black dress.
Or try metallic kitten heels as chic shoes with a black dress for the office. The vertical line and demure heel height craft a commanding look when selecting shoes to wear with black dress options for conservative professional spaces.
When shopping for pointed-toe pumps, look for comfort features like padded insoles, roomy toe boxes and walkable heel heights.
Strappy Sandals
Nothing makes me feel more elegant and feminine than wearing dainty stiletto sandals with flowy black dresses. The barely-there designs showcase legs beautifully, creating fluid lines perfect for special summer soirees.
I recently wore a little black dress with sparkly rhinestone ankle strap heels to a friend’s glamorous rooftop birthday party. The spindly shoes dressed up the LBD perfectly for cocktails amid city skyline views.
For beachfront summer weddings or date nights out, I’ll also couple a slinky black maxi with metallic lace-up stilettos. Strappy heels lend gorgeous flair against billowing black fabrics.
When shopping for strappy sandals, look for styles with padded straps, adjustable buckles and walkable platforms.
Flats and Low Heels
While stilettos have their place, sometimes I prefer wearing black dresses with flats or low kitten heels for long days running errands or commuting to the office. The lower silhouettes provide walkable comfort without sacrificing style.
Ballet Flats
As far as versatility goes, ballet flats win top honors as my most-worn black dress companion. Their minimalist shape seamlessly matches LBDs ranging from casual skater styles to formal cocktail options.
I recently wore a jersey knit tank dress on a cross country red eye flight, pairing it with black leather ballet flats. The foldable shoes packed easily in my carry on, proving perfect for running between terminals.
When I arrived at my hotel, the flats still looked presentable enough for grabbing a quick coffee downstairs.
For casual summer Fridays at the office, couple a sleeveless A-line black dress with patent or bow-embellished ballet flats as pretty shoes for a black dress at work.
The polished yet playful ballet flats make great shoes to wear with a black dress while maintaining professionalism but still feeling weekend-ready when choosing comfy black dress with flats outfits.
When shopping for ballet flats, prioritize comfort by looking for cushioned footbeds and stretch materials allowing the shoes to mold to your feet.
Loafers and Oxfords
If you want to infuse preppy sophistication into your black dress looks, try pairing loafers or oxford shoes. The borrowed-from-the-boys silhouettes inject scholarly vibes, feeling right at home in academic or professional settings.
I recently wore a long sleeve skater dress with patent black oxfords to an academic conference, where I was presenting research. The collegiate shoes felt fitting for that scholarly environment while still maintaining femininity.
For important client-facing days at the office, I’ll also couple a wrap dress with menswear-inspired penny loafers. The smart footwear choice offers a dose of boss babe energy to interactions with business associates.
Casual Styles
While pumps, flats and oxfords carry me through formal and professional occasions, I turn to sneakers, ankle boots and slides when wearing black dresses casually. The laidback styles keep looks feeling effortless and low-key.
Sneakers
Nothing feels better than slipping on sneakers with a black dress for running weekend errands or meeting friends for brunch. The sporty sneakers provide cloud-like cushioning after hours spent previously in unforgiving heels – perfect casual shoes to wear with a black dress.
Sneakers are ideal comfortable shoes for pairing with black dresses when you want easygoing yet stylish black dress and sneakers looks.
When shopping for sneakers, prioritize finding fashionable yet comfortable options. Brands like Superga, Keds and Converse make elevated basics pairing perfectly with relaxed black dresses.
Ankle Boots
Ankle booties instantly add rugged vibes to feminine black dress looks. Their walkable low heel heights keep you feeling steady on your feet as you tackle action-packed days out.
I recently wore a long sleeve skater dress with black leather moto booties to a local fall festival. As my friends and I wandered around checking out cider tastings and live music shows, the edgy boots added durability for traversing grassy fields.
For weekend date nights, ankle boots also transition black dresses into cooler evenings. Try a faux leather or velvet mini dress with heeled booties boasting pretty embellishments or standout metallic finishes for an evening at the theater or art museum.
No matter your plans, ankle boots make the perfect transitional shoe choice for wearing black dresses year-round. They effortlessly bridge the gap between delicate dresses and temperamental weather.
Slides and Sandals
Nothing epitomizes easy, breezy vibes quite like slides or flat sandals paired with flowy black sundresses. The laidback looks work perfectly for tropical getaways, beach boardwalks and park picnics.
I recently wore a spaghetti strap black maxi dress with sporty pool slides to a resort vacation. The effortless shoes served me well, whether lounging beachside with a book or grabbing seaside happy hour drinks.
For exploring new cities on vacation, black shift dresses styled with leather or woven gladiator sandals also make great sightseeing uniform options. The hands-free shoes offer breathability and comfort while racking up miles.
At home or abroad, casual slides and sandals keep black dresses feeling relaxed and summer-friendly.
Occasion Appropriateness
When deciding which shoes work best for your black dress occasion, consider factors like formality, setting, season and personal style. I’ll share my top tips for choosing footwear suiting various events below.
Formal Events
Attending weddings or formal events calls for elevated black dress shoe choices like timeless pumps that make great shoes to wear with black dress for a wedding.
Sleek sandals or metallic heels also channel refinement as pretty shoes with a black dress for formal occasions. Some specific recommendations for the best shoes to wear with a black dress for a wedding or formal event include:
- Pointed-toe kitten heels or classic pumps
- Sparkly evening sandals or wrap-around stilettos
- Metallic or rhinestone-embellished neutral heels
- Low strappy heels or mules in nude or silver
Aim for sleek silhouettes in traditional leather or suede rather than casual fabrics like canvas or mesh. Neutral shades tend to suit formal settings best, but you can also match black or metallic shoes to coordinate with jewelry and accessory accents.
No matter your heel height, make sure shoes feel comfortable enough for mingling and dancing all night long. Look for padded insoles, adjustable straps, roomy toe boxes and walkable platforms when available.
If possible, break in dressy shoes at home before a formal event rather than suffering from blisters and sore arches all evening. I like to wear new heels around the house doing chores or watching TV to stretch them out ahead of time.
Slip a pair of folding ballet flats into your clutch as backup relief shoes too! That way sore feet don’t have to prematurely end any fabulous time spent dancing the night away.
Work and Professional Settings
For important client meetings, speaking engagements, conferences or typical 9-5 office settings, strike the right balance between professional polish and personal style when choosing work-ready shoes. Go-to options include:
- Pointed-toe kitten heels or pumps
- Loafers, oxfords or smoking slipper flats
- Sleek ballet flats or d’orsay styles
- Block or mid heel booties in leather/suede
Stick to closed toe, low heel styles in traditional black, brown, tan, navy or nude leather. Save open toes and prints for off-duty days or casual Friday. Prioritize comfort by looking for cushioned insoles, roomy toe boxes and flexible non-slip soles.
If your workplace dress code skews more casual or you spend lots of time on your feet, wear supportive sneakers to stay comfortable without sacrificing style. Choose luxe leather or suede options over basic canvas styles for a dose of polish.
Casual and Weekend Events
For relaxed daytime activities or casual weekend plans, prioritize comfort without losing a sense of style by pairing your LBD with versatile shoe choices like:
- Fashion sneakers or slip-on styles
- Ankle boots with walkable block heels
- Strappy flat sandals or slides
- Low kitten heels or wedges
I love wearing white leather sneakers as a foolproof shoes option for casual wear with a black dress. The high contrast pops, while the leather elevates just about any laidback outfit.
For brunch dates or running weekend errands, slip on studded loafers, menswear oxfords or minimalist sandals in tan, metallic or animal prints. These easy shoe options complement an LBD’s versatility for both dress up or relaxed vibes.
Seasonal Considerations
While black dresses tend to transcend seasonal trends, adjust your footwear choices to suit the weather.
In warm months, opt for open-toed sandals, slides or espadrilles. Strappy styles show off fresh pedicures, while breathable fabrics like canvas or mesh keep feet cool.
When temperatures drop, leather ankle boots, loafers or oxfords transition well. Their coverage keeps you warm and dry, while textures like suede or shearling add cozy flair.
For those tricky in-between transitional seasons, low block heels or wedges work well. Closed toes provide warmth, yet exposed heels nod to warmer trends.
No matter the season, don’t forget to consider practical concerns like slip resistance and arch support when evaluating footwear. The last thing you want is a slippery or uncomfortable shoe ruining your look!