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Admit it: You have more than one black dress in your closet, each one different from the last. All in varying styles fulfilling a duty for separate occasions and some even pulling overtime for day and night events. Do you find every time you reach for one of those little black dresses you’re faced with the inescapable question: “What shoes am I going to wear?”
Fear not, for there are many stylish pairs to enhance your favorite black dress. Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch or heading out for a night of dancing, there is a complimentary pump or strappy sandals to go with your trusty black dress. From classic styles like pumps, loafers, and ballet flats to more modern pairings like mesh flats, you’ll find plenty of sharp and chic ways to update your go-to black dress ahead.
Wedges
If you haven’t added wedges to your shoe rotation, finding a pair to wear with a black dress is a great way to bring back this ultra-comfy and chic shoe silhouette. The best thing about a wedge shoe is the height and comfort they give you without the teetering feeling of sky-high stilettos. Opt for a pointed-toe and sleek, architectural wedge à la Bottega Veneta to strut out in an evening little black dress.
Knee-High Boots
A pair of knee-high boots paired with your best black mini-dress will give you legs for miles. Don’t be afraid to punch up your black dress with boots in a leather croc effect or even a dark chocolate brown. The old rule of keeping black and brown separate is gone, and it’s so modern to pair these two colors together.
Better yet, find a deep brown in patent leather for an elevated going-out look. On the flip side, you can pair flat knee-high boots with a mid-length black dress for a daytime outfit that’s equally stylish.
Strappy Sandals
A classic spring combo- the strappy sandal with a casual lightweight black dress. Warmer weather calls for showing off that pedicure with a minimal strappy heeled sandal and a longer black dress. Plus, you can easily take your look from day to night with a blazer or leather jacket.
Open-Toed Mules
The crossroads of style and comfort come together with an open-toed mule, even better if it has a thicker sole. Easy to slip on and style with a black slip dress or knit tank dress, these versatile shoes play off the 90s style that’s found its way into our everyday wardrobe. An open-toed mule is a great shoe to give a slightly fancy black dress a more comfortable and laid-back feel.
Ballet Flats
Balletcore is still in heavy rotation on the trend spectrum these days. Plenty of spring runway collections showed us at least one iteration of a ballet flat, firmly planting the trend into our everyday wardrobe. Perfect for an easy daytime black dress with a mid-length hem to add a touch of sweetness. You can go for a simple black leather flat or a lovely satin pink pair to add a pop of color to your look.
Classic Pumps
Day or night, classic a-line or little LBD, a pointy-toed pump is ideal for so many occasions and just as many styles of black dresses. A pump is the tried-and-true fashion best friend to elevate a black dress. Consider a black patent heel to lend a more traditional style. And for those who want to kick it up a notch, flirt with a bright jewel-toned pair for added personality.
Chunky Loafers
Reaching new heights in a stacked platform heel mixed with the ease of a traditional loafer, these pair perfectly with a midi dress. The combination of a fashion-forward loafer and a billowy dress creates a balanced contrast that feels timeless and modern all at once. Effortlessly add visual interest by wearing a richly textured or colored sock with your chunky loafers.
Cowboy Boots
We can’t ignore the Western trend is taking over. A cowboy boot is truly a versatile shoe that can dress up or down a black dress, depending on the cut. Pair a traditional embroidered style boot with a puff-sleeved prairie dress for a light and casual daytime look. A sleek pair of cowboy boots with a black babydoll dress is a fun callback to 90s style.
Platform Flip-Flops
If you’re looking for a quintessential Y2K look that’s equal parts fashion and easygoing, look no further than platform flip-flops and a long black dress. The look harkens back to the early aughts and is so easy to put together. The ease and comfort of an elevated flip-flop work effortlessly with a black slip dress or fitted knit dress. Grab your mini backpack, and you’re ready to go!
Mesh Flats
For those times that call for fashion with a capital F, a mesh flat can take your favorite black dress a sartorial step up. Take cues from The Row and Alaïa for a simple but modern flat on days when you can’t bring yourself to wear a heel. As more brands come out with their own iteration, this trend is here to stay for a while!