What Shoes Should You Wear With a Maxi Dress? 10 Top Options

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Maxi dresses range from light summer garments to silky wedding guest attire, so figuring out the perfect shoes to wear with these long dresses can be a challenge. Thankfully, plenty of footwear pairs well with these outfits, and different styles help dress a look up or down. 

Read on to discover the best shoes to wear with a maxi dress.

What shoes go with maxi dresses?

Whether you’re building a more formal or casual look, you can choose from several types of shoes that go well with maxi dresses. Here are our top picks.

1. Flat sandals

Flat sandals are an ideal choice for lightweight maxi dresses because they're comfortable, breathable, and stylish. The open design keeps your feet cool, and their simple structure means you can comfortably wear them all day. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, making them an easy pairing for all your summer outfits.

Neutral tones go with almost any maxi dress, and embellished sandals can add a fun touch to a party dress.

2. Ankle boots

‍Ankle boots are supportive footwear that can upgrade a basic maxi to a workplace look. These shoes often sport a medium-height heel, so they transition well from day to night.

Booties keep your feet warm and dry on rainy days, making them perfect for fall or spring. Pick up a pair in suede or leather earth tones to complement your favorite fall outfit. 

3. Block heels

Block heels effectively balance stability and elegance, and their chunky design stands out against the length of maxi dresses. These shoes provide height without sacrificing comfort, making them suitable for longer events like weddings or conferences. 

On average, these styles are pretty tall, reaching heights of 3–4 inches. So when shopping for a dress to wear with block heels, pick a slightly longer hem.

4. Strappy heels

Strappy heels are a solid pick when you’re wearing a maxi dress to a formal event. They add length to your legs and give your outfit a sleek, polished look. Metallic or jewel-toned shoes bring a touch of glam, and classic black or nude options are always in style and work for most occasions.

To keep heeled sandals comfortable, choose a pair with cushioned soles for extra padding. Adjustable straps are also a good idea since they let you customize the fit and avoid discomfort from straps digging into your skin. 

5. Wedges

Wedges offer both height and comfort, making them perfect shoes to wear with long dresses. These heels come in a variety of materials, including cork, velvet, and leather. This versatility makes wedges ideal for any event, such as garden parties and beach weddings.

Their wider design supports your feet and makes standing or walking for longer periods much easier. And on soft surfaces like lawns or beaches, wedges give you more stability and prevent you from sinking.

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6. Sneakers

Sneakers are a great pairing with casual maxi dresses, giving you a balanced look that’s both comfortable and stylish. These shoes work well with jersey-knit or linen maxi dresses and are perfect for days when you're on the go. 

Pair dresses with white sneakers to create a minimal look or bright sneakers to add a pop of color to your outfit. And if you’re looking for a slightly more polished feel, hunt down a pair of leather sneakers to pair with your dresses. 

7. Ballet flats

Ballet flats add a touch of class to your maxi dress without you needing to wear heels. These shoes are typically made from canvas or leather, and it’s easy to find flats in every neutral shade. With such a versatile design, ballet flats complement any maxi dress look.

Pro tip: If you choose these shoes, avoid dresses with long hems, as they’ll drag on the ground.

8. Espadrilles

Espadrilles are a fun option for warm outdoor events. They’re usually made with canvas or cotton and have a flexible rope sole, which helps keep your feet cool and comfortable in hot weather. 

Espadrilles' casual, beachy vibe pairs perfectly with lightweight maxi dresses. For a fun summer look, wear a bright, patterned dress with a pair of tan espadrilles.

9. Knee-high boots

Since maxi dresses are so long, you may not think of wearing them with knee-high boots. But these shoes are perfect for cooler weather, as they protect your legs and are often made from an insulating material like leather.

Dark leather boots can add a stylish contrast to a floral or solid maxi dress, making this look perfect for fall or winter events. And choosing chunky heels or flat soles can keep you steady on your feet, even in the rain.

10. Slides

Slides are a comfortable option when you need something quick to slip on. Most are cushioned, making them a great choice for days filled with walking or standing.

Neutral slides can go with most maxi dresses, while slides with embellishments can add personality to a minimal outfit. And if you’re looking for a touch of luxury, high-end brands like Salvatore Ferragamo and Coach have even stepped into the slides game.

Tips for styling a maxi dress with the right shoes

Now that you know what shoe styles fit well with maxi dresses, it’s time to narrow down your options. Below are some top tips on picking the right footwear:

• Check the vibe: Try to pick shoes that fit the occasion. You may not need strappy heels to pick up your groceries, but they’d be a good fit for a wedding. 
• Count your steps: On walking-heavy days filled with sightseeing or errands, choose more comfortable options like sneakers or flat sandals.
• Strut your stuff: If your maxi dress is floor-length, wear shoe styles with some height, such as wedges or block heels. This helps keep the dress from dragging.
• Make a statement: Match your shoes to your dress for a fun coordinated look, or go for a bold contrast to give your outfit some flair.
• Watch the forecast: Choose footwear that suits the weather. Knee-highs might be too hot in July, and strappy sandals could get muddy in the spring!

Find your perfect fit on ThredUp

Choosing the right shoes for your maxi dress can make all the difference in how you look and feel. Whether you're dressing up or keeping it casual, ThredUp offers a wide variety of shoes to complete your outfit. With plenty of brands, styles, and price points, you're sure to find the perfect shoe for your maxi dresses. 

ThredUp also makes shopping easier with AI-powered tools like Image Search and Style Chat. These tools offer real-time fashion advice tailored to your personal style.

If you’re ready to refresh your wardrobe, learn how to sell clothes online with ThredUp and give your preloved items a new life. You’ll earn thrifting credit you can put toward new maxi dresses and matching shoes!

FAQs

Are your shoes supposed to show in a long dress?

This is just personal preference! If you want your shoes to show, wear taller heels or tailor your dress hem to be a bit shorter. 

Can you wear closed-toed shoes with a long dress?

Yes — these shoe styles are especially a good idea during bad weather, as closed-toed footwear protects your feet from the elements. Pair a maxi dress with knee-high boots or flats for a polished fall look.

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