8 Best Shoe Styles for Spring/Summer
Slides with a Shirt Dress
Summertime calls for stylish and comfortable footwear, and nothing fits the bill better than a pair of slides. Slides are the perfect shoes to wear with a shirt dress, providing a casual and effortless look. Opt for sporty slides with a flowy long shirt dress for a casual day outfit. Whether it's a solid color or a fun leopard print, slides are versatile and can be paired with any shirt dress ensemble. For a more elevated look, go for sleek slides in neutral or metallic shades, which pair well with both cotton shirt dresses and elegant knit shirt dresses.
Espadrilles
The classic and trendy espadrille is a great shoe choice for summer shirt dresses. With various styles available, including wedge espadrilles, flat forms, and flats, you can easily find the perfect pair to complement your shirt dress. Espadrilles can create minimalistic summer outfits or add a whimsical boho touch to your look when paired with leather bags, hoop earrings, and delicately layered necklaces.
White Sneakers
White sneakers are a versatile and stylish option that goes well with any color shirt dress. Whether you prefer classic lace-up or slip-on styles, white sneakers can elevate your look. For a more stylish approach, pair a shirt dress with a pair of luxe white sneakers or opt for a sporty look by combining a breezy shirt dress with chunky or platform white sneakers. Complete your outfit with a tan leather crossbody purse or a patterned canvas shopper. Don't limit yourself to white sneakers, as beige, black, metallic, or even leopard print sneakers can also complement neutral shirt dress ensembles.
Birkenstocks
For an ultra-casual look, pair a shirt dress with Earthy sandals like Birkenstocks. The combination of a no-nonsense shirt dress and Birkenstock sandals creates a chic and effortless ensemble. Opt for a crisp mini or midi shirt dress and pair it with a Big Buckle Birkenstock style like the Madrid or Siena. For a more laid-back look, choose a fuller shirt dress in a soft fabric and pair it with any Birk style from the Arizona to the Gizen. Complete the boho appeal with a studded or fringe crossbody purse.
Strappy Sandals
Strappy sandals, whether high-heeled or low-heeled, are a fabulous addition to a shirt dress ensemble. These sandals come in various forms, from high heels to chunky heels or sky-high stiletto heels. To achieve a fancy shirt dress look, pair it with strappy stiletto sandals in metallic hues and accessorize with a cute clutch. For a more casual outfit, choose a black strappy flatform sandal for a fashionable walk.
Cowboy Boots
Add a little yee-haw to your shirt dress vibe by pairing it with cowboy boots. Rugged and tough, cowboy boots and western-inspired boots perfectly complement soft boho-style shirt dresses of all lengths. For a contemporary feel, match a crisp buttoned-down or wrap shirt dress in black or white with high-shine black, white, or black and white western boots. Complete the look with a slick, structured handbag for an edgy touch.
Sporty Sandals
When you're on the go in your shirt dress, sporty sandals and slides are the perfect choice. Classic Adidas Adilettes or Teva sandals add a casual touch to even the most sophisticated shirt dress. For a laid-back look, pair your shirt dress with sporty slides and accessorize with a baseball cap and a simple leather shopper.
All-Season Shoes to Wear with a Shirt Dress
Pumps
Pumps are a versatile option for pairing with a shirt dress. Opt for block-heeled pumps for a structured shirt dress to achieve a polished yet casual look. For a flirty touch, pair a flowy midi shirt dress with nude, mesh, or pastel stiletto pumps. Heeled pumps also work well with shorter dresses, with kitten heels being a dainty option. Complete the look with a small purse or clutch and refined jewelry.
Mules
Mules are effortless slip-on shoes that come in various styles and heel heights. Choose loafers mules for a smart casual or work look. Black leather loafer mules are popular, while cream, beige, or off-white suede pairs complement blue, navy, or grey shirt dresses. For an evening date or after-work cocktails, elevate your mules and shirt dress ensemble with high-heeled mules and metallic accessories.
Clogs
Clogs and shirt dresses are a perfect match for summer or fall. Whether you go for high or low platform clogs, you can style them to be current or give them a 70s vibe. Pair them with a shirt dress, put your hair in a topknot, grab a shoulder or shopper bag, and you're good to go!
Ballerina Flats
Flats are a versatile and comfortable option to pair with a shirt dress. Closed-toe flats, such as sleek pointed or almond toe styles, can be effortless and elegant. Vibrant flats add a pop of color to your outfit, while neutral hues go well with timeless wrap dresses. Consider a sinuous square toe for a modern twist, or opt for classic black or tan Repetto styles. The combination of a sleeveless navy shirt dress and minimal black pointed toe flats offers a perfect head-to-toe style.
Loafers
Loafers come in many different styles and are a great choice to wear with a shirt dress. Slip-on loafers, classic brown leather penny loafers, lug sole patent loafers, slipper loafers, and high-heeled loafers offer a variety of options. Pair a structured dress and black loafers for a conservative look or add a simple leather purse and minimal loafers for a casual office or parent-teacher conference outfit. Have fun with shapes and colors by choosing leopard slipper loafers, metallic or patent loafers, or thick lug styles. For a quirky look, wear loafers with socks.
Best Boots to Wear with a Shirt Dress in Winter
A shirt dress with boots is a solid choice all year round, especially during winter. Shirt dresses paired with ankle boots or knee-high boots create stylish and cozy outfits. Ankle boots can be dressed up or down, depending on the heel shape and color. Combat boots and Chelsea boots add an edgy vibe to shirt dresses, while knee boots can be paired with mid to long-length shirt dresses for a fashionable look.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are versatile and go well with short, maxi, or side/front slit maxi shirt dresses. Pair matte black or patent leather ankle boots with a pointed toe and stiletto heel for a fancier look with a black or white shirt dress. For a more casual outfit, choose Earth-toned suede booties with a block heel. Animal prints like leopard or snake can make a statement when paired with a shirt dress. Explore more styling tips on how to wear ankle boots with dresses.
Combat Boots & Chelsea Boots
Combat boots with a chunky sole have been a huge trend in recent seasons. Classic black combats or elevated white combat boots are stylish options to pair with a shirt dress. Don't forget the timeless styles from Taos or Frye that never go out of fashion. Knee boots, whether they end inside the dress or peek out from a few unbuttoned buttons, create a chic and trendy look. Discover more about how to wear combat boots with dresses and other clothing types.
Best Color Shoes to Wear with a Shirt Dress
When it comes to pairing shoes with a shirt dress, different colors and prints call for specific shoe choices. Here's a quick guide:
- Black Shirt Dress: All colors work great with black, except for extremely dark shades that could look like an off-shade of black.
- White Shirt Dress: All colors, including black, neutrals, metallics, and bold colors, work well. Just be mindful of avoiding a bridal look with white shoes.
- Blue Shirt Dress: White, beige, blush, pops of color like yellow, pink, gold, silver work well. Check out dedicated posts on best shoe colors for light blue and navy dresses.
- Pink Shirt Dress: Subdued shades of beige, tan, white, as well as pops of green, yellow, gold, and blue create great combinations.
- Striped Shirt Dress: Contrast colors and neutrals generally work well, while mixing prints may not be aesthetically pleasing.
- Denim Shirt Dress: All colors work well with denim, except for navy or shades that don't contrast with the dress.
Final Thoughts on What Shoes to Wear with a Shirt Dress
Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or want to feel more put together during the work week, this guide provides you with ideas on what shoes to wear with a shirt dress. Boots and tights with heels are great options for winter, while sandals, espadrilles, and flats are perfect companions for summer. Remember to keep a pair of versatile flats like loafers handy for any time of year. Experiment with different shoe styles and colors to find the perfect pairing for your shirt dress.
