It’s white dress season! White dresses are so versatile, and you can basically wear them anywhere (except when attending a wedding as a guest), whether you’re going for full glam or a simple, chic vibe. White dresses can be styled however you like and go with pretty much everything, so you can inject your personal style with your favorite accessories.
But what shoes look best with a white dress? Can you wear whatever you want, or is there some unspoken fashion rule you might be breaking by choosing one style over another? We like to think there are no rules when it comes to fashion, but if you’re looking for inspiration you’ve come to the right place! If you’re asking yourself, “what color shoes should I wear with a white graduation dress? (or summer sundress, date dress, brunch dress, etc.)” here are the shoe colors we think are best suited with a white dress!
Natural & Neutral-Tone Shoes
White is a neutral color that looks amazing with other neutrals. Browns, tans, greys, and other earth tones pair beautifully with white, which is why we like wearing natural fiber shoes (like espadrilles) with white dresses.
Metallic Shoes
Metallic shoes can set off an all-white dress, making it pop and feel a little more modern. Metallics give you just enough shine and glitz to turn a simple white dress into a party-worthy outfit and offer you a dynamic contrast to the neutral base.
Black Shoes
You quite literally can’t go wrong with a black shoe. Black looks good with everything and always looks a little dressier than the shoes might if they were a different color. Black shoes can also help to give your white outfit a little bit of edge and can feel super modern and trendy.
White Shoes
Like black shoes, white shoes look fabulous with a white dress. Sleek and chic, white shoes with a white dress are perfect for a bridal look, a white party, or an outdoor summer event. Try to match the shade of white in your shoes to your dress, but don’t stress if you can’t find a perfect match.
Bright Colors
If you want your shoes to be the star of the show, choose a pair of shoes in a bright color like fire engine red, emerald green, or vibrant pink. Styled with a white dress, brightly colored or patterned shoes make a bold statement and are a fun way to turn a simple white dress into a fashion moment.
FAQs:
Still have questions? Here’s what other people are wondering about how to choose shoes for a white dress look.
Can you wear black shoes with a white dress?
Absolutely: Black shoes are one of the chicest pairings you can make with a white dress, creating a high-contrast look that feels intentional and polished. Whether you’re reaching for sleek black pumps, strappy sandals, or a pair of borrowed-from-the-boys loafers, the combination is a foolproof styling formula that never goes out of fashion.
Is it safe to wear white shoes on grass?
It depends on how precious you are about keeping them pristine. The truth is, white shoes and grass are never going to be best friends–with enough wear, grass stains are almost inevitable. That said, they typically don’t show up after just one outing, so if you’re debuting a fresh pair at a garden party or outdoor wedding, you’re probably safe. Our advice? Enjoy the moment and worry about a good shoe cleaner later.
What colors clash with white?
Here’s the good news: nothing truly clashes with white. It’s one of the most versatile non-colors in your wardrobe, which is exactly why it’s a perennial favorite. The one thing worth considering, though, is tone. White exists on a spectrum, from crisp, bright whites to soft, warm creams–and matching the temperature of your shoe to your dress can take your look from good to great. Styling a cream or ivory dress? Reach for something with warmth, like cognac leather, a rich tan, or even a buttery yellow. It’s a small detail, but it makes all the difference.
We want to see what you’re wearing with your white dress! Show us your head-to-toe looks on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus–and shop more styles in our White Dresses Shop!
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