A Simple Story About What Shoe Trends to Wear With Dresses This Spring

This is a story we do pretty much every year when it’s getting closer to being warm enough for us to think about wearing dresses again (past example here)—that’s how relevant it is year after year. Sure, you could easily just throw on a pair of white sneakers with your spring dresses and call it a day every spring, but there’s a world of shoe trend possibilities out there, so why not keep things interesting and mix it up?

For spring 2021, the name of the game when it comes to shoe trends is comfort. Designers and brands are thinking beyond the slipper-like house shoes we primarily wore last year but are still keeping the heels low and focusing on styles that you could walk a mile in or still just wear around the house. 

We combed through countless dress outfits on Instagram and countless pairs of new shoes, and these 7 trends are pretty much made for dresses. Keep scrolling to shop them all.

If you want height without sacrificing comfort, this very forward shoe trend provides it. We particularly like the contrast of pairing flatforms with a pretty puff-sleeve dress. Brands are really leaning into flatforms for spring, so you won’t have trouble finding the perfect pair. 

Retro sneakers have been a trend for a few seasons now, but this spring, might we suggest wearing them with a cool midi dress? Trust us—if feels much fresher than a pair of plain white sneakers.

Square toes are not new, but they’re also not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, the toes just get more and more square. Wearing this trend with dresses of all lengths is a no-brainer, but we especially love them with mini dresses.

Given that clogs are a huge 2021 shoe trend, it’s no surprise that you’re going to see them paired with dresses a lot. Whether you choose flats or heels, we love the subtle ’70s feel they give to a look. 

Chunky leather lug-sole boots are dominating this winter, but for spring, might we suggest changing things up with a pair of rubber lug-sole boots? You’ll look cool and be prepared for spring showers all at once.

If you’re still not into the high-heel flip-flop shoe trend, we apologize in advance because it’s definitely back this year. Wearing them with dresses makes them look particularly chic (especially midi dresses), so we encourage you to give it a try.

Last but not least, the biggest flats trend in the fashion world right now is loafers, and we happen to love the British-cool-girl aesthetic (à la Alexa Chung) they give when paired with loafers. Plus, they make practically any dress daytime-appropriate.

Next up, the best shoes to wear with a midi skirt.