11 Best Shoe Colours for a White Dress: What to Wear and What to Avoid
We all love a white dress, but what shoes should you wear with one? To answer that, here’s a guide to the best shoe colours to wear with a white dress for the perfect look!
A white dress always looks chic, whether you’re dressing for a casual day out or a special occasion.
That’s why I love it: it works with almost any shoe colour, so you have options to choose from. But before you run out to get your next pair, ask these questions:
- What are my plans?
- What is the fabric?
- What mood do I want?
Answer these questions to choose the best shoes for you!
With that out of the way, I’ve created this guide on what shoes to wear with a white dress to help you curate the perfect look to suit the occasion. Let’s dive in!
Quick tip: for an easy combination that works for almost any occasion, start with tan sandals, nude heels or white trainers.
The Best Shoe Colours to Wear with a White Dress
1. White Shoes with a White Dress
Want a beautiful fresh outfit that looks put-together? Pair white shoes with a white dress. It’s a lovely combo, especially for summer, when you want a simple but stylish outfit.
For a casual look, wear it with white trainers and a crossbody bag. Swap the trainers for white sandals or black heels for daytime events, brunch or garden parties.
Try different shades of white like cream or ivory if your dress is stark white.
Shop the look: [White leather trainers →] [White block heels →] [Cream sandals →]
2. Black Shoes with a White Dress
Want to add a little contrast to your outfit? Black shoes should be your go-to. Black and white are a timeless combination that works for everything from casual outings to evening events.
For daytime, try a white midi dress with black ballet flats. If you’re heading out for dinner, swap the flats for black strappy heeled sandals. Complete the outfit with slim gold jewellery and a black shoulder bag.
Shop the look: [Black ballet flats →] [Black loafers →] [Black strappy heels →] [Black shoulder bag →]
3. Brown and Tan Shoes with a White Dress
Brown and tan shoes are my favourite because they beautifully complement white. They also add an understated touch to a white dress. They’re the perfect pair for a white linen or cotton dress.
For a more dressed-up look, wear brown heeled sandals or chocolate brown loafers.
Add a tan leather handbag and gold hoops, and you’re ready for your next brunch, shopping trip or casual lunch.
Shop the look: [Tan leather sandals →] [Brown heeled sandals →] [Chocolate-brown loafers →] [Tan leather handbag →]
4. Nude Shoes with a White Dress
You can never go wrong with nude shoes, especially with a white dress. I’d rock them if you’re wearing a fitted midi dress, satin dress or occasion wear.
If you love nude ballet flats or pointed-toe flats, they’re so easy to style.
For evening functions, try nude strappy heels with a white dress and a small clutch.
Shop the look: [Nude pointed-toe heels →] [Nude ballet flats →] [Nude strappy sandals →]
5. Gold Shoes with a White Dress
Nothing makes a white dress look more glamorous than gold shoes. They add a touch of colour to a white dress without overpowering it. They look beautiful with a white dress for your summer parties, weddings and evening events.
If you find gold heels painful, ditch them for gold kitten heels for dinner or special occasions.
Complete with gold earrings and a small clutch. I love this combination because the shoes make such a statement that you don’t need many accessories.
Shop the look: [Gold strappy sandals →] [Gold kitten heels →] [Gold block heels →] [Gold clutch bag →]
6. Silver Shoes with a White Dress
Silver shoes are a lovely way to add a little glamour to a white dress. They work year-round, adding sparkle and a striking finish to your outfit.
Because of their glamorous finish, silver shoes look great with a satin or fitted midi dress for an evening event.
For something more comfy, opt for silver ballet flats. Add silver earrings and a small metallic handbag to finish off the outfit.
Shop the look: [Silver strappy heels →] [Silver ballet flats →] [Silver kitten heels →] [Silver clutch →]
7. Red Shoes with a White Dress
Red shoes are a lovely way to add a bold pop of colour to a white dress. The contrast makes the outfit stand out without requiring lots of additional accessories.
For a casual daytime look, try red ballet flats with a white shirt dress or cotton midi dress. For special events, red block heels or slingbacks can give your outfit a more striking finish.
Carry a simple cream or black handbag to balance the look. If you enjoy wearing colour, a red handbag can also create a coordinated outfit.
Shop the look: [Red ballet flats →] [Red block heels →] [Red slingback shoes →] [Red handbag →]
8. Pink Shoes with a White Dress
Pink shoes are a lovely way to add a feminine touch or a playful pop of colour to a white dress. The shade you choose can completely change the feel of your outfit.
Blush pink ballet flats or sandals look beautiful with a white summer dress, especially for brunch, garden parties and daytime events.
For something bolder, try hot pink heels with a simple white midi dress for a more eye-catching look.
Keep your handbag neutral to make the shoes stand out, or add a matching pink bag for a coordinated outfit.
Shop the look: [Blush pink ballet flats →] [Pink sandals →] [Hot pink heels →] [Pink shoulder bag →]
9. Blue Shoes with a White Dress
Blue shoes are another way to introduce colour without making your outfit feel too busy. The shade you choose will determine the overall look.
Baby blue sandals create a soft, summery combination with a white dress. They’re particularly lovely for holidays, outdoor lunches and warm-weather occasions.
If you prefer something bolder, cobalt blue heels can make a simple white dress stand out. Navy shoes are also worth considering if you want a more understated look.
Shop the look: [Baby blue sandals →] [Cobalt blue heels →] [Navy ballet flats →]
10. Green Shoes with a White Dress
Green shoes might not be the first thing you think of when styling a white dress, but they can look surprisingly beautiful together.
Sage green sandals create a soft, relaxed look that’s perfect for spring and summer. If you want something richer, emerald green heels add a striking touch to a white dress for dinner or an evening event.
Keep your other accessories simple with a neutral handbag and delicate jewellery. This allows the green shoes to stand out without making the outfit look too busy.
Shop the look: [Sage green sandals →] [Emerald green heels →] [Green ballet flats →]
11. Leopard Print Shoes with a White Dress
If you enjoy animal prints, leopard print shoes are a fun way to add some personality to a white dress. The combination works particularly well because the brown and black tones in the print complement a simple white outfit.
Try leopard print ballet flats with a white shirt dress for an easy daytime look. For something dressier, wear leopard print kitten heels with a white midi dress.
Since the shoes already have a noticeable pattern, keep your handbag and other accessories fairly simple. A tan or black bag will work beautifully.
Shop the look: [Leopard print ballet flats →] [Leopard print kitten heels →] [Tan leather handbag →]
What Shoe Colours Should You Avoid with a White Dress?
The lovely thing about a white dress is that you aren’t restricted to a particular shoe colour. However, there are a few combinations you may want to think about before putting your outfit together.
Bright white shoes with an ivory dress: If your dress has a warm ivory or cream undertone, very bright white shoes can create a noticeable difference in colour.
This isn’t necessarily a problem, but cream, nude or champagne shoes can create a softer combination.
Very bright neon shoes: Neon colours can sometimes overpower a delicate white dress. If you love bright colours, choose a simple shoe style and keep your other accessories understated.
Shoes that don’t suit the occasion: Even beautiful shoes can look out of place if they don’t suit the event. For example, casual trainers may not be appropriate for a formal occasion, while stilettos aren’t always practical for outdoor events.
Ultimately, there are no strict colour rules. Choose shoes that complement your dress, suit the occasion and make you feel comfortable.
How to Match Your Shoes to Different White Dress Styles
The colour of your shoes is important, but the style and fabric of your dress also matter. Some combinations work particularly well together.
- Cotton white dresses: Trainers, flat sandals and ballet flats are lovely choices for everyday outfits.
- Linen white dresses: Tan leather sandals, espadrilles and woven wedges complement the relaxed feel of linen.
- Satin or silk white dresses: Strappy heels, metallic sandals and dressy pointed flats work beautifully for special occasions.
- White midi dresses: Loafers, ballet flats, ankle boots and heels can all work, depending on the occasion.
- White maxi dresses: Flat sandals and wedges are great for summer, while heels work well when you’re dressing up.
If you’re wearing a floor-length dress, try your shoes on before heading out to check where the hem falls. You don’t want your dress dragging along the floor or making it difficult to walk.
What Shoes Should You Wear with a White Dress for Different Occasions?
Still unsure which shoes to choose? Here are a few complete outfit combinations to give you some inspiration.
The Casual Weekend Outfit
A white midi dress with white trainers, a denim jacket and a crossbody bag is an easy combination for shopping, coffee dates and relaxed weekends.
Shop the look: [White midi dress →] [White trainers →] [Denim jacket →] [Crossbody bag →]
The Dinner Date Outfit
For dinner or an evening out, try a white satin dress with gold strappy heels, a small clutch and delicate drop earrings. The metallic heels add just enough sparkle without taking attention away from the dress.
Shop the look: [White satin dress →] [Gold strappy heels →] [Evening clutch →] [Drop earrings →]
The Wedding Guest Outfit
If the couple’s dress code allows guests to wear white, a dressy white midi dress with champagne heels and a light shawl can make a lovely occasion outfit. Otherwise, choose a different dress colour and keep the champagne shoes.
Shop the look: [Dressy midi dress →] [Champagne heels →] [Light shawl →]
The Holiday Outfit
For a holiday or beach day, pair a flowing white maxi dress with tan leather sandals, a straw hat and oversized sunglasses. It’s comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for warm-weather outings.
Shop the look: [White maxi dress →] [Tan sandals →] [Straw hat →] [Sunglasses →]
The Smart Work Outfit
A white midi dress with black loafers or nude pointed-toe flats is a lovely option for a smart-casual office. Add a structured handbag and a blazer for an extra layer.
Shop the look: [White midi dress →] [Black loafers →] [Structured handbag →] [Tailored blazer →]
Frequently Asked Questions
What Colour Shoes Go Best with a White Dress?
White, black, tan, nude, gold and silver are some of the easiest colours to wear with a white dress. If you want something more colourful, red, pink, blue and green can all create beautiful combinations.
Can You Wear Black Shoes with a White Dress?
Absolutely! Black shoes create a classic contrast against white and work for both casual and dressy outfits. Try black loafers for everyday wear or black strappy heels for an evening event.
What Colour Sandals Go with a White Dress?
Tan, brown, white and gold sandals are particularly easy to style with a white dress. If you want to add a little colour, try red, pink or blue sandals.
Can You Wear Brown Shoes with a White Dress?
Yes! Brown and tan shoes look lovely with white dresses, especially cotton and linen styles. Tan sandals are great for summer, while chocolate-brown boots and loafers are useful when the weather gets cooler.
What Shoes Should You Wear with a White Dress to a Wedding?
Champagne, silver, nude and metallic heels are all lovely choices for a wedding outfit. If you’re attending as a guest, remember that wearing a white dress may not be appropriate unless the couple has specifically welcomed it.
Do Your Bag and Shoes Have to Match?
Not at all. Your handbag and shoes don’t have to be the same colour to create a coordinated outfit.
Try pairing tan sandals with a cream handbag or gold heels with a neutral clutch. If your shoes are particularly colourful or patterned, a simple bag can help balance the look.
Choose the Shoes You Love
One of the best things about owning a white dress is how many different ways you can wear it.
Keep things simple with tan sandals and white trainers, create a more polished outfit with black or nude shoes, or have fun experimenting with colourful options.
Don’t be afraid to try combinations you wouldn’t normally consider. Sometimes, changing your shoes is all it takes to make a familiar white dress feel like a completely different outfit.
Want more ideas for making the most of your wardrobe? [Grab my free Capsule Wardrobe Starter Kit →]
