What shoes to wear with a midi dress

All of our top tips for selecting the best shoes to style with a midi dress this year.

what shoes to wear with midi dress

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

Have you ever been left wondering what shoes to wear with a midi dress? They can be tricky to style, but as spring might bring us warmer weather, flattering dresses will likely be back in full swing. Well, I’m sure many heels and boot-type footwear come to mind. From casual kicks to Chelsea boots, we've got the ultimate guide to styling this dress.

Perhaps, you’re asking: what is a midi dress? Well, it’s a dress style that is indicative of its length. For example, a maxi dress will fall around the ankles. A midi dress generally falls between the lower knee and just before the ankles. Here lies the challenge. With all of these different dress lengths knocking around, you’re bound to be confused about what shoe works best. And, what about comfortable tights?

Best shoes to wear with a midi dress at a glance:

Best shoes for everyday glam: Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats – Buy now on Vivaia
Best shoes to wear for a night out: Calla Ava – Buy now on Calla
Best versatile shoe to wear with a midi dress: Fat Face Lola Leather Trainers – Buy now on FatFace
Best shoes for a wedding: Vivaia Pointed-Toe Slingback Sandals – Buy now on Vivaia

As well as a list of the best shoes to wear with a midi dress, we've also put together styling suggestions to help you rock your new look, whether you're dressing for summer or a special event. With these tips and tricks, we've highlighted the best shoes to wear with a midi dress, depending on whether you're tall or petite. Different body types may suit different dress lengths and shoes, after all.

Just take a look at some of our favourite shoes to style with a midi dress this season – they're bound to put a spring in your step! From sneakers to loafers, we’ve got a whole host of options for your spring and summer wardrobe. You’ll be bouncing from soiree to soiree in your new dress for special occasions and stylish footwear to boot. Luckily, with a midi dress, you can go smart or casual.

Best shoes to wear with a midi dress

Best shoes for everyday glam

Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet FlatsVivaia

These hugely popular ballet flats are available in animal print, plus 37 other colours and patterns, so you can find a style (or two) to complement any outfit.

Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats come in a huge range of sizes, including half size, and customers comment that they are true to size.

A customer said that they didn't need any breaking in and they were comfortable enough to wear all day. And in general, customers are convinced by their first pair to buy more pairs in different styles.

Get before they're soled out.

Pros

  • Machine washable
  • Knit is made from recycled plastic bottles
  • Shock-absorbing heel and arch support
  • Breathable for comfort and hygiene
  • Wider toe box so toes have room to spread

Cons

  • Not so suitable for winter
Sizes:2.5 to 8.5

Best shoes to wear for a night out

Calla AvaCalla Shoes

The Ava shoe is timeless classic that's comfortable and gives the elegance of a heel without being too high. Also, it's been designed to suit wide feet, and the soft leather supports your feet whilst allowing toes to spread.

A customer commented that they have a damaged toe and still found these comfy enough to wear all day. Additionally, these shoes also have cushioned insoles for extra comfort and arch support.

Whether you're going out for dinner or a trip to the theatre, these are ideal if you only wear heels occasionally. This gentle heeled shoe is flattering and importantly, very comfortable to wear.

Pros

  • A heeled shoe that's extremely comfortable
  • Suitable for wide feet, even a customer with a damaged toe found them comfy
  • Manageable heel for elegance without being too high
  • Available in different colours

Cons

  • Cannot be refunded if the shoes have been worn
Sizes4 to 6

Best versatile shoe to wear with a midi dress

Fat Face Lola Leather TrainersFat Face

If there is one pair of fashion shoes you should have for the summer, it's a pair of white trainers. Pair with a midi dress and denim jacket and you've got the on-trend look. These Fat Face Lola Leather Trainers can go with almost any outfit. Customers comment that they are a good fit and comfortable.

A happy customer commented that these trainers are a repeat annual purchase.

Pros

  • Quality leather fashion trainer
  • Goes with almost any outfit
  • Ideal spring and summer fashion shoe

Cons

  • A little stiff
Sizes:3 to 8

Best shoes for a wedding

Vivaia Pointed-Toe Slingback SandalsVivaia

If you've got the dress and the handbag, now you need a pair of shoes that will match. The Vivaia Pointed-Toe Slingback Sandals are a chic and practical choice for a special occasion. Available in a range of colours and sizes, you can find a hue that complements (or contrasts) with your midi dress and feel comfortable in heels all day long.

A customer commented that the shoe fitted wonderfully and even though it's a heel, it felt like walking on air.

They're ideal for a summer wedding as the upper is open and breathable, plus the insole is moisture-wicking. Customers praise the shoes as being true to size, and half sizes are available.

Pros

  • Available in a range of colours to match with your handbag and fascinator
  • Breathable and antimicrobial
  • Made from recycled plastic

Cons

  • No flat version of this shoe available
Sizes:2.5 to 8.5

Best to wear as casual kicks

A classic white trainer is guaranteed to go with so many midi dresses. For an effortless, casual look that adds a bit of freshness to any outfit, this pair of white Converse are a fabulous choice. Plus, throw a pair of these on with a jacket, and you're good to go.

A customer said that these are a comfortable and practical trainer that can be paired with any outfit.

They’re available in standard and wide fit.

Pros

  • Huge range of sizes, including half-size and wide-fit
  • Design your own shoes with the customiser tool
  • Free delivery on all orders

Cons

  • May be too flat for some foot types
Sizes:3 to 16

Best to wear as an all-rounder

These shoes are designed with comfort and style in mind. They're light and flexible allowing you movement day-to-day. With slip-resistant features on the soles, they really are a great all-rounder that you need in your wardrobe.

Once again, customers say these are lightweight, comfortable, yet offer support.

Anyone who's worn a Fit Flop shoe knows it's like walking on a cloud. Plus, these Rally trainers look particularly stylish. For hardwearing, practical and super comfortable footwear, we recommend this brand.

Pros

  • Available in a range of colours and sizes
  • Supportive insoles
  • Lightweight, hard-wearing and slip resistant

Cons

  • White is tricky to keep clean
Sizes:3 to 9

Best shoes to wear to work

Clarks Daiss 30 Trim Black PatentClarks

The black patent-heeled shoe (also available in ivory) is supportive and a good option for an elegant work shoe. They also have enough glam to be worn to social events and strike the right balance between practicality and fashion.

It's a great smart casual choice, whilst being practical and comfortable with a good tread. A customer commented that these shoes have a retro look, which is a trend to tap into if you love experimenting with fashion.

Pros

  • Can be dressed smart or casual
  • Reliable tread and good if you're on your feet a lot
  • Comfortable, stable and slip-on

Cons

  • No wide fit available
Sizes:4 to 8

Best shoes for casual comfort

With more than 1,000 positive reviews, these Skechers are worth taking a look at. Anyone who's worn a pair of Skechers knows they are super lightweight, supportive and comfortable. Walk for miles and say goodbye to achy legs.

The Yours team can testify on how light, comfortable and hardwearing Skechers footwear can be. Plus, they pair well with a range of outfits.

It's great to have trainers that look fashionable and that can be paired with dresses. Many customers comment that they wear these to go on holiday as they're easy to slip off at airport security.

Pros

  • Available in a fashionable range of colours
  • Hands-free slip-on
  • Keep your feet cool
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • No wide fit or half sizes available
Sizes:2-8

Best shoes for a timeless feel

This pair of Patent Lace Up Flatform Brogues from the M&S Collection add a vintage twist to an outfit and work great with a midi dress. Pair with a loose-fitting button-down dress for an effortless look. Not only that, but the brogues are made from patent leather – so, friendly to our vegans out there. This lace-up design will give your spring outfit a timeless feel, and your feet will be comfy with the Flex technology.

Customers vouch for their comfort and say that these brogues can be worn straight out of the box, with no need to break them in.

Pros

  • Available in half sizes
  • Antibacterial padding to keep feet fresh
  • Comfortable
  • Pair with a bright floral midi dress for a contemporary look

Cons

  • Maybe a little too heavy for some feet and ankles
Sizes:3 to 8

FAQs: What shoes to wear with a midi dress

How to create proportion with a midi dress?

Want to wear a midi dress, but you aren't sure how the proportions would work on your frame? We've got some ideas to choose what shoes might look best on you.
Creating proportion helps add some balance or symmetry to your outfit, but it's worth mentioning that this definitely isn't a rule book! Ideally, you should wear whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable, even if that means going against conventional style tips.
Petite: For petite ladies wanting to create the illusion of a longer leg, a nude shoe would be the best bet. The more space there is between the hem of your skirt and the point of your shoe, the taller you'll look. This optical illusion almost tricks the eye into believing the leg is longer than it is.
A nude heel would be best for petite girls looking to elongate the leg, but that's not to say you can't wear a pair of chic knee-high boots with a midi dress, either. There are no rules to feeling confident.
Tall: Any shoe looks great on tall women! Heels, knee-high boots or flats. A popular choice of shoe for tall women at the moment seems to be mules or sling-backs, which are very on-trend this season and can be worn with almost any outfit.

Where can I buy wide-fit shoes?

Most brands and companies will also have a wide-fit version of their shoes available. You'll know if you need wide-fit shoes if you've been measured, or if you're finding normal shoes too narrow for you.
If you've been measured by a professional as having wide feet, it's best to adhere to this in order to prevent discomfort.
You can buy shoes, especially for wide feet at most brands, but some worth mentioning are New Look, Debenhams or ASOS. Simply Be also do a range of wide calf boots so that they can be worn with comfort and without restriction.
For more inspiration on what shoes to wear with a midi dress, check out Oliver Bonas' shoe pairing guide.

Samantha' Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Yours magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.

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