It's bizarre to think that there was a time when midi dresses weren't as prevalent as they are now, but such a time did exist, and I practically shudder at the thought. Without midi dresses, my wardrobe would certainly be a less fabulous place. My outfits would probably involve jeans at any given turn. But thankfully, midi dresses are considered a closet staple—one which I certainly get endless wear out of. As easy as they are to throw on, you still need to consider how to style your midi dresses, and perhaps the most important component of any midi-dress look is shoes.
Now, more shoes work with midi dresses than ones that don't, so this isn't a styling dilemma you need to lose sleep over. That said, there are some shoe styles I think work especially well with midi dresses. What are these wonder shoes, you ask? Handily, I've detailed them for you below.
After hours of research, I believe these are the eight elite shoes to wear with midi dresses, be it for evenings out or casual daytime pursuits. Scroll on to see them and never second-guess which shoes to pair with your favourite midi dress again.
1. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Knee boots work with just about any skirt and dress silhouette going, but they look their sleekest with knitted midi styles, which reveal a flash of what's underneath.
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A cream knit midi will go with everything.
A high-street brand that knows a great pair of shoes.
2. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: If you're worried your midi dresses don't look particularly "chic," a pair of french-woman approved ballet flats will sort that out immediately. Plus, they'll be your saving grace on any questionable weather days.
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This classic smock style will feel timeless for years to come.
A classic shoe that will never go out of style.
3. Loafers
Style Notes: I live in my Gucci loafers all year round, but something I never know is if they suit my midi and maxi dresses. What I have realised, however, is that chunky loafers that help to balance out the fabric and silhouette of midi dresses work especially well.
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If you're looking for a way to ground a floaty slip dress, loafers are the way to do it.
You'd never guess these were from the high street.
4. Slingbacks
Style Notes: Nineties-style kitten-heel slingbacks are all the rage this autumn, with Gucci's crystal-encrusted pair continuing to win over the style set. Although delicate, they work well with midi dresses, as the open back stops them from looking clunky.
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You can dress this knitted midi up or down.
My dream dancing shoes.
5. Classic Trainers
Style Notes: Trainers and dresses are a combination Brit girls love to wear, and while I don't think there's a combination that you can go wrong with, I am partial to midi dresses styled with high-top trainers, such as Converse. Like boots, they create a more seamless finish.
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We've already found five ways to style this.
This bag continues to dominate my IG feed.
Fashion people have been showing Converse trainers serious love this season.
6. Clogs
Style Notes: Birkenstock Bostons are a hot-ticket item this season, and I have a feeling as to why: their versatility. Naturally, they pair seamlessly with jeans and even puddle pants, but as Monikh demonstrates here, they also look the stylish part worn with midi dresses.
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Such a brilliant colour.
I invested in a Cubi handbag earlier this year, and it's the perfect style for carrying all my essentials.
These mocca-brown Bostons have just a had a restock.
7. Strappy Heels
Style Notes: Be it a wedding to attend or a night out to prep for, my go-to outfit always consists of a midi dress and strappy heels. Heels in classic colours will complement just about any midi dress style I can think of; I prefer to style mine with A-line dress silhouettes, just as Karina has here.
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The airy cotton is perfect for the warmer transitional months.
The ideal way to accessorise any after-dark outfit.
Keep the straps thin for an elevated finish.
8. Slider Sandals
Style Notes: Autumn is fast approaching so we're soaking up the warm weather whilst we still can. If you prefer a more effortless look, try pairing your midi dresses with a pair of slide-on sandals. A neutral colour will act as an easy throw-on to go with all of the dresses in your wardrobe before the temperature drops.
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I'm also eyeing the white version of this dress.
This pair comes in so many different colourways.
The bag on every fashion-person's wishlist.
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
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