There are few wardrobe staples as glorious as a summer dress. When you find the right one, it's magic. Whether it's a breathable fabric that drapes just right, an unexpected print that feels extra romantic, or a simple silhouette that somehow goes with everything, there's no arguing that a warm-weather dress is the season's bread and butter. Once you've nailed down a few that you love, your next step is to pick a pair of shoes to wear with it. Though we're in favor of securing a pair of cute sneakers and flat sandals to add to the rotation, we also strongly believe a pair of heels can make the appeal of a summer dress even stronger.
Right now, the heel trends we're seeing the most of are decidedly strappy iterations and low-heel interpretations. These relaxed-yet-refined shapes are ideal for wearing with summer dresses because they're not overly dressy but also add instant polish. To illustrate our point, we rounded up of seven standout dress-and-heel pairings from Instagram's most inspiring influencers. Scroll below and be sure to shop your favorite formulas for the months to come.
Style Notes: A chain belt is the easiest way to dress up a slip dress for evening. And a pair of nude strappy stilettos never hurts. We love the heel detail on Cult Gaia's.
Style Notes: Wear a micro-print slip dress with a pair of ankle-strap heels for a festive party look that works from afternoon to evening.
Style Notes: Add a touch of bohemian flair to your aesthetic with a long-sleeve mini teamed with low-heel sandals.
Style Notes: Make a bold statement by wearing your favorite ankle-strap sandals with a long, dramatic white dress.
Style Notes: Add a pop of color by way of an elegant red dress styled with strappy sandals.
Style Notes: When in doubt, reach for a floral minidress and white heels—works every time.
Style Notes: Looking to test-drive something new this summer? Try a ruched dress with heeled thong sandals.
Style Notes: Make this effortlessly flattering look your new weekend go-to ensemble.
Up next: 10 chic ways to wear ankle boots with dresses right now.
-
Nicole Kidman Wore the Easy Heel Trend Every French Girl Wears With SkirtsGreat minds think alike.
-
Laura Harrier Keeps Wearing the "Dated" Shoe Trend I Bet Will Make a Huge Comeback in 2025French women agree.
-
I Thought This Heel Trend Was Dated, But These Celebrity Outfits Just Changed My MindConsider me convinced.
-
Black Shoes, Watch Out—This Alternative Color Is Chicer, More Elegant, and Just as ClassicBrown *just might* be the new black.
-
My Friend Wants to Elevate Her Wardrobe—I Sent Her These 31 Nordstrom Fall Sale FindsAll have closet-staple status.
-
Selena Gomez Just Wore the Elegant Shoes My Petite Colleague Says Looks Best With Wide-Leg PantsA combination to wear on repeat.
-
Kate Middleton Paired 2024's Two Biggest It Colors With Winter's Most Coveted Shoe TrendShe's the definition of seasonally appropriate.
-
PSA: Selena Gomez's Trendy $120 Jeans Are Still in StockBut not for long.
