When Fashion People Want to Look Effortless in Summer, They Wear This Simple Dress and Sandals Pairing

Humaa Hussain
Okay, I'm saying the obvious here, but a good pair of sandals is undoubtedly the key to a well-balanced summer wardrobe. Find the right pair and they can be worn with so many different outfits, especially if they are comfortable. Right now, every fashion person I follow on Instagram is wearing with flat sandals—either flip-flops, strappy sandals, slides or fishermans—with a flowy black maxi or midi dress.
This simple outfit with a throw-on-and-go nature is effortless and always chic. I love how you can toss on the black dress that works best for you, slip into a pair of sandals, and you're ready to go. Below you'll uncover how style setters wear flowy black dresses and sandals. If you want to add items to your closet, there are also inspired shopping picks.
1. Puff-Sleeved Dress + Fisherman Sandals
Style Notes: A puff-sleeved dress or an off-the-shoulder silhouette paired with fisherman sandals creates a stunning ensemble. This combination strikes the perfect balance between chic and casual, ensuring you look effortlessly stylish. For a harmonious look, choose pieces in complementary tones.
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The simplicity of this dress makes it easy to wear either casual or dressed up.
I love this chic twist of the classic fisherman sandal for something different.
2. Tank Dress + White Sandals
Style Notes: A tank dress paired with white sandals feels fresh and elegant, and best of all, requires little thought. This look is perfect for warm weather, offering both comfort and style. The simplicity of the tank dress is beautifully enhanced by the clean, crisp look of white sandals, creating a timeless summer outfit.
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3. V-Neck Dress + Contrasting Sandals
Style Notes: I'm all about this easy chic black v-neck dress paired with contrasting sandals. The simplicity of the dress makes it a versatile wardrobe staple, while the contrasting sandals add a pop of interest and personality. It's an easy, go-to look that never fails to impress.
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Leopard print never goes out of fashion.
I got these in black last year and wore them all summer long so instantly added the burgundy to my basket.
4. Button-Up Dress + Sliders
Style Notes: Opt for a button-up dress for a polished and put-together look. Paired with your favourite slider sandals, this outfit is perfect for casual outings or even a laid-back office setting. The buttons add a touch of sophistication, while the sliders keep the vibe relaxed and comfortable.
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I've got a number of dresses from Rails and their comfort and quality is unmatched.
Add colour to your outfit through your accessories.
5. Maxi Dress + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: This maxi dress style is both fashion-forward and effortlessly chic. The flowy silhouette is perfect for warm weather, and when paired with flip-flops, it creates a cool and laid-back look. Ideal for beach days or casual strolls, this combo is a summer essential.
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With its pleated fabric and braided trims, this dress can easily be worn during the day or dressed up with heels.
H&M is my go-to for affordable summer staples that look so much more expensive than what they are, I predict this will be a sell-out.
An investment sandal that will last for many summers to come.
6: Mini Dress + Chunky Sandals
Style Notes: Warm weather calls for the return of mini dresses, and there’s no better way to complement this style than with chunky sandals. The bold sandals add an edgy flair to the playful mini dress, creating a perfect balance of fun and fashion-forward. This combination is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
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I absolutely adore the subtle broderie design on this Aligne dress.
Shop More Black Summer Dresses We Love:
Add a straw bag and some sunglasses and this will quickly become a holiday go-to.
A denim dress will see you through the seasons - in the colder months just add tights and chunky boots.
Add simple strappy sandals to compliment the dress.
A strapless dress ensures no tan lines.
I got this last summer and it was my most worn dress.
This story was originally published on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
- Humaa HussainJunior Branded Content Editor
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