Maxi dresses have become a beloved and adaptable fashion staple among women, offering endless style possibilities. However, selecting the perfect shoe to match them can be quite a feat. Ill-fitting or mismatched footwear can disrupt the overall aesthetic of long dresses, while the right choice can elevate your ensemble to extraordinary levels.

In this guide, we’ll delve into six distinct shoe types that harmonize beautifully with maxi dresses. Whether you’re dressing up for a special event or going for a casual-chic look, we’ve got you covered with tips on selecting the perfect shoes for any occasion. Get ready to step out in style with your fashionable, long dress!

Discover the Perfect Maxi Dress Style

The style of your maxi dress plays a significant role in determining the ideal footwear to pair with it. Before discussing the six different types of shoes that pair best with maxi dresses, let’s first get familiarized with the various maxi dress styles and their recommended shoe options:

• Bohemian: Embrace the carefree spirit of bohemian maxi dresses, known for their loose and flowing designs adorned with prints or intricate embroidery. To complete this effortless look, opt for strappy sandals or ankle boots that exude boho charm.
• Formal: When dressing up for a special occasion, choose a formal maxi dress that showcases a more fitted silhouette and is crafted from luxurious fabrics like silk or chiffon. Elevate your formal dress ensemble with elegant heels or wedges to exude sophistication and grace.
• Casual: For a relaxed and laid-back vibe, go for casual maxi dresses crafted from comfortable materials like cotton or jersey, typically featuring a loose fit. Keep it simple and effortless by pairing them with easygoing sandals or comfortable flats.

Remember, the key to achieving a cohesive and stylish appearance lies in selecting the perfect shoe that harmonizes with the style and essence of your maxi dress. Allow your footwear choice to enhance your overall look and express your unique fashion sense.

Stepping Up Your Maxi Dress Game: Finding the Perfect Footwear

Don’t know what shoes to wear with a long dress? If so, you’re not alone. Finding the perfect shoe can make or break your maxi dress ensemble, allowing you to showcase your style with confidence. At Vionic , we understand the importance of pairing the right shoes with maxi dresses to create a cohesive and fashionable look. Let’s explore a range of shoe options that will elevate your maxi dress outfits for any occasion.

#1 Sandals

When styling sandals with a maxi dress, first consider the length and style of the dress.

For a casual and bohemian look, choose flat sandals with intricate braided details or embellishments that complement the relaxed nature of the dress. If you’re wearing a flowy maxi dress, opt for strappy sandals that wrap around your ankles to create a balanced and flattering silhouette. Gladiator sandals, alike, are a comfortable shoe that can elevate both a long or midi dress style.

To elevate your maxi dress for a dressier occasion, pair it with heeled sandals like the Chardonnay Heeled Sandal. Or choose a chunky or block heel, like the Zinfandel Block Heel Sandal, for added stability and comfort. Metallic or neutral-toned sandals work well with any maxi dress color, while bold and vibrant heels can make a statement and add a pop of color to your ensemble.

Remember to coordinate the colors of your sandals with your maxi dress. Matching the color of your sandals with a specific shade in your dress creates a harmonious and put-together outfit. Alternatively, you can choose contrasting colors to add visual interest and make a bold fashion statement.

#2 Flats and Maxi Dresses

Styling flats with a maxi dress can create a chic and effortless look that is both comfortable and fashionable. When choosing flats to pair with your maxi dress, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

Pointed-toe flats, like the Orinda Square Toe Ballet Flat, can add a touch of sophistication and elongate your legs, making them a great choice for a more dressed-up or formal occasion. On the other hand, rounded-toe flats, such as the Willa Slip On Flat , offer a more casual and relaxed vibe, perfect for daytime events or a laid-back weekend outing.

To create a well-balanced look, remember to pay close attention to the length and style of your maxi dress. If you have a flowy or bohemian-style maxi dress, opt for flats with delicate embellishments or intricate details to enhance the overall feminine and free-spirited aesthetic. Ballet flats with subtle embellishments, such as bows or metallic accents, can add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

For a more casual and comfortable ensemble, consider pairing your maxi dress with loafers or moccasins, which offer a relaxed and effortlessly chic vibe. Remember to choose flats in colors that complement your maxi dress, whether it’s a neutral shade for a versatile look or a bold pop of color to make a statement.

#3 Heels and Wedges

Styling heels with a maxi or midi dress can instantly elevate your look and add a touch of sophistication.

A fitted or tailored maxi dress pairs well with sleek heels, while a flowy or bohemian-inspired maxi dress can be complemented by chunkier or more statement-making heels. For formal events like weddings or cocktail parties, opt for strappy sandals or heels with a chunky heel for added stability and comfort. Neutral tones such as black, nude, or metallic shades work well with almost any maxi dress color and offer a timeless and elegant appeal.

If you’re aiming for a more casual or daytime look, consider wearing wedges or block heels with your maxi dress. Wedges, like the Calera Wedge, are some of the best shoes for this look because they provide height and elongate your legs while offering stability and support. Opt for cork or espadrille wedges for a summery, beachy vibe, or leather and suede options for a more polished and sophisticated style.

#4 Peep Toe Shoes

When it comes to styling peep toe shoes with a maxi dress, you have the opportunity to infuse elegance and sophistication into your outfit. Peep toe shoes are a perfect choice for more formal occasions or when you want to add a touch of refinement to your maxi dress ensemble.

Consider the style and silhouette of your maxi dress when selecting the right peep toe shoes. If your maxi dress has a flowy or voluminous design, opt for more structured peep toe shoes to create a balanced and polished look. On the other hand, if your maxi dress is form-fitting or has a sleek silhouette, choose delicate and feminine peep toe shoes to enhance the overall elegance.

#5 Sneakers

Whether you’re running errands, going for a casual day out, or attending a relaxed gathering, casual sneakers can be a comfortable choice to complete your maxi dress look. You can always wear sneakers fashionably as they offer a laid-back option that can add a cool and effortless vibe to any ensemble. Opt for white sneakers, such as the Winny Sneaker, or neutral-colored options for a minimalist and versatile look that can complement a variety of maxi dress designs and colors. If you’re looking to make a statement, choose sneakers in vibrant colors or with bold patterns to add a pop of personality to your outfit.

To create a balanced and cohesive look, pay attention to the length and silhouette of your maxi dress. For maxi dresses with a flowy or bohemian style, opt for low-top sneakers that allow the dress to take center stage. If you’re wearing a fitted or bodycon maxi dress, high-top sneakers can create a stylish and edgy contrast. Experiment with different combinations and don’t be afraid to mix and match different sneaker styles with your maxi dress to find a look that reflects your personal style.

#6 Boots

Whether you’re going for a casual daytime look or dressing up for a special occasion, boots can add a stylish and practical element to your maxi dress outfits. Play with different boot heights, materials, and styles to find the perfect pairing that suits your personal style and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

Ankle boots are a popular choice that can be paired with various maxi dress styles. For a bohemian-inspired look, pair ankle boots like the Aria Wedge Ankle Bootie with a flowy printed maxi dress and add a wide-brimmed hat or layered accessories for a touch of effortless style. If you prefer a more edgy vibe, opt for black leather ankle boots like the Truckee Heeled Ankle Boot, and pair them with a fitted maxi dress for a sleek and fashionable ensemble.

For cooler weather and a touch of elegance, knee-high boots are an excellent option to consider. Choose a pair of knee-high boots that complement the color and style of your maxi dress. A solid color maxi dress paired with knee-high boots in a similar shade can create a sophisticated and cohesive look. Remember to choose a dress that is fitted around the waist and hips to balance out the volume of the boots and create a flattering silhouette.

Enhancing Your Maxi Dress Style with Vionic Shoes

As you explore the various ways to style shoes with a maxi dress, don’t forget to consider the comfort and support that Vionic offers. With our commitment to blending style and foot-friendly design, Vionic provides a range of sandals, flats, heels, and wedges that can effortlessly elevate your maxi dress look.

So go ahead, experiment with different shoe styles, embrace your personal style, and let Vionic be your trusted companion in creating fashionable and comfortable maxi dress outfits.

 

Sources:

1. Dilley, Rachel, et al. “Occasions and Non-Occasions: Identity, Femininity and High-Heeled Shoes.” ResearchGate, SAGE Publications, 14 Apr. 2014, www.researchgate.net/publication/270600014_Occasions_and_non-occasions_Identity_femininity_and_high-heeled_shoes. Accessed 20 Apr. 2023.
2. Vanessa Van Edwards. “Fashion Psychology: What Your Choice in Clothes Say about You.” Science of People, June 2016, www.scienceofpeople.com/fashion-psychology/. Accessed 20 Apr. 2023.