10 Dress-and-Shoe Pairings That Make Getting Dressed for Spring So Much Easier
Spring in the UK is an unpredictable time. One day you might be battling rain showers and a chilling breeze en route to work, then 24 hours later the clouds part and suddenly you’re wearing two layers too many. Torn between the desperation for sunshine and the fear of winding up wishing you'd worn a coat, not a jacket, dressing for this time of year can be a challenge.
Thankfully, the fashion gods have blessed us with one item that makes building an outfit so much easier. You guessed it, dresses. Each week, a drop of fresh frocks lands in every store on the high street (and online); All you need to do is slip one on and your look is 90% complete.
Now that boot season is almost behind us, you might be wondering which shoes to wear with all those dresses on your wish list. Is it too soon for sandals? Do trainers work with every silhouette? From voluminous minis to denim midis, we've figured out exactly the right footwear route to go down for different dress styles.
The beauty of the looks we've gathered is that they can be easily tailored to colder weather with the simple addition of a chunky knit, bomber jacket or trench coat. See for yourself—scroll on for 10 dress-and-shoe outfits worth trying this spring.
1. Black Midi + Loafers
Style Notes: You might not get away with wearing top-to-toe black in the balmy Mediterranean, but here in the UK, we enjoy the luxury of rocking this staple shade year-round.
SHOP THE LOOK:
There isn't an outfit in the world this streamlined loafer wouldn't work with.
2. Pastel Dress + White Trainers
Style Notes: Once spring finally arrives, we can't resist the temptation of pastels. I'll be wearing ice-cream hues with casual trainers, like Candice.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Exactly the kind of light-as-air dress you'll want to live in on your holidays. Or, add a denim or khaki shacket if you're sticking around the UK this season.
3. Slip Dress + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Slinky slip dresses scream summer, but while we wait for it to arrive, chuck a fluffy cardigan on top. Ballet flats are an elegant choice for this look.
SHOP THE LOOK:
This is one of Aeyde's most popular styles right now, and we can see why.
4. Cotton Dress + Slides
Style Notes: Give me a structured cotton dress with puff sleeves, and I'm happy. I'll also be stepping into slides at the first sign of warmth, or if I decide to book a weekend getaway somewhere sunny. In the meantime, I'll be pairing a similar-style dress with trainers and a trench.
SHOP THE LOOK:
5. Voluminous Mini + Block Heels
Style Notes: When wearing a playful tiered dress, a simple block heel will stop the shape from feeling frumpy. This is an ideal combo for attending springtime nuptials, by the way.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Stine Goya delivers unique and playful dresses, season after season.
Parisians love this brand.
6. Ribbed Midi + Strappy Heels
Style Notes: It feels like ribbed midi dresses were made for the early days of spring. Effortless and lightweight without straying into summer territory, this modern-day staple will meet your needs.
SHOP THE LOOK:
7. Denim Dress + Loafers
Style Notes: You've probably noticed we can't get enough of denim lately. Use sleek black loafers to smarten up this casual fabrication.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Franny's exact dress is selling out fast. We love how she's worn a simple white tee underneath it.
8. Floral Dress + Converse
Style Notes: Florals are to spring what stripes are to French girls. Classic converse will keep this timeless print feeling cool and down-to-earth.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Every time I go on Instagram, I spot someone wearing a Réalisation dress.
9. Side-Split Dress + Mary Janes
Style Notes: With brighter evenings come more opportunities to go out-out. Take advantage and wear something eye-catching, paired with platform heels.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Compliments guaranteed.
M&S' shoe selection is currently better than ever.
10. Monochrome Mini + Clogs
Style Notes: It's never too early to start working on that tan. Choose a leg-baring mini and comfy clogs for a laid-back weekend look.
SHOP THE LOOK:
If you want to try out the clog trend without breaking the bank, this is a great option.
Up Next: 8 Spring Dress Trends French Women Always Reach For
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer. After receiving an Audrey Hepburn box set for her 10th birthday and subsequently swooning over the actor’s wardrobe, Bébhinn felt pretty confident she wanted a career that involved clothes. She started her first blog at age 14—the title was a pun, but we’ll leave it at that—and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor for Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and updated takes on classic designs.
While she still loves Audrey Hepburn films, these days, Bébhinn’s sartorial taste sits closer to Annie Hall’s and Alexa Chung’s. In her spare time, she’s likely cooing over cute dogs on rescue websites, playing folk songs on her guitar and browsing bookshops for new additions to her already-overpacked shelves.
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