I've Done the Research—These Are the 8 Best Shoes to Wear With Midi Dresses
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. Loafers
Style Notes: I live in my Gucci loafers, 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 summer dress, loafers are the way to do it.
2. Slingbacks
Style Notes: Nineties-style kitten-heel slingbacks are all the rage this season, 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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3. 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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I invested in a Cubi handbag earlier this year, and it's the perfect style for carrying all my essentials.
4. 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.
Fashion people have been showing Converse trainers serious love this season.
5. Flat Boots
Style Notes: If you're worried your midi dresses don't look particularly "cool," a pair of chunky, lug-sole boots will sort that out immediately. Plus, they'll be your saving grace on any questionable weather days.
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The height of these Chelsea boots will help to keep the chill at bay, as they should sit just where your midi dress lands.
6. Strappy Sandals
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 sandals. Sandals 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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7. Platforms
Style Notes: If you're petite like me, try balancing out longer midi hemlines with a pair of platform shoes. For the cooler months I recommend doing so in boot form, but for right now, platform sandals will work just as well.
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This pair comes in classic white and black, plus bold yellow and pink.
8. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Knee boots work with just about any skirt and dress silhouette going, but they look their sleekest with midi styles, which reveal a flash of what's underneath.
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Next Up: These Zara Jeans Are the Secret Fashion People Don't Want You to Know About.
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.
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