It's True—These Uncomplicated Dress-and-Sandals Outfits Always Look Stylish
Good news—summer's hottest buy is something you probably already own: a dress. That's it. If you've got one (or in my case, many) hanging in your wardrobe, you're starting the season off on stylish footing.
And speaking of footing, perhaps you're wondering what shoes to wear with said dress? The answer will similarly be music to your ears, because I bet you have at least a couple of pairs of sandals in your collection, too. Yes, this formula is just as popular today as it has been for the past few summers, and the ones before that. We love a look with longevity. A dress and sandals pairing will work for every sun-soaked event in your diary, be it a low-key park date or an al fresco wedding. Because though this combination sounds simple, it actually comes in myriad forms.
Whether you're looking for a sandal to complement a voluminous mini dress or a sleek fitted midi, you've come to the right place. It's mid-June and fashion people are in full-on summer mode, which means Instagram is brimming with chic dress-and-sandal outfits to inspire you. We've whittled it down to the very best—check them out below.
1. White Dress + Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: Unless you're prone to spilling, a white dress is worth investing in for the summer months. Black strappy sandals will bring a cool contrast to the ensemble.
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2. Boho Dress + Slides
Style Notes: For particularly balmy days, there's no better option than a breezy bohemian-style dress. Bonus points for embroidery. Keep with the casual vibe by adding some slide-on sandals.
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Just one of the many Alémais dresses on my summer wish list.
3. Polka-Dot Dress + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: I'm not much of a print girl, but for whatever reason I'm always drawn toward polka dots in the warmer months. They feel so timeless, but chunky flip-flops will give this pretty dress option a 2023 flourish.
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4. Maxi Dress + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: Maxi dresses are usually quite impactful on their own, so it's best to keep the footwear simple. A pair of Birkenstocks is just what you need to dress down your floor-sweeping frocks.
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Your feet will thank you for picking up these comfy sliders.
5. Satin Dress + Tie Sandals
Style Notes: For weddings and fancy date nights, a black satin dress is a classy option. Finish off the look in a comfortable fashion with flat sandals featuring an ankle tie.
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It seems like every influencer owns a pair of Ancient Greek sandals.
6. Mini Dress + Platform Sandals
Style Notes: If you feel a little self-conscious bearing your legs in a minidress (especially if you're used to midis), chunky platform sandals will steal the attention—and no doubt earn you compliments.
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7. Slip Dress + Espadrilles
Style Notes: I'd wear a vintage slip every day if I could. I love how Liv has styled hers for summer with a pair of Castañer espadrilles.
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You could also layer this over a tee for a more relaxed look.
These will go with everything from wide-leg jeans to floaty floral dresses.
8. Black Dress + Trekky Sandals
Style Notes: Arizona Love's signature Trekky sandals make every dress infinitely cooler, even a simple black number.
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I've added this leopard-print iteration to my basket, but there are lots to choose from.
9. Bright Dress + Minimal Sandals
Style Notes: This is a pairing that seems to be gaining traction on Instagram. Influencers are fond of juxtaposing their voluminous tiered dresses with barely-there sandals.
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10. Shirred Dress + Low Heeled Sandals
Style Notes: This combination is ideal for a wedding, don't you think? A beautiful shirred dress you can wear after the event, plus some low-heeled sandals you feel fabulous (and comfortable) in.
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Next Up, I Searched Through Hundreds of Summer Midi Dresses—These 25 Are the Best
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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