Kinds of Shoes to Wear With a Maxi Dress

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A mini skirt is a striking outfit statement, but there’s something so elegant and timeless about a chic maxi dress. Whether floor- or calf-length, this tried and true style provides comfort and full coverage. When styled with your own personal touch, it’s anything but boring. But a question you might have when it comes to styling one is what shoes are best to wear with it? 

According to personal stylist Samantha Dawn, loafers are always a good choice, especially a chunky pair you can wear with fun socks or tights. Classic boots are an easy go-to for their versatility and full coverage while heeled sandals and pumps bring these sweeping dresses towards a formal flair. The point is that you have options when it comes to styling a maxi dress.

MEET THE EXPERT

Samantha Dawn is a personal stylist and style coach.

Keep reading for the ultimate guide on what shoe styles pair best with maxi dresses and skirts.

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Kitten-Heeled Pumps

Much like their boot cousins, pumps or sandals with low kitten heels provide a practical height boost for maxi dresses, with the added bonus of a more formal, dressed-up appearance. Dawn likes kitten heels for a romantic, feminine touch. “This can be tall kitten-heeled boots for colder days or a slingback pump for warmer days.”

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Low-Heeled Boots

Low-heeled boots are an effortless base for maxi lengths, given their high coverage and practical height. Neutral colors are the easiest to style, with the added bonus that they’ll have a spot in your wardrobe year-round. Extra details like angled heels or squared toes will bring an added dimension to the pair, whether your dress—or skirt—is ankle- or floor-length.

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Pointed Patent Pumps

A classic pointed-toe pump provides a glamorous finish to any maxi dress. This style is best paired with dresses that feature knee- or thigh-high slits, a styling trick known for lengthening one’s legs. For a streamlined finish, match your style’s color to your dress, or slip on a coordinating pair of tights for a winter-proof look.

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Stiletto-Heeled Boots

Sleek boots with soaring stiletto heels can complement your maxi dress with a dynamic flair. Like their low-height counterparts, these are best in smooth textures with neutral tones for greater wear. An ankle- or calf-high maxi dress creates the best silhouette for the heels to be seen, though any hemline length works. 

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Color Block Pumps

Like pointed-toe pumps, heels with color-blocked hues can smoothly streamline any outfit if the hues or color palettes match—even if it’s a clear or high-shine finish. Two-toned styles that can be quickly slipped on are an easy route to this effect.

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Textured Boots

Boots with a textured pattern complement maxi dresses with a burst of eclectic cool, no matter their heel height. For single-color or matte dresses, try a leather or suede boot with a textured print featuring faux python or alligator embossments. However, styles with slouchy shafts or smaller prints will also provide the same effect. 

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Chunky Loafers

Thick-soled loafers add a whimsical ease to the long hemline of a maxi dress. “These will add a more relaxed yet professional vibe with the flow of the maxi dresses or skirts,” says Dawn. This power shoe and your maxi skirt can also be paired with tights or scrunch socks for some extra warmth, she adds.

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Sneakers

Dress down a maxi skirt with your favorite pair of sneakers. “Retro sneakers bring a fun, casual vibe to your maxi dresses or skirts,” says Dawn. “This makes them perfect for running errands or creating a casual, elevated look.” Plus, you won’t have to worry about sore feet.

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Metal-Heeled Boots or Booties

A set of boots or booties with high-shine heels—no matter their height—will bring a sleek edge to the base of your dress. Low-height or block heels are best for aligning with the piece’s hem, creating a line of interest that’s sleek but ends with a flash. Matching the shoe with your accessories, like a gleaming shoulder bag or link earrings, will smoothly tie the look together.

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Ballet Flats

If you have a pair of ballet flats in your closet, pair them with a maxi. A dainty style will instantly play up the billowy, dramatic style of a longer hemline. Plus, ballet flats are suitable for day or night and provide comfort and stability that taller heels don’t have.