What Shoes to Wear with a Red Dress: A Complete Style Guide

Finding your perfect red dress can feel like a dream come true as you get ready to take on the world in your new, beautiful garment for the first time. But then, a roadblock appears seemingly out of nowhere to stop you in your tracks. What shoes do I wear with my dress?

Which red shades go with beige? Do flats or heels complement this dress best? All these questions can threaten the raw excitement of showing off your outfit.

Fear not! Our comprehensive style guide will take you through all your footwear options to pair with your red dress, removing any worry so you can hit the town with the confidence your outfit deserves.

Table of contents

• What colour shoes should you wear with a red dress?
• What style of shoes should you wear with a red dress?
• Shoes to pair with your red dress at Gabor

What colour shoes should you wear with a red dress?

Getting the right colour is crucial when considering what shoes to wear with your red dress. Whether your dress is a striking crimson red or a darker tone like burgundy, there are set dos and don’ts to abide by when pairing shades.

Below, we’ve listed the key shoe colours that best suit your red dress. With the array of muted and warm tones to choose from, there’s guaranteed a shoe colour that perfectly matches not just your red dress but your unique style.

Black shoes

We start with the ace up every outfit’s sleeve, the black shoe. It really is true that black goes with everything, and that’s never more prevalent than pairing black shoes with a red dress. If you have a singular-shade dress, black shoes or boots will help complement the outfit perfectly for a sophisticated look.

For evening wear, a black flat meets the formal requirements while not shying away from highlighting the glamour and character of the dress. Black sandals or boots can work well with a red dress, too, if you’re after a slightly edgier touch to your look.

Nude/Cream shoes

Neutral shades make an ideal partner for a red dress. They are a light and helpful addition that doesn’t steal focus, instead letting the dress be the star of the show. Cream shoes in all styles make a perfect partner to a red dress.

Versatility gives neutral shades a distinct plus, as no matter the occasion, they always complement a stand-out item like a red dress.

White shoes are also an option. While more striking in tone than beige or nude options, white helps match the impact of the dress while still acting in a complementary role.

Red shoes

This is the controversial one. Everyone in fashion has strong opinions on going red on red. At Gabor, we believe it can indeed be done, provided it’s done right. Wearing this pairing with confidence is the key to pulling it off. It’s eye-catching, so you want those looking on to know how good the outfit makes you feel.

Choose simple red shoes to achieve the appropriate balance. You still want the dress to stand out. A plain red court shoe that matches the shade of your dress should suffice.

Other Colours

Silver brings a metallic side to the look that complements a red dress brilliantly. If you choose silver shoes, consider adding accessories of the same colour, like a bag or necklace, to bring everything together.

While brown may somewhat subdue the red’s spark, it can still be an appropriate pairing. Brown shoes can partner with a red dress throughout the seasons, bringing a darker tone to the look if you like to go glam at more low-key events.

What style of shoes should you wear with a red dress?

Red dresses often bring a sense of elegance and statement style reserved for big occasions. This feeling can limit how people perceive the dress and when it can be used when, in reality, the red dress can be more versatile than given credit for. The adaptability of the red dress is brought to light when you consider the amount of shoes you can match with it.

Of course, for more formal occasions, a classy pair of court shoes or other heels are a must to elevate the sophistication and glamour of the red dress. Or, using boots and sandals can work a treat to dress the style down for more casual occasions.

Shop shoes to pair with your red dress at Gabor

Choosing what shoes to pair with your red dress should be just as exciting as trying the dress on for the first time, not a stressful obstacle to overcome. You can put your perfect outfit together now that you’ve learned which options are best.

Browse our full collection of ladies’ shoes at Gabor and fall in love with a new pair of shoes that suit you to a tee. Add a stylish handbag from our stunning collection for a bonus to your glamorous look.

Related posts

• How should Chelsea boots fit? A complete comfort guide
• The best back-to-work loafers for power-dressing women
• A guide to practical fashion: A busy woman’s essentials